^. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


4g 


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I^IM    125 
■a  la  12.2 

£  lis  IM 


IL25  i  1.4 


Photograptric 

Sciences 

Corporation 


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33  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

WfiBSTER.N.Y.  USSO 

(716)  872-4503 


0 

7.  A 


ify. 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  institute  for  Historicai  IVIicroreproductions  /  institut  Canadian  da  microraproductions  hiatoriquaa 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notas/Nctas  tachniquaa  at  bibliographiquaa 


TN 
to 


Tha  Inttituta  has  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Faattiras  of  this 
copy  which  ntay  ba  bibliographically  uniqua. 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction.  or  which  may  significantly  changa 
tha  usual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chackad  balow. 


L'Institut  a  microfilmi  la  maillaur  axamplaira 
qu'il  lui  a  iti  possibia  da  sa  procurer.  Las  derails 
da  eat  axamplaira  qui  sont  paut<Atra  uniquas  du 
point  da  vua  bibliographiqua.  qui  pauvant  modifiar 
una  imaga  raproduita.  ou  qui  pauvant  axigar  una 
modification  dans  la  mithoda  normala  da  filmaga 
sont  indiquAs  ci-daasous. 


Th 
poi 
of 
filr 


Colourad  covara/ 
Couvartura  da  coulaur 

Covars  damagad/ 
Couvartura  andommag^a 

Covars  rastorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Couvartura  raataur^a  at/ou  palliculAa 


□   Covar  titia  miaaing/ 
La 


titra  da  couvartura  manqua 


□   Colourad  mapa/ 
Cartaa  gtegraphiquaa  an  coulaur 


D 
D 
D 
D 


n 


Colourad  init  (l.a.  othar  than  blua  or  black)/ 
Encra  da  coulaur  (i.a.  autra  qua  blaua  ou  noira) 

Colourad  plataa  and/or  ilk^jstrationa/ 
Planchaa  at/ou  illustrations  an  coulaur 

Bound  with  othar  matarial/ 
Rali4  avac  d'autras  documents 

Tight  binding  may  causa  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serrie  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distorsion  la  long  da  la  marge  intirieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  qua  cartainaa  pagea  blanches  ajout^as 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaiasant  dene  la  taxte, 
mala,  lorsqua  cela  Mait  possibia,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  M  filmies. 


D 
D 

n 

D 


D 

0 


Coloured  pages/ 
Pagee  de  eouleur 

Pagea  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagAes 

Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurias  at/ou  pelliculees 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  dtcolor^es,  tachaties  ou  pIquAes 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  dttachies 

Showthrough/ 
Trensparence 


I      I   Quality  of  print  varies/ 


Queliti  inAgala  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  mattriai  suppi^mentaira 


Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Mition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  psrtially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc..  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Lea  pages  totolement  ou  pertiellement 
obscurcies  per  un  feuillet  d'errata.  una  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  At*  filmies  A  nouveou  de  fapon  A 
obtanir  la  meilleure  imaga  possible. 


on 

bei 
the 
sio 

otr 

fin 
sio 
or 


Th( 
shi 
TIf 
wh 

Ma 

dill 
enl 
be] 

rig 
req 
mo 


0    Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  8uppl4m<intairea: 


Wrinkled  pages  may  film  slightly  out  of  focus. 


Thia  Item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  de  rMuction  indiqu*  ci-deasous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

^ 

12X 


16X 


aox 


24X 


28X 


32X 


B 

ktails 
•  du 
lodifior 
r  une 
Image 


irrata 
to 


pelure, 
n  A 


32X 


Th«  copy  filmMi  h«r«  has  b««n  r«produe«d  thanks 
to  tho  gonorotlty  of: 

Harold  Campball  Vautfhan  Mtmorial  Library 
Acadia  Univaraity 


The  imagoa  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
possibia  considaring  tha  condition  and  lagibiiity 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  Icaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  sriacifications. 


Original  copias  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  filmad 
baginning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  illustratad  impras- 
sion,  or  tha  back  covar  whan  approprlata.  All 
othar  original  copias  ara  filmad  baginning  on  tha 
first  paga  with  a  printad  or  illustratad  impras- 
slon,  and  anding  on  tha  last  paga  with  a  printad 
or  illustratad  imprassion. 


Tha  last  racordad  frama  on  aach  microficha 
shall  contain  tha  symbol  ^»>  (moaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbol  ▼  (moaning  "END"), 
whichavar  applias. 

Maps,  platas,  charts,  ate,  may  ba  filmad  at 
diffarant  reduction  ratios.  Thosa  too  larga  to  ba 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  ara  filmad 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


1 

2 

3 

L'exemplaira  filmA  fut  raprodult  grAca  i  la 
gAnArosM  da: 

Harold  Campball  Vauflhan  Manmrial  Library 
Acadia  Univaraity 


Las  images  suh/antas  ont  4t4  raproduites  avac  la 
plus  grand  soin,  compta  tenu  do  la  condition  at 
do  la  nattetA  da  I'axemplaira  filmA.  et  en 
conformiti  avac  lea  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmaga. 

Lea  exemplairas  origlnaux  dont  la  couvartura  %n 
papier  est  ImprimAe  sont  filmte  en  commenpant 
par  la  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
darnlAre  paga  qui  comporta  una  ampreinte 
d'Impresslon  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  la  aacond 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Toua  lea  autras  exemplairas 
origlnaux  sont  flimAs  an  commandant  par  la 
pramiAre  paga  qui  comporta  una  ampreinte 
d'Impresslon  ou  d'illustration  at  en  terminant  par 
la  darnlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
emprelnte. 

Un  dea  symbolas  suh/ants  apparattra  sur  la 
dernlAre  image  da  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  oymbole  — »-  signifie  "A  SUiVRE",  le 
symbols  V  signifJe  "FIN". 

Les  cartas,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
fllmAs  A  des  taux  da  rAduction  diff Arents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
mproduit  en  un  soul  clichA,  11  est  f llmA  A  partir 
da  I'angle  supArieur  gauche,  do  gauche  A  droite, 
et  do  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrant  la  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

\. 


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MEMOTHS 


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LITE  OE  DAVID  lAEKS 


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DOYEB^N.H.: 

PX7BLI8BBD  BT  THB  VBKB-WILI.  BAPTIST  PBIKTINa  B8TAB- 

LlSHKBirr. 

WIUIAM  BVaB,  VMIITU. 

18^  ■   ■ 


X  •>- 


-f*  :•  i .  / 


f  0  T#  Ig 


ADVERTISEMENT 

TO  TBI 

SECOND  EDITION. 


The  second  edHiop  of  Mr.  Macb'  Memoirs  is  nnw  oiIi»red  to  the  public. 
The  first  large  edition  of  5000  conies  was  not  sofflcienttoiappfy  the  orders 
that  were  received  be^fiore  it  was  out  of  press.  The  work  bar  now  been  care- 
faSv  revised  and  alible  change  has  been  made:  Hie  flnt  par^  having  been 
abridged  a  few  pages,  ^M^e  some  addition  has  been  made  to  the  latter  part. 
One  of  the  ad4AMon»l  pages  0i|MI^>  a  wopd  cut  of  Mr.  'Marks'  grave, 
and  the  inscripttonon  his  tombj^PM^jrej^M  m|m  the  issuing  of  the  first  edi- 


tion. 

The  editress  would 
their  generous  appi 
anUring  labors,  im 
apprehenidons,  that 
the  expectatiionui  icif; 
kind  testimojoialt  01 

OberiinSvaageUs^ 

that  paper  suppoirt)*; 

panied  thdr  noticpriaf  , 

mterest.    *   *  ,f    f 

and  purity  of  ihHUjawr-" 

that  the  ra^^  go^:0^1i 

ue  his  Memoin 

multiplied  by  tiu 

ing  the  hearts  of  all  who^ldvo  to  dee  the 


thankji'tQ  llifHMfnda  'Of  religion  for 

;ill4toM  ardent  piety  and 

"'"   '  loed.    Her  painful 

rwOiild  disappoint 

,_ie"|tegwe,  by  many 

ofliie  #ei^  >^^Qke  notice  by  the 

il  #6  conductors  of 

luLiliUarka  accom- 

fi'WK^  of  rare  and  rich 

ihe  simplicity 

^  _^_ MjPltiQtifoHy  manifest 

^Iw 'tjify  -Pro  .  .Tni j'T""''  ^^^  v^i' 

biand  refresh- 
ireligioh  c^  the-  gospel  deline- 


^deiiir 


ateid."    It  is  devoutly  hoped  that  these  blessed  fruits  may  follow  the  dissem 
ination  of  this  work.  ^ 


■€' 


.•^.^ 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Coflgreni.  te  tka  year  1846,  by  Mabill*  Mmks,  In  the 
Glerl.'s  olllee  of  the  Diitrict  Court  of  New  fiampahirei 


%r  .:,..  .ri-i  ,  >: 


H  r4. 


J., 


PREFACE. 


ublic.  . 

trders 
care- 
been 
part. 

j;rave, 

It  edi- 

n  for 
y  and 
ainfnl 
tpoint 
many 
)y  the 
[ors  of 

com- 
Irich 
(licity 
nifest 
t  val- 

it  be 
fresh- 
eline* 
Bsem- 


m 


In  the 


Immediately  after  the  decease  of  litr.  "hhaki,  many  faig^lj  es- 
teemed friends,  whose  opinions  have  dcservedlj  great  weight  iiiilhe 
church,  repeatedly  expressed  tl^  oonriction  thai  the  cause  of. 
Christ  deinanded  the  publication  of  his  biognqphy.  In  deference 
to  their  judgment,  an^  in  oeeovdance  with  their  eaniest  request, 
this  woric  is  now  submitted  to  the  Christian  pubUe^ 

In  the  year  TkWkf  <he  snlijeeiel  Ifiese  Meueim  was  pennaded 
by  several  friends,  who  bad  eoiUdiined  his  Journal,  to  pnblidi  a 
<  Narrative'  of  his  liboii  in  the  minlitKy,  inpecia%  as  those  labors 
were  inl&mately  eoimeated  wtth  the  pvggreM  <^  the  Free-will  Bap- 
tist denomination  in  the  w«it  An  edinon  of  (wo  thousand  eopies. 
was  issued,  whssh  ifras  neady  tdiiiold  in  New  Ibgland  within  nine 
months  alter  its  ptdb4i<aiti<Hi.  He  was  afterwards  often  solicited  by 
friends  at  the  west  to  pdilish  another  e^on  for  the  supply  of 
the  western  Free-will  BaptisidMlEchei,  bat  be  fielt  so  much  delica- 
cy on  the  BObject,  that  he  could ner^  be  ir  U;ed  to  listen  to  their 
importunitiesk 

For  nearly  two  years  and  a  half  after  the  publicaticm  of  his 
"Narraiire,"  he  kept  a  regular  Journal,  as  in  former  years.  Af- 
ter this  period,  on  account  of  the  close  occupancy  of  his  time  with 
immense  labors,  he  only  made  occasional  entries.  His  "  Narrative," 
as  written  by  himself,  occupies  the  first  twenty-three  chapters  of 
the  present  work  in  an  abridged  form.  The  remainder  consists  of 
the  occasional  entries  in  his  Journal ;  extracts  from  his  correspon- 
dence, and  from  such  other  documents  as  could  be  collected ;  and 
a  brief  history  of  his  labors  during  the  intervening  spaces  has 
been  written  by  the  editress  from  memory.  From  the  nature  of  the 
materials,  the  latter  part  of  the  biography  does  not  give  so  much 
detail  in  a  connected  form,  as  would  1^  found  in  a  regular  Journal; 
but  the  exemplification  of  his  character  in  its  several  parts,  as  well 
as  the  mere  outline  of  his  labors,  being  one  of  the  objects  designed 
in  this  work,  it  is  hoped  that  the  latter  part  will  not  be  found  less 


i 


\'\3S'5. 


w. 


PBVFAOS. 


interesting  or  useful  than  the  former.  As  the  subject  of  these  Me- 
moirs was  deeply  interested  in  all  the  various  branches  of  Chris- 
tian reform,  it  has  been  deemed  proper  to  give,  occasionally,  brief 
extracts  from  articles  showing  his  position  on  these  points. 

It  has  been  with  a  painAil  sense  of  her  own  inadequacy,  that  the 
editress  of  these  Memoirs  has  prosecuted  her  labor.  Gladly  would 
she  have  shrunk  from  the  responsible  work,  had  the  necessary 
documents  been  in  such  a  situation  that  another  could  have  arrang- 
ed them.  She  has  also  been  pamfblly  alive  to  the  delicacy  of  her 
situation,  contemplated  as  the  biographer  of  her  companion  in  life. 
She  has,  however,  aimed  to  present  a  portrait  of  her  husband's  char- 
acter just  as  it  was,  in  private  as  well  as  public  life,  that  his  in- 
fluence on  all  points  might  be  perpetuated,  and  the  precious  cause 
for  which  he  uved,  and  toiled,  might  be  thus  promoted.  In  doing 
thisusome  thhigs  needed  to  be  said,  which,  at  first  view,  it  seemed' 
improper  for  her  to  say.  She  has  felt,  too,  that  she  might  be  cen- 
sured by  some  tor  want  of  discretion  in  publishing  private  express- 
ions of  sentiment  and  feeling.  Indeed,  doubts  on  these  points  have 
not  been  absent  from  her  own  mind.  In  self-vindication,  however, 
she  will  state,  that  she  yielded  her  feelings  of  deUeacy  to  the  judg- 
ment and  oounsel  of  friends  of  lugh  standing  in  the  literary  and 
relifpons  world,  and  has  aim/ad  to  write  with  fidelity  to  the  advis- 
ory direction  of  a  competeirt  judge,  "  Present  yotir  husband  just  as 
he  was." 

In  accomplishing  this  woric,  she  would  ttratefully  acknowledge 
the  sustaining  grace  of  God.  NotwithStanoii^  the  anguish  under 
whidi  her  soul  was  writhing  from  her  recent  severe  bereavement, 
and  which,  from  the  nature  of  het  woric,  has  been  kept  before  her 
in  all  its  freshness,  she  has  had  consolations  that  have  often  render- 
ed her  labor  inexpressibly  sweet  To  the  church  of  the  living  Gody 
this  work  is  now  dedicated,  with  many  pn^ers,  that,  through  the 
Divine  blessing,  it  may  nerve  the  hearts  of  Grod's  people  to  high 
and  holy  resolves,  to  live  and  die  for  the  salvation  of  this  lost 
world. 

•       .  _  .  ■  ....  ■:■'   -^M' 


sm 


.m::mi:M^yu 


m^j^^m^i'--  ^'^  -"^^ 


,•/ 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I.  ^ 

Mr.  Marks'  parentage^— Early  religioaa  impreaaiona — Burning  of  hia 
father'a  house— •Removal  to  Connecticut — Death  of  hia  oldest  brother 
—Removal  to  Juniua,  N.  Y.        -        -        -        •         •         -         13 

CHAPTER  n. 

Converaiun — Application  for  memberahip  to  a  Calviniatic  Baptiat  church 
— Journey  to  Providence,  R.  I.,  and  unsuccessful  attempt  to  poraue  a 
courae  of  study — Bapti^Ti  and  union  with  the  Free-will  Baptists.      18 

CHAPTER  HI. 
Exercisna  of  mind  with  regard  to  preachicg  on  the  anniveraarv  of  hia 
birth  day,  Nov.  4, 1820,  then  OPteen  ^eara  of  age^Attenda  a  few 
meetings  in  difieretit  towns  with  a  minister — Returns  home — Ejcerci- 
sea  of  mind  respecting  duty— His  parents  give  him  his  time— Labors 
in  a  revival  in  Brutus  and  Camillua — Returns  to  Junius.      -      •     27 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Leaves  home  to  travel  and  preach — Labors  in  several  towns  on  the 
Holland  Purchase — Severe  trials — Second  burning  of  his  father'a 
house — Lrtb' 13  and  success — Bethany  quarterly  meeting — Death  of 
his  mother.        - 32 

CHAPTER  V. 

Returns  home — Interview  with  hia  family — Attends  the  organization  of 
the  Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting  in  Bethany— Labors  and  opposi> 
tion  in  Junins-=-Study  of  Grammar — Labors  in  several  towns— -Second 
tour  to  the  Holland  Purchase.        .---,.        4g 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Leaves  for  N.  H. — Preaches  in  several  places — Revivala  in  Brookfield 
and  Eaton — Continues  his  journey — Destitution  and  consequent  diffi- 
culties— Labors  in  N.  H. — Offer  of 'a  support  at  college  and  reasons 
for  declining — Union  of  several  churches  m  the  south  part  of  Vermont 
with  the  Free-will  Baptists — Returns  to  N.  Y.  -  -  -  £4 
1*  ^  .  ..-.■ . 


▼L 


OOHTENTS. 

CHAPTER  VII. 


Labora  in  MTeral  town*— Revival  in  Candor— Interview  with  the  follow- 
ers of  Jemima  Wilkinion— Labora— Attends  Uenton  and  Erie  quarter- 
ly meetings — Trials  and  reflections.        ....       -       68 

CHAPTER  Vni. 
Passage  on  lake  Erie  to  Ohio— Suffbrings  on  a  desolate  peninsula — 
Labors  in  Huron  Co.— Funeral  of  a  backslider— Organization  of  the 
Huron  quarterly  meeting — Travels  to  the  South  part  of  Ohio— Diffi- 
culties in  crossing  the  Ohio  river— Meeting  in  Kentucky— Visits 
Rutland— Rise  of  a  Free-will  Baptiat  yearly  meeting  on  the  Ohio  riv- 
er and  the  trials  that  follow— Returns  to  N.  Y.        •       -       -      78 

CHAPTER  IX. 
Journey  to  Connecticut— Visits  his  brother's  grave— Rise  of  a  Free-will 
Baptist  church  in  Middletown— Returns  to  New  York— Tour  to  Up- 
poK  Canada — Reflections  at  Niagara  Falls.        •       •       •       •      84 

CHAPTER  X. 
Prospect  of  a  revival  in  Batavia — Second  tour  to  Canada — Labors  in  re- 
vivals in  Batavia  and  Elba— Le  Roy— Oroveland  and  Geneseo — Church 
gathered.        -- 80 

CHAPTER  XI. 
Publishes  an  addrsM  to  the  unconverted — Imbibes  Unitarian  views — In- 
terviews with  Lorenzo  Dow — Revival  in  Manchester — Labors  till 
eighteen  years  of  age.        -        •        -        •        ...         104 

CHAPTER  XII. 
Second  journev  to  New  Hampshire — Revival  at  Bradford — Tour  to 
Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut — Execution  of  a  criminal  in  Tolland — 
New  Hampshire  yearly  meeting  at  Weare — Revival  at  Sandwich — 
Labors  in  the  Western  part  of  Maine — Meeting  and  thunder  shower 
at  Effingham,  N.  H. — Returns  to  New  York,  and  travels  with  Abel 
Thornton— Labors  till  Oct.  1834. 112 

CHAPTER  Xin. 
Second  journey  to  Ohio— Labors  till  Jan.  1825— Teaches  a  school  at 
York — Another  at  Salt-rock — Labors  while  teaching — Revival  at 
Salt-rock  and  some  other  towns — Hurricane — Interesting  baptismal 
scene — Severe  illness  and  fiery  trials -Orfjanization  of  Marion  quar- 
terly meeting,  and  Ohio  yearly  meeting — Departure  for  New  York — 
Shocking  death  and  funeral — ^Keturn  home — Spiritual  trials.  123 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Teaches  at  Junius — Preaches  under  great  depression  of^spirits — Great 
enlargement  of  mind  at  Benton  quarterly  meeting,  Jan.  1826— Is  or- 
dained— Labors — Severe  trials  and  temptation  from  Unitarian  views — 
Some  of  the  arguments  which  changed  his  views.        -        -         138 


"f 


C0NTKNT8. 


tIL 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Revival  in  Ontario — Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting — Rise  of  the  first 
Free-will  Baptist  charoh  in  Upper  Canada — Interesting  eonversion 
and  baptism  of  a  sick  person— Labors  in  diflfbrent  plaocs— Revival  at 
Cananoaigua — Exoitament  ooetsioned  by  the  Free>masons'  kidnapping 
Capt.  Wm.  Morgan — Labors  in  Canandaigua  and  organisation  of  a 
church — Travels  to  the  eastern  part  of  the  State— Free  Communion 
Baptists — Baptism  of  six  persons  at  sun-rise  on  a  winter  morning — 
Tour  to  Pennsylvania,  ana  labors  till  Aug.  1897 — Yearly  meeting  at 
Bethany  and  discussion  of  Free-masonry — Northern  lights.     •     148 

CHAPTER  XVL 
First  tour  to  London  District,  Upper  Canada — Revival  at  London-— 


Commencement  of  a  revival  at  Southwold. 


161 


CHAPTER  XVn. 

Revival  in  Soriba,  N.  Y. — Church  gathered — Happy  state  of  mind  in 
expectation  of  immediate  death — Exercises  conoeming  Christian  per- 
fection— Labors  in  Holland  Purchase  and  Susquehanna  yearly  meet- 
ings— Elder  J.  Fowler's  renunciation  of  Free-masonry.      •     •      166 

CHAPTER  XVHL 

Second  tour  to  London  District,  Upper  Canada — Meetings  in  the  streets 
in  St.  Catharines,  Hamilton,  Ancaster — State  of  the  Free-will  Baptist 
churches  in  the  province — Faithfulness  of  a  Christian  wife  blessed  to 
the  conversion  or  her  dying  husband — Labors  in  Bethany  and  Benton 
quarterly  meetings — Some  disclosures  of  Free-masonry  and  facts  con- 
nected with  them — Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting  resolves  respect- 
ing them. lT4 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Mr.  Marks'  appointment  as  delegate  to  the  second  session  of  the  Free- 
will Baptist  General  Conference — Travels  with  Wm.  Van  Tuyl — At- 
tends SpaflTord  quarterly  meeting — Second  session  of  Susquehanna 
yearly  meeting — Its  rise,  &c. — Streetmeetinff  in  Johnstown,  N.  Y.— 
Attends  Vermont  yearly  meeting  in  Oct.  1838— Masonic  discussion, 
&c. — General  Conference — Labors  in  Maine,  New  Hampshire,  and 
Vermont — Returns  to  New  York.        ....        -         igg 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Revival  in  Canandaigua — Death  of  Wm.  Van  Tuyl— Labors  in  Benton 
and  Ontario  quarterly  meetings.        -        -        •        ...      lOB 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

Third  journey  to  London  District,  Upper  Canada — Free  Communion 
Baptists'  Annual  Conference — Happy  death — Result  of  a  conference 
appointed  to  labor  for  a  union  between  the  Free-will  and  Free  Com- 
munion Baptists  in  Upper  Canada — Returns  to  New  York — |levival  in 
Conesus  and  Sparta — Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting  in  1890 — 
Fourth  journey  to  London  District — Revival  at  Oxford — His  Marriage 
— ^Thirdf  G«neral  Conference  and  revival  that  followed — Baptism  of  his 
companion  and  sketches  of  her  religious  experience.        •        -     904 


■S 


Vlll. 


'  COMTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

Labors  from  Nov.  1859  lo  close  of  the  year — Revival  in  Middlesex- 
Second  session  of  the  Allegany  quarterly  meeting  and  particulars  of 
f  its  rise— Bethany  quarterly  meeting  and  revival  at  Penfield — Foartli 
S  General  Conference— Fifth  tonr  to  Upper  Canada — Meeting  in  the 
^'  asylam  for  the  poor  of  Ontario  county — Interesting  particulars  of  the 
revival  in  Penfield — Meetings  in  Scriba  and  other  towns—"  Book  of 
Mormon" — Labors  in  various  places — Horrid  murder  in  Dansville — 
l^v  Attends  Allegany,  Benton,  and  Bethany  quarterly  meetings — Sixth 
tour  to  Canada — State  of  Free-will  Baptist  churches  in  the  province — 
Labors  in  New  York — Attends  Ontario  and  Bethany  quarterly  meet- 
ings— Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting,  August,  1830 — Resolution 
against  Masonry.        ..-.-.-         .         223 

'^'  CHAPTER  XXm. 

Organization  of  the  Norwich  quarterly  meeting — Visits  in  Vermont  and 

"Connecticut — General  Conference  in  Rhode  Island — Labors  in  that 

■'  State — Revival  at  Greenville — Jonrntjy  to  Maine  and  return  to  Rhode 

'Vlsiand — Masonic  opposition — Labors  m  diJTerent   towns — Visits  the 

grave-yard  and  Jews'  Synagogue  at  Newport — Attends  Roman  Cath- 

'  olic  meeting  at  Boston — Labors  in  Maine  from  Jan.  to  May,  1831 — 

Journey  to  Massachusetts,  New  Hampshire  and  Vermont — Attends 

'"  ■  New  Durham,  Sandwich  and  jyVheelock  quarterly  meetings — Attends 

New  Hampshire  yearly  meeting  at  Lisbon — Remarkable  vevival  that 

follows — Labors  in  New  Hanipshire — Labors  in  Limerick,  Me.,  and 

vicinity — Baptisnt  of  Samuel  Beede,  &c.        ...        -      235 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

State  of  the  Free-will  Baptist  denomination  in  1831 — Plan  to  aid  in  re- 
moving existing  evils — Attends  Maine  Western  yearly  meeting — At- 
tends fifth  General  Conference — Book  Concern  organized' — Mr.  Marks 
appointed   its  Agent — First  labors   as  Agent — Attends  Wolfboro' 
quarterly  meeting — Masonic  opposition — Letter  from  S.  Beede — Meet- 
ings in  different  towns — Tour  to  Rhode  Island — Mr.  C.  G.  Finney — 
Meetings  in  Kittery  and  Great  Falls — Masonic  opposition — Labors  in 
various  towns — Sickness  in  Holderness,  N.  IL— Rumor  of  his  death 
— ^Travels  and  labors — Severe  sickness  in  Bath,  N.  H.,  Jan.  1832 — 
Partially  recovers  and  resumes  his  labors — Confinement  with  a  relapse 
in  Bundojph,  Vt. — Happy  state  of  mind  in  expectation  of  death — Par- 
,,  tial  recovery — Letter    from   S.   Beede — Reply — Preaches  in    New 
,j  Hampshire  as  health  permits—  Extracts  from  correspondence — Difficul- 
ties attending  l>'s  labors  for  the  Book  Concern — Dyspepsia — Mission- 
ary letter  fiom  Mr.  Sutton,  in  India — Free-will  Baptist  Foreign  Mis- 
rf  sion  Society  formed — Laboi?-  —Records  of  the  first  Free-will  Baptist 
•  church — Letter  to  S.  Beede — Attends  New  Durham  quarterly  meet- 
-f  ing — ^Embarrassments  and  anxieties — Attends  Weare  quarterly  meet- 
m  ing  an4  New  Hampshire  yearl;  meeting — Rise  of  Parsonsfield  Sem- 
■'  tnary— 'Cholera  in  America — Attends  Penobscot  yearly  meeting — 
m  Cholera  at  Montreal — Attends  Edgcomb  quarterly  meeting — Day  of 
^'^^  faMing  oa  account  of  the  pestilence — Issues  first  edition  of  Christian 
H.  Melody — Attends  New  Durham  quarterly  meeting  and  preaches  at 


^.■;-."-'i.-i\\'*Airi»». . 


CONTENTS. 


ix* 


at 


Randall's  grave— Letters  to  Bentan  quarterly  meeting  and  Holland 
Purchase  yearly  meeting— Tour  to  Vermont  and  Maine—Attends  i. 
ministers'  conference  in  Holdemess,  N.  H. — Letter  from  S.  Beede— 
Attends  Vermont  yearly  meeting — Sixth  General  Conference  in  1833 
—Purchases  the  Morning  Star  Establishment.       ...       369 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

Tour  to  New  York  and  Upper  Canada — Labors  in  New  York — Letter 
on  Slavery — Discussion  of  Campbellism — Returns  to  New  England — 
Attends  New  Hampshire  vearly  meeting — Arrival  of  Mr.  Sutton  and 
affectine  address — Revival  in  New  Durham — ^In  New  Market — Cor- 
respondence— Extraordinary  Painting — Attends  Holland  Purchase 
yearly  meeting — Returns  to  New  England — Attends  seventh  General 
Conference — Letter  to  Mr.  Pike  of  England — Removal  of  the  printing 
office  of  the  Morning  Star  to  Dover,  N.  H.— Tour  to  Maine  and  se- 
vere illness  at  Wilton— Returns  to  Dover,  N.  H. — Sickness  and  death 
of  Mr.  Beede-  Xjocates.in  Portsmouth  and  takes  charge  of  a  small 
church— AttenuL  New  Hampshire  ye^lv  meeting— Extracts  from  an 
article  on  missions— Rise  of  the  Fre^-will  Baptist  Home  Mission  Soci- 
ety— Mr.  Marks  ai>pointi?d  Corresponding  Secretary — ^Visits  Whit- 
field's tomb — Organization  of  the  Rockingham  quarterly  meeting — La- 
bors in  Portsmouth  and  other  towns— 'Attends  a  ministers'  conference 
in  Readfield,  Me.— ^Sufferings  from  dyspepsiar— Labors  in  Portsmouth 
and  towns  in  its  vicinity---AttendB  a  protracted  meeting  in  Boston-^ 
Anti-Slavery  character  of  the  Morninff  Star — Mr,  C*  G.  Finney's  Re- 
vival Lectures — Revival  in  Pojrtsmouth — George  Thompson,  tbe  Abo- 
litionist— ^Confession  of  a  man  of  pleasure— Attends  New  Hampshire 
Anti-Slavery  Society — Home  Mission  Anniversary  in  Lisbon,  N.  H. 
Mr.  Marks^  illustration  of  the  principle  of  missionary  operations 
.^-New  Hammhire  yearly  meeting — Slavery  discussion — Ordination 
of  Mr.  Eli  Noyes  as  missionary  to  India— Visits  Mt.  Washington 
— Returns  to  Portsmouth — Trisds  in  consequence  of  temperance  prin- 
ciftles — Meetings  and  baptism  on  the  Isle  of  Shoals — Mr.  Phillips  ap- 
pointed missionary  to  India — His  marriage  to  Mrs.  Beede— Mr.  Marks' 
ill  heelth — Visits  Boston — Departure  of  the  Missionaries — Attends  the 
eighth  General  Conference — Kesigns  his  Agency  for  the  Book  Con- 
cern— New  Hampshire  Legislature  refuses  it  an  act  of  Incorporation 
on  account  of  its  Anti-Slavery  character — Returns  to  Dover  to  make 
a  transfer  of  the  Book  Concern  to  a  Board  of  Trustees — Visits  Upper 
Canada — Resolutions  for  holy  living.        .....      398 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 
Mr.  Marks  commences  labors  in  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  under  the  patronage 
of  the  Free-will  Baptist  (N.  Y.)  Home  Mission  Society,  in  Jan. 
1836 — Letter  to  Mr.  Burr  on  Slavery — Labors  and  success — Organiz- 
es a  church — Purchases  a  lot  for  a  meeting  house — Abner  Kneelaud— 
Failure  of  the  crops  and  consequent  inability  of  the  infant  Mission 
Society — Mr.  Marks'  consequent  trials— Attempts  to  sustain  himself 
rather  than  desert  his  field  of  labor— Great  pressure  in  the  com- 
mercial world — Extracts  from  his  correspondence — Murder  of  Mr. 
Lyman  of  Roehester=-Trial  and  execution  of  the  murderer — 111 
health — Leaves  Rochester,  June  1838 — Attends  Holland  Purchase 


Z.  CONTEKXa. 

yearly  meeting  —  New  York  Anti-Slavery  Convention  —  Letter  to 
India.  - -       -       -       351 

^  CHAPTER  XXVn. 
Eiffhth  tour  to  Upper  Canada— Labors  as  an  evangelist  in  the  Holland 
Purchase  yearly  meeting — Dreadful  death  of  an  infidel— Revival  in 
Warsaw — Pike — Boston,  N.  Y.— Attendanee  at  quarterly  meetings — 
Illness  of  his  wife — Revival  in  Rochester  under  the  labors  of  Mr. 
Knapp— -Attends  Genesee  quarterly  meeting— Holland  Purchase  year- 
ly meeting — New  York  State  Temperance  Society — Attends  the 
tenth  General  Conference,  1839 — Interesting  discussion  of  the  Slavery 
question — Report  of  the  Book  Concern — Resolution  of  Conference  on 
the  use  of  tobacco— Labors  through  the  winter  in  Ohio,  Pennsylvania 
and  New  York. -        - '      373 

CHAPTER  XXVni. 

Attends  the  anniversaries  in  N.  Y.  in  1840 — Visits  places  of  interest — 
Letter  to  the  World's  Anti-Slavery  Convention — Preaches  in  the  city 
and  urged  to  labor  there — Illness— Leaves  for  western  New  York- 
Refuses  to  travel  on  the  Sabbath — ^Kind  reception  from  the  Baptist 
minister  in  Syracuse — Preaches  onee  at  his  request — Evils  resttning 
from  the  disregard  of  the  Sabbath  on  the  Erie  canal— Dreadful  death 
of  two  canal  boys-— Labors  m  weMero  New  York  till  the  18th  of 
June— Attends  Holland  Purcuase  yearly  meeting — Confined  to  his 
bed  by  a  severe  attack  of  bronchitis— Partial  recovery,  but  relinquishes 
preaching  two  months — In  the  mean  time  visits  Canada  and  writes  a 
treatise  on  "  The  design  of  the  Lord's  Supper"—  London  quarterly 
meeting — Character  of  fugitives  from  American  Slavery — Intemper- 
ance in  Canada — Returns  to  New  York— Resumes  his  labors  in  Sep- 
tember— On  account  of  his  health  locates  in  Yarysburg — Organizes  a 
ehuroh  in  Portageville  with  which  he  labors  half  the  time — Revival 
in  Varysburgh — Alarming  sickness — Attends  Holland  Purchase 
yearly  meeting — Christian  Anti-Shivery  Convention  in  Auburn — 
Wyoming  county  Tenaperance  Convention — ^Lectures  on  Political 
Abolition  in  Warsaw — Leaves  for  the  Greneral  Conference  in  Maine 
''—Assailed  by  a  robber — Attends  Free-communion  Baptist  Confer- 
ence in  Central  New  York — Street  Temperance  meetings — Tem- 
perance in  Portsmouth— Eleventh  General  Conference — Lectures 
on  Temperance  in  the  street  in  Brunswick — arrival  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Noyes  from  India — Returns  to  New  York — Adopted  daughter — La- 
bors in  Yarysburg  and  Java  till  May  1842— calls  to  different  fields  of 
labor— Decides  to  accept  an  Agency  in  Ohio,  in  the  cause  of  Chris- 
tuin  Education — Tenth  and  last  journey  to  Upper  Canada— Travel* 
and  labors  for  six  weeks  in  western  New  York.    -        -        •        391 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 
Lectures  on  the  duty  of  voters — Meets  Western  Reserve  Education 
Society  in  Chester,  Ohio,  July,  1843— Society  purchases  a  farm  for 
their  Seminary — School  opened — Removes  his  fomily  to  Oberlin-r 
Labors  for  the  Education  Society  till  last  of  Jan.  1843 — Studies  at 
Oberlin  and  labors — Call  from  the  Trustees  of  a  Literary  Institution 
in  Strafford,  N.  H. — Correspondence — Accepts  the  call — Labors  in 
New  Hampshire  for  three  months — Returns  to  New  York — HI  health 


CONTENTS. 


Xl 


Labors  for  Western  Reserve  Education  Society — Health  fails- 
Extracts  from  hip  correspondence — Health  improves — Resumes  preach- 
ing— Attends  Lake  Erie  quarterly  meeting  and  Ohio  Northern  yea,rly 
meeting — Discussion  on  baptism — Testimony  respecting  it— Lefter 
from  E.  Place — Attends  the  twelfth  General  Conference  in  Central 
New  York,  October  1844 — Extract  from  his  speech  on  the  political 
duty  of  a  Christian  citizen — Report  on  secret  societies — Book  Concern 
—Close  of  Conference — Returns  to  Ohio — Tempest  and  dreadAil  loss 
of  life  at  Builalo — Wreck  of  the  Robert  Fulton— Arrival  at  Ober- 
lin.     - 411 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

Health  decUnes — Kindness  of  Professor  Finney — Health  improves — 
Attends  Ohio  Northern  yearly  meeting,  June,  1845 — Michigan  yearly 
meeting — Letter  from  D.  M.  Graham— Relapse— Health  agam  im- 
proves— Letter  from  India — From  E.  Place— Attends  Lorain  quarterly 
meeting  in  September — Relapse — Happy  state  of  mind — Brief  iisij 
of  some  of  his  last  remarks — Dictates  a  farewell  Address  to  his 
brethren — carried  at  his  request  to  the  chapel  to  address  the  Students 
after  he  was  thought  to  be  dyinff^ — Death — rost  mortem  examination — 
Funeral  sermon— His  FareweU  Address  to  Free-will  Baptists  and  the 
world — His  Address  to  the  Oberlin  Students — Extracts  from  letters  of 
condolence— Resolutions  of  Associations  of  charches — Poetic  Tributes 
to  his  memory^ — Drawing  of  his  Grave.        -       -       .       .       437 

CoNCLUDiKo  Remarks,  .......       513 


■.«; 


■t'i 


"r-  •'/ 


»3^ 


''^^^^r'^4r- 


^m 


MEMOIRS. 


■  V 


CHAPTER  I. 
My  parentage  and  other  particulart  till  my  tenth  year. 


Mt  ancestors  were  of  Jewbh  ori^.    My  father,  David  Marks 
2d.  was  the  eldest  son  of  David  Marks  1st  of  Burlington.  Hartford 
county,  Ct,  who  was  a  grandson  of  Mordecai  Marks,  a  tlew.    My 
mother,  RoKsanna  Merriman,  eldest  daughter  of  Chiuincey  Mem- 
man  of  Southington  in  the  same  county,  was  nuurried  to  my  father 
at  the  commencement  of  the  year  1800.    They  were  both  members 
of  the  Calvinistic  Baptist  church.    After  residmg  in  Burlington  for 
five  years  following  their  marriage,  they  removed  to  the  town  ot 
Shendaken,  Ulster  county,  N.  Y.,  where  I  was  bom  Nov.  4, 1805, 
I  was  the  fourth  child.    At  this  time  my  mother  remarked  with 
much  confidence,  that  my  life  would  be  short.    "  For,**  said  shcr 
*'  I  believe  Grod  by  his  Holy  Spirit  has  impressed  it  on  my  mind, 
that  the  child  shall  live  before  him  as  did  Samuel  anciently,  and 
that  in  early  life  the  Lord  will  set  him  for  the  defence  of  the  goS' 
pel,  and  call  him  to  do  a  great  but  a  short  work  in  the  earth.'^ 
When  one  year  had  passed,  the  dropsy  in  the  head,  considered  by 
physicians  incurable,  came  near  terminating  my  mortal  existence.. 
My  mother's  futh  was  then  shaken  in  what  she  had  asserted  on  the 
day  of  my  birth ;  but  Clod  blessed  the  use  of  means  imd  from  th^ 
gate  of  death  restored  me  to  health. 

One  of  the  first  occurrences  printed  upon  my  recollection  is  fam- 
ily prayer.  As  early  as  I  was  susceptible  of  instruction  and  cumr. 
ble  of  reflection,  the  truth,  that  all  must  die  and  appear  before  God. 
to  account  for  their  actions,  was  solemnly  impreraed  on  my  mind^ 
At  the  ag«  of  four  years,  a  sense  of  death  and  judgment  mled  me 
2 


14 


MEM0IB8   or 


•0. 


with  awful  feelings ;  particularly  one  daj  when  I  was  alone  amus- 
ing myself  with  burning  the  tow  of  flax,  the  dreadful  agony  of  the 
wicked  in  hell  represented  in  the  word  of  God  by  burning  with  un* 
quenchable  fire,  was  instantly  brought  to  mind.  Looking  into  the 
name,  I  thought  how  exceecUngly  dreadful  even  one  moment  would 
be  in  this  fierce  burning ;  then  turning  my  eyes  toward  the  heavens 
I  said  within  myself,  how  will  my  soul  endure  if  yet  in  sin,  at  the 
great  judgment  day,  when  God  shall  appear  and  set  the  world  on 
fire  ?  Finally,  I  concluded  that  I  would  descend  into  a  well  when 
that  period  should  arrive,  and  going  immediately  to  my  mother, 
told  her  my  resolution.  <<  Ah,  my  son,"  said  she,  "  the  water  will 
boil,  and'the  earth  will  bum."  Another  expedient  was  suggested. 
I  thought  I  would  hew  out  a  place  of  retreat  in  a  rock,  and  there 
hide  myself,  closing  the  entrance.  On  naming  this,  she  replied, 
"  But  the  rocks  wiU  melt"  My  sorrows  increased ;  but  on  reflec- 
tion I  hoped  ere  that  time  should  come,  life  might  be  ended,  and 
my  body  buried  in  the  earth ;  so  telling  my  mother  I  hoped  by  this 
to  escape,  she  said,  "  My  child,  your  hope  is  vain ;  for  the  dead 
will  awake  and  come  out  of  their  graves."  My  last  expedient  it 
now  appeared  would  fail ;  and,  retiring  to  a  field,  my  anguish  be- 
came great,  while  reflecting  that  my  parents  were  Christians  but  I 
was  a  sinner ;  tears  flowed  profusely,  and  I  cried,  "  God  be  merci- 
fiil  to  mtJBi  sinner."  Now  existence  was  a  burden ;  the  burning 
<^the  tow  recurred  to  mind,  and  I  eamestiy  wished  that  I  was 
something  inanimate,  even  if  it  were  tow,  that  I  might  not  feel  the 
vengeance  that  would  fall  upon  the  wicked.  Once  as  my  mother 
laid  me  down  to  resl^  she  said,  **  Soon  my  son  you  will  exchange 
the  bed  for  the  grave,  and  your  clothes  for  a  winding  sheet."  Often 
after  Ibis  when  I  lay  down  at  night,  my  bed  reminded  me  of  the 
grave  and  the  sheets  of  the  grave  apparel.  About  this  time  Jer- 
emiah my  eldest  brother,  then  eight  years  of  age,  was  converted 
to  God  and  publicly  professed  faith  in  the  Redeemer.  Serious 
thoughts  of  death  and  judgment  continued  to  exercise  mj  infant 
powen.  r  _: 

Very  solemn  feelings  were  excited  in  my  mind  at  the  age  of 
four  years  and  seven  months,  by  seeing  our  house  wrapped  in  flames. 
When  the  fire  was  discovered,  my  parents  were  at  the  house  of 
worship,  two  miles  distant,  having  left  me  at  home  with  m^  two 
elder  brothers,  Jeremiah  and  Friend.  One  of  my  brothers  imme- 
diately ran  to  the  meeting,  the  other  to  the  nei^bor's  house  for 
assistance.  Being  much  alarmed,  I  fled  unperceived  with  all 
possible  haste  to  the  a^*acent  wood,  thinking  of  nothing  bnt  to  es- 
cape the  devouring  flame.  I  reached  the  place  of  retreat,  but 
while  looking  on  the  trees,  the  recollection  of  having  seen  fire 
spread  toj^mj  in  the  forest  £lled  me  with  fresh  alarm.     The 


.*.*if 


DAYID   MABK8. 


tB 


leaves  were  just  pat  forth,  and  tbong^  green,  the  eaqMctation  that 
they  too  would  Inim,  and  the  fire  be  c(Hnmunicated  to  them  hy  the 
adjacent  fences  induced  me  to  resume  mj  flight  Meanwhile,  the 
assembly  with  my  parents  had  resorted  to  the  flames,  and  immedi- 
ately the  anxious  inquiry  was  made,  "  Where  is  David  T*  He 
was  not  to  be  found.  No  one  had  seen  him.  An  awftil  thought 
rushed  upon  their  minds — ^the  flames  must  have  consumed  hfanl 
My  mother,  recollecting  her  former  impressions  concerning  my  fVi- 
ture  life,  in  anguish  of  soul  cried  out,  "  O  Lord,  thou  hast  deceived 
me,  and  I  was  deceived ;"  and  immediately  swooning,  she  feU  to 
the  ground.  A  thought  that  the  child  might  yet  be  alive,  induced 
some  of  the  assembly  to  search  for  me,  while  others  endeavored  to 
extinguish  the  flames,  expecting  to  discover  my  bones.  In  my 
wandering  a  path  appeared,  and  deeming  the  opposite  side  joore 
safe  as  it  presented  an  obstacle  to  the  fire,  I  quickly  passed  it  and 
had  followed  its  windings  more  than  a  mile,  when  one  of  the  com- 
pany discovered  the  object  of  their  search.  *^  Your  father  wi^ea 
to  see  you,"  eaii  he,  and  taking  me  up,  carried  me  till  we  eame 
*-within  sight  of  the  smc^ing  ruins  of  my  native  home.  The  people 
were  still  employed  in  throwing  water,  bnt  on  seeki^  os  they  d^ 
sisted,  and  my  mther  with  feelkiga  more  easily  imagined  than  d»> 
scribed,  met  us,  and  clasping  me  in  his  arms  said,  "  My  son,  my 
son,  are  yon  yet  alive  r*  kissed  me  and  carried  me  to  my  mother. 
She  soon  recovered  from  her  swoon.  Her  faith  revived--Hind  re- 
joicing with  great  joy,  they  said,  **  The  dead  is  alive,  the  ktit  fe 
found." 

By  this  and  ether  misfortunes,  my  father  lost  nearty  aU  his  prop- 
erty, and  soon  after  returned  to  Connecticut,  yrhen  he  reirided  in 
the  towns  of  Bristol  and  Plymouth  more  than  four  years.  Daf>> 
ing  two  years  of  this  time,  Jeremiah  often  led  brother  Friend  and 
myself  to  the  chamber,  bam,  or  field,  and  there  talked  to  as  of 
eternity,  taught  us  to  pray  and  seek  after  the  Lord.  While  en- 
joying these  opportunities,  my  heart  was  tenderly  affected,  and  se- 
rious impressions  deepened.  But  a  painful  scene  quickly  fol- 
lowed. 

M7  father  journeyed  to  the  western  part  of  New  York.  Im- 
mediately aft;er  his  departure,  Jeremiah  was  severely  wounded  in 
the  foot  with  an  axe ;  and  after  a  confinement  of  several  weeks, 
an  attack  of  typhus  fever  soon  brought  him  to  the  grave.  Six  days 
before  his  death,  I  went  to  live  with  my  uncle  Marks  in  Burling- 
ton, to  attend  school.  January  2,  1813,  after  my  return  from 
school,  my  uncle  told  me  that  my  brother  was  dead.  The  day  be- 
fore he  sat  up  several  hours,  wrote  some,  and  said  he  thought  he 
should  recover,  but  in  the  evening  the  scene  changed.  Death  had 
marked  him  fbr  a  victim,  and  while  the  sun  of  life  was  setting,  he 


H 


KSM0IB8  -OF 


laid  to  my  mother,  who  was  alone  with  him,  « I  am  dying."    Im- 
mediately she  blew  a  horn  to  call  aasistance,  then  taking  him  in  her 
arms,  he  said,  ''  O  that  I  could  see  papa  once  more,  but  I  never 
ahall  in  this  world."    Deacon  Ward  a  neighbor  came  in,  having 
heard  the  alarm.     Being  much  distressed,  Jeremiah  said,  "  My 
pain  of  body  is  very  great,"  and  once  added  he  wished  that  he  was 
dead,  but  immediately  recalled  it  saying,   "  I  am  wrong,  but  if  it 
were  the  will  of  God  I  should  be  glad  to  be  out  of  pain."    He 
made  affecting  remarks  concerning  his  death,  and  a  short  time  be- 
fore he  expired,  said,  "  O,  I  fear  Friend  and  David  will  run  a 
wicked  race."    After  conversing  an  hour  and  a  half  very  calmly, 
be  was  laid  on  the  bed,  and  then  folding  his  hands  on  his  bosom, 
he  looked  steadfastly  towards  heaven.     When  all  supposed  he 
would  speak  no  more,  he  distinctly  said,  "  Lord  Jesus,  may  I  be 
with  thee  1"  and  without  a  groan  or  struggle,  in  one  minute  and  a 
■half,  his  pulse  ceased  to  beat,  and  his  spirit  took  flight  to  that  land 
.whence  there  is  no  return.    Dea.  Ward  remarked  ^at  he  had  often 
been  called  to  attend  on  death-bed  scenes  for  forty  years,  but  had 
never  witnessed  one  so  mi^ch  composed  as  this.    Jeremiah  was 
eleven  years  and  six  months  of  age,  more  than  fonryears  olderthan 
myself.    His  body  was  laid  in  the  grave,  the  top  of  which  wascov- 
erod  till  my  father  should  return.    His  death  greatly  affected  me, 
for  I  loved,  him  tenderly,  and  when  his  dying  words,  "  I  fear  they 
will  run  a  widcedrace,"  recurred,  I  felt  and  mourned  my  loss.  No 
longer  could  I  hear  his  pious  warnings,  his  affectionate  counsel,  and 
never  again  would  he  instruct  me  to  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
About  two  months  after  this,  my  father  having  retiimed,  his  body 
was  taken  up,  carried  into  the  meeting  hcnise,  and  a  sermon  deliv- 
ered.   Having  heard  of  instances  of  burial  in  cases  of  fits,  and  that 
when  taken  from  the  earth  such  had  been  revived,  my  childish 
heart  beat  high,  when  I  thought  it  might  be  thus  with  my  brother. 
But  as  the  coffin  lid  was  raised,  all  my  hope  vanished,  and  my  sor- 
row returned.    That  fiice  once  blooming  in  health,  was  now  cover- 
ed with  mould,  and  those  eyes  once  innocently  beaming  with  af- 
fection, were  now  sunk  in  their  sockets.     A  deep  sense  of  my  own 
mortality  pervaded  my  soul,  and  afterward  I  frequently  addressed 
the  throne  of  grace.     But  not  clearly  discerning  the  things  of  the 
kingdom,  I  often  joined  in  folly  with  my  juvenile  companions,  by 
which  the  Spirit  of  Gk>d  was  grieved  and  my  convictions  in  some 
measure  effaced. 

My  mother  often  made  observations  upon  common  occurrences, 
that  caused  deep  and  lasting  impressions  on  my  mind.  Once  when 
she  was  killing  some  fowls,  their  dying  struggles  excited  my  sym- 
pathy, even  to  weeping,  and  I  asked  why  she  killed  them.  "  Dear 
chilc^"  said  she,  "fowls  have  to  die  for  man,  calves  have  to  die  for 


DAVU)  MABXS. 


If 


man,  sheep  have  to  die  for  man ;  but  what  ii  more,  Jestu,  the  Sa- 
vior of  the  world,  has  died  for  man,  and  soon  w^mutt  die."  At 
another  time,  she  said  ;  <*  Have  you  erer  obser^  the  young  sap- 
linjK,  how  easily  you  can  bend  it  to  the  ground?"  I  answered 
"Yes."  She  continued,  ''Have  you  also  observed  that  when 
grown  to  be  a  tree,  it  will  not  bow,  bat  will  break  first  P*  Again 
I  answered,  **  Yes ;"  and  she  said,  "  Learn  inJstiuetioiw  Now  in 
the  morning  of  life,  your  heart  like  the  sapling  it  tender  and 
may  easily  be  turned  to  God  $  but  when  inured  to  crime  and  hard- 
ened by  transgression,  like  the  stubborn  oak,  it  will  not  bow." 

When  I  was  nine  years  old,  my  father  remov«^  to  the  town  of 
Junius,  Seneca  county.  New  York.  For  more  than  a  ;^ear  I  was 
generally  careless  of  eternal  things,  yet  frequently,  after  joining  my 
associates  in  ]^y,  such  condemnation  filled  mv  soul,  that  I  woud 
resolve  never  more  to  engage  in  idle  sports.  And  thpo^  the  Spir- 
it of  God  did  not  entirely  forsake  me,  yet  my  resqjntions  were  often 
broken,  and  these  scenes  of  folly  and  sin  against  God  w«re  repeat- 
ed. About  this  timoi  mv  brother  Friend  was  converted  to  God. 
Serious  impressions  agam  returned.  But  the  attachment  to  my 
childish  plays  and  companions  continued ;  and  durinv  the  winter 
months,  we  apjpointed  one  evening  in  eveiy  week  rar  diversioD. 
For  this,  oonseience  sharply  reproved  me ;  but  unwilling  to  dewbt 
entirely,  I  proposed  that  a  part  of  the  time  iriionld  he  spent  in 
learning  to  spelL  My  iwraposal  was  acceded  to,  but  stiU  ocmsdenoe 
was  not  satisfied,  and  I  further  proposed  that  we  should  oommenoe 
our  school  with  prayer.  Some  of  my  associates  ohaerving  they 
thought  it  would  be  well,  requested  me  to  address  the  throne  of 
grace;  the  request  was  mmted,  which  so  afi^ected  me,  that  I  could 
no  longer  participate  in  weir  vanities ;  but  for  a  time  remained  a 
spectator,  and  then  feeling  condemned  for  this,  wholly  forsook  Ae 
meetings.  Serious  .impressicms  again  increased,  and  the  fear  that 
there  was  no  mercy  for  me,  at  times  caused  me  keen  distiess.  For 
weeks  and  months  I  visited  the  place  of  secret  prayer  two  cr  three 
times  a  day,  till  discouragement  and  unbelief  prevailed  on  me  for  a 
time  to  desist.  As  with  others  who  serve  the  wicked  one,  excuses 
for  procrastination  found  way  to  my  heart.  The  hope^  that  at 
some  future  unknown  time,  a  revival,  or  aome  other  event  would 
render  seeking  the  Lord  less  difficult,  made  me  again  indlfierent. 
.2* 


hen 
sym- 
)ear 
e  for 


•Vinvi.  •- 


It 


MSK0IR8  Oy 


•   ■    ■'    'Mv    ,Vat.'\  ,  '   M.^t 


,-'!v  i.<    .■■'(si'  ;^>k»u    U 


^^  CHAPTER  n. 

An  aeeount  of  my  eonver$ionf  with  tome  other  particular »  till  my 
connection  with  the  Free-will  Baptists. 

In  the  autumn  of  1816,  when  I  was  nearly  eleven  yean  old,  an 
alanning  occurrence  loudly  called  my  attention.  While  riding 
alone  tlmnigh  a  wood  but  a  little  distance  from  home,  my  life  was 
much  endangered  by  a  sudden  fall  from  a  horse.  Instantly  the 
query  rushed  upon  me,  as  if  a  voice  from  heaven  had  spoken, — 
**  Had  your  life  here  closed,  where  would  your  soul  now  have 
been?"  Conscience  answered,  "It  would  have  been  in  hell."  I 
stood  astonished  and  amazed.  ■  The  recollection  of  my  past  life,  of 
broken  promises,  and  of  the  many  times  I  had  prayed  as  I  thought 
earnestly,  without  finding  relief,  rushed  upon  me  like  a  flood.  The 
anguish  of  my  soul  was  great  and  tears  gushed  from  my  eyes.  In 
■  vain  did  I  regret  my  existence ;  in  vain  did  I  envy  the  reptiles  of 
the  earth  their  state.  Having  been  taught  that  a  part  of  mankind 
were  elected  to  salvation  and  the  rest  passed  by,  with  great  bitter* 
ness,  the  exclamation  burst  from  my  bosom,  "  I  am  a  reprobate ; 
there  is  no  mercy  for  me."    Now  did  the  sorrows  of  death  encom- 

Kss  me  about,  and  the  pains  of  hell  got  hold  of  me.  Despair 
und  my  soul  with  its  cruel  fetters.  Nature  itself  wore  a  solemn 
gloom,  and  even  the  trees  seemed  to  mourn,  and  the  heavens  to 
nown.  Every  rayibf  hope  was  gone,  and  the  anguish  of  my  soul 
was  insupportable.  "  What  shall  I  do  ?  what  shall  I  do  ?"  was  my 
crv,  then  a  thought  rushed  into  my  mind  which  in  some  measure 
relieved  me.  "  Peradventure  God  can  and  will  have  mercy.  Christ 
^ed  for  sinners,  why  not  for  me  ?  If  hell  must  be  my  portion,  and 
I  must  finally  perish,  I  will  perish  pleading  for  mercy."  But  now, 
the  fate  of  former  promises  occurred  to  my  mind ;  for  in  the  hour 
of  temptation  my  feelings  had  changed,  and  my  strongest  resolu- 
tions had  failed.  What  security  had  I,  that  this  resolution  should 
not  in  like  manner  fail  ?  I  felt  jealous  of  my  own  heart ;  and  this 
seemed  an  awful  moment,  on  which  my  eternal  destiny  was  pois- 
ed. It  appeared  to  me  that  heaven  or  hell,  depended  on  the  keep- 
ing, 07  not  keeping  of  this  resolution ;  and  I  felt  unwilling  to 
leave  myself  the  least  liberty  for  its  violation,  lest  this  dread  liber- 
ty should  be  used  to  my  eternal  ruin.  So  failing  upon  mv  knees, 
'and  raising  my  hand  towards  heaven,  I  made  oath  unto  God,  say- 
ing, *^  As  long  as  thou  shcUt  give  me  life  and  ability,  like  Daniel,  I 
wtil  kned  and  pray  to  thee  thrice  in  a  day,  even  though  my  years 
should  be  lengthened  to  three  score  and  ten,  and  hell  be  my  doom  at 
last."*    I  arose ;  my  tears  ceased ;  distress  and  anxiety  were  fled ; 


DAVID  MARKS. 


19 


)01S- 

eep- 
to 
ber- 
lees, 
say- 
el,I 
'.an 
%  at 
ed; 


and  though  the  darkness  of  night  veiled  the  earth,  jet  nature  assum- 
ed a  new  aspect  All  that  met  my  sight  praised  God,  and  my 
heart  was  constrained  to  join  the  theme.  Setting  out  for  home,  a 
sudden  rustling  among  the  trees  reminded  me  that  those  forests 
were  inhabited  by  beasts  of  prey,  but  it  excited  no  timidity  as  usu- 
al, neither  did  it  cause  me  to  make  haste ;  and  now,  for  the  first 
time,  I  was  willing  to  die.  Something  whispered,  '*  How  is  this  ? 
you  are  not  a  Christian."  "True,"  was  my  reply,  "but  the 
Judge  of  all  the  earth  will  do  right."  Such  a  sense  of  his 
justice  and  goodness  filled  my  soul,  that  with  sweet  composure, 
I  felt  to  commit  my  all  to  Him  and  thus  was  quiet  firom  fear  of 
evil. 

Now  to  fulfill  my  oath  required  no  effort,  for  it  seemed  that  my 
eternal  destiny  depended  upon  its  performance.  My  constant 
prayer  was,  that  my  soul  might  be  bom  of  the  Spirit;  but  reflec- 
tions on  my  past  life,  the  just  and  holy  nature  of  God  who  cannot 
look  on  sin  with  the  least  allowance,  no  longer  caused  my  heart  to 
feel  condemnation  for  sin,  or  to  dread  his  vengeance.  I  road  the 
threatcnings  of  God's  word — they  moved  me  not  I  brought  to 
view  the  pains  of  hell — my  soul  rejoiced  and  was  happy.  This 
seemed  to  me  y&ej  wrong,  and  thought  I,  Christians  may  rejoice, 
but  not  sinners.  I  was  now  distressed  with  fears  that  a  state  of 
insensibility  was  taking  possession  of  my  heart ;  for  I  labored  to 
feel  again  my  former  load  of  guilt  ond  constantly  prayed  that  con- 
viction might  return,  but  in  vain.  Heaven  seemed  deaf  to  my 
entreaties ;  and  while  thus  praying  my  heart  seemed  so  hard,  that 
dreadful  fears  seized  me  lest  conviction  hod  ceased  forever ;  vet  so 
sacred  appeared  my  oath,  that  not  the  least  temptation  to  violate  it 
troubled  my  thoughts.  Once  when  bowed  before  the  Lord  in  se- 
cret, all  recollections  except  of  the  solemn  vow  fled  from  my  mem- 
ory ;  and  not  an  idea  or  a  word  occurring  to  mind,  the  fearful  ex- 
pectation was  excited,  that  I  should  be  compelled  to  rise  without 
offering  a  single  petition  to  Heaven.  But  finally  thd  words  of  the 
publican, "  Grod  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner,"  came  to  my  recollec- 
tion and  were  as  soon  repeated.  Then  I  arose  and  returned 
weeping  because  of  the  hanlness  of  my  heart  Again  while  pray- 
ing, I  used  every  effort  to  picture  to  my  view  the  horrors  of  the 
burning  world,  and  bring  to  my  soul  a  feeling  sense  of  the  agoniz- 
ing pains  of  the  damned ;  but  instead  of  this,  my  soul  was  filled 
with  joy,  and  the  exclamation,  "  Glory  to  God !"  burst  from  my 
lips.  Then  for  the  first  time  the  thought  was  suggested,  that  pos- 
sibly God  had  already  forgiven  my  sins. 

Though  my  opportunity  at  school  had  been  small,  I  had  fortu- 
nately succeeded  in  learning  to  read  a  little,  yet  not  without  spell- 
ing many  of  the  words.    My  anxiety  to  become  acquainted  with 


*»0 


MRMOIRI  or 


the  »:>v:ripturc8  was  very  great.  Yet  as  my  parentfl  were  poor  wd 
in  a  new  country,  we  had  to  endure  many  privatknu.  Genertilly, 
labor  (M'enpied  all  my  time  during  the  day,  and  it  beio^  difficult 
for  ns  to  (»>itain  candles,  I  resorted  to  the  expedient  ot  climbing 
trees  to  procure  the  bark  of  Uie  hickory,  which  bums  with  much 
flame ;  and  by  the  light  of  this  fire,  I  commenced  reading  the  Bi- 
ble with  anxious  interest  and  a  prayerAil  heart,  frequently  continu- 
ing  my  study  two  or  three  hours  after  the  fiunily  had  retired  to 
rest.  As  my  acquaintance  with  the  experience  and  evidences  of 
the  Christian  increased,  the  conviction  gradually  settled  in  my  mind, 
that  one  poor  and  unworthy  as  myself,  might  claim  the  nch  and 
precious  promises  of  the  gospel.     Then  again  doubts  and  fears 

eined  me,  lest  I  should  build  upon  a  false  hope  and  finally  peri:  l>. 
y  prayer  to  God  was,  "If  I  have  received  remission  of  *>^\'tr, 
grant  unto  me  an  evidence  of  the  same,  and  forbid  that  I  should  trust 
in  anything  short  of  that  effectual  change,  which  alone  chu  prepare 
the  soul  for  the  pare  joys  of  the  heavenly  world."  My  mind  con- 
tinued thus  exercised  in  rapplication,  until,  though  slow  of  heart  to 
believe,  a  partial  witness  of  having  experienced  regeneration  |^ad- 
dened  my  heart  and  caused  me  to  exclaim  with  the  angels,  "  Ovor 
Jttdah's  hallowed  plain,"  "  Glory  to  €rod  in  the  highest ;  on  earth, 
peace,  and  good  will  towanl  men." 

The  period  from  my  consecrating  myself  to  Qod  by  oath  till 
this  time  was  eighteen  months.  Soon  after,  m  a  conference  meet- 
ing of  the  Galvinistic  Papists,  I  arose  for  the  first  time,  repeated 
a  hymn  that  rested  With  some  weight  on  my  mind,  and  then  sat 
down.  Some  were  .^urpri8<cKl,  for  asyet  nothing  had  escaped  my 
lips,  respecting  my  state  of  mind.  The  deacon  asked  me  if  I  had 
experienced  a  change  of  heart.  I  was  embarrassed,  fearing  to  say 
that  I  had,  or  had  not ;  bat  after  a  short  paose,  I  answered,  "  I 
do  not  know."  He  then  remarked,  that  he  had  observed  many  in 
childhood  commence  apparently  a  religions  course,  but  that  it  had 
■  given  him  little  satisfaction,  as  they  had  generally  tamed  to  the 
worid  in  a  short  time,  and  when  arrived  at  manhood,  they  had  be- 
come the  worst  of  men.  His  words  sunk  deep  into  my  heart,  and, 
with  my  own  trials  and  fears,  shook  my  confi  '..••?«'  P^ubts  like  a 
flood  rushed  again  upon  m  -.  for  I  thought,  wer?i  1  *;  ^  '  -  'Jan,  surf '  v 
they  would  take  me  by  the  hand  and  gently  >  ':iu  ri  the  way. 
But,  being  unwilling  to  give  up  heaven,  I  oontmned  more  fervent 
in  prayer,  constantly  asking  of  the  Lord  wisdom,  patience  and 
hamili^,  beseeching  him  to  keep  me  from  deception  and  false 
hopes.  He  lent  a  gracions  ear,  and  instead  of  sinking  under 
.  hlny  my  fa;th  was  increased,  and  my  hope  so  confirmed,  that  not 
^  >.  Jiii  rer*  fitted ;  and  I  thought  frequently,  though  the  world 
^h->a  J  ^l!}][>ute,  I  could  but  believe  Heaven  had  bestowed  the 


■  >i.;«*.'^Wit  *.;.: 


DAVID  MAKKB. 


SI 


> 

a 


"  pearl  ot  ffrt^tA  prioc"  "When  a  few  weeks  bad  passed,  1  arose 
in  a  meeting  u.  cr  the  sermon,  and  declared  my  conviction,  that  by 
the  grace  of  God  my  soul  had  been  '  rc«l/'«med  from  an>ong  men. ' 
Returning  home  great ,  cace  gladdened  my  litart.  Mv  faith  be- 
came more  settled,  and  at  times  my  joy  seemed  to  be  full.  I  had 
always  supposed  that  a  change  of  heart  was  accompanied  with 
some  outward  wonder ;  that  the  Savior  or  an  an^el  would  appear 
in  the  heavens ;  or  some  sudden  shwk,  as  of  electricity,  would  for 
an  instant  cause  pain  of  body.  And  when  Jusus  in  a  still  small 
voice  removed  my  guilt  and  filled  my  soul  with  peace  and  joy,  ex- 
perience was  so  opposite  to  my  expectation,  tliat  it  oflen  seemed 
impossible  that  it  could  be  a  saving  change  which  thus  caused  mo 
to  rejoice  and  love  the  humble  saints. 

One  rule  given  in  the  word  of  God,  wheroby  we  mav  know  thut 
we  have  passed  from  death  unto  life,  is,  'ove  to  the  brethren. 
This  witness  is  plain ;  and  when  we  have  ortain  evidence  that 
our  attachment  to  the  saints  is  peculiar  to  th(  r  Christian  charac- 
ter, and  proportionate  to  the  degree  of  holine^  ^  they  possess,  then 
we  may  be  sure  that  we  have  been  accepted  of  the  Lord.  The 
Christian  need  not  remain  in  doubts,  darkness  and  tempests,  but 
may  come  to  the  faith  of  assurance ;  not  by  wuiting  for  God  to 
work  miracles  for  his  confirmation,  but  by  searching  the  Scripture 
evidences,  proving  his  own  heart,  and  constantly  bearing  the  cross. 
When  Naaman  the  Syrian  came  to  the  prophet  oi  Israel,  he  sup- 
posed  that  some  great  thing  would  be  wrought  visibly,  to  effect  a 
cure  of  his  leprosy.  Thus,  many  have  expected  that  regeneration 
should  efiect  some  change  in  nature,  or  that  some  isible  wonder, 
rather  than  submission  of  heart,  should  give  them  evidence  of  sal- 
vation. And  when  a  silent  voice  has  removed  their  burden,  and 
composure  of  soul  with  love  to  God  and  his  people  has  succeeded, 
they  have  passed  the  time  of  their  conversion  without  a  witness  of 
it ;  and  though  unable  to  find  their  former  convictions  and  condem- 
nation, they  have  neglected  to  take  the  cross  or  embra  e  the  prom- 
ises, and  thus  for  years  have  walked  in  darkness,  i.  >t  knowing 
whither  they  went  Would  such  diligently  B<iarch  the  Scriptures, 
examine  their  heai'ts  and  try  their  spirit,  they  would  lei^rn  the  na- 
ture and  evidqpce  of  a  saving  change,  and  thereby  know  as  well  as 
Paul,  "  If  their  earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle  were  dissolved, 
they  have  a  building  of  God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eter- 
naX  in  the  heavens ;"  and  instead  of  continuing  babes  i  n  knowl- 
edge, they  would  grow  to  the  stature  of  men  and  women  in  Christ 
Jesus.  !i-. 

No  revival  marked  the  period  of  my  conversion  and  public  pro- 
fession of  the  same.  Professors  were  greatly  at  ease  in  Zion,  and 
scorn,  contempt,   and  derision  were  heaped  upon  me.     However, 


MSMOIBS  OF 


'^f 


i*tv 


ifaffiMted  me  little,  for  the  applause  and  glory  of  the  world  ap- 
peared as  vanity  of  vanities ;  **  All  flesh  seemed  as  grass  and  the 
flower  of  grass ;"  bat  the  approbation  of  God,  as  a  treasure  that 
endureth  forever.  Though  opposition  and  persecution  from  nearly 
all  were  combined  to  discourage  me,  yet  the  Lord  gave  grace  and 
strength  equal  to  my  day,  and  enabled  me  in  all  places,  as  oppor- 
tunity presented,  to  bear  the  cross  and  testify  to  the  truth.  lu  the 
public  assembly,  even  when  there  was  no  liberty  given,  feeling  the 
Lord  required  it,  I  was  frequent  in  my  testimonies.  For  this, 
many  thought  me  forward,  but  in  no  other  way  could  I  have  a 
conscience  void  of  offence  toward  Crod  and  man. 

In  the  fall  of  the  year  1818,  upon  relating  my  experience  to 
the  Calvinistic  Baptist  church  in  Junius,  they  received  me  as  a 
candidate  for  baptism ;  but  as  it  was  then  evening,  rainy,  and  the 
water  two  miles  distant  through  woods,  they  deferred  its  perform- 
ance till  the  next  covenant  meeting.  At  the  appointed  time,  I  at- 
tended with  a  change  of  raiment ;  but  here  unexpected  trials  came 
upon  me.  The  minister  being  unable  to  attend,  in  consequence  of 
illness,  a  licensed  preacher  of  Junius  church,  spoke  to  the  people. 
I  was  not  only  disappointed  in  not  being  baptized,  but  not  a  mem- 
ber of  the  church  spoke  a  word  of  comfort  to  me,  or  even  asked  of 
my  welfare.  Had  I  not  been  a  child,  weak  and  inexperienced,  per- 
ha^  this  coldness  would  not  have  been  noticed;  but  it  touched  a 
teller  cord.  I  returned  home  much  depressed  in  spirit,  feeling  as 
though  I  had  no  one  to  encouriige  or  lead  me  in  the  way  of  du- 
ty. Bat  the  Lord* was  my  helper,  uid  God  was  my  refuge;  his 
arm  upheld  me,  and  he  turned  my  sorrow  into  rejoicing.  After 
this^  I  continued'to  attend  their  covenant  meetings,  in  which  they 
practiced  speaking  to  each  member  of  the  church,  but  gave  no  lib- 
erty to  others.  Believing  the  command  to  be  baptized  still  obli- 
gatory, and  feeling  anxious  to  walk  in  the  path  of  obedience,  twice 
at  different  periods,  I  spoke  without  liberty,  at  the  close  of  the 
meeting,  and  renewed  my  request  for  baptism ;  but  received  no  di- 
rect answer.  None  of  the  members  pretended  even  to  speak  to 
me,  and  the  same  c«ldness  was  constantly  manifested  on  all  occa- 
sions. The  cause  I  knew  not ;  but  it  finally  worked  Jfor  my  good, 
as  it  taught  me,  that  in  the  Rock  of  ages  alone  should  be  my  trust 
and  my  strength. 

My  parents,  believing  the  ministry  would  be  the  great  work  of 
my  life,  and  that  a  collegiate  course  of  study  was  a  necessary 
preparation,  concluded  to  place  me  in  a  free  school,  as  they  them- 
selves were  unable  to  defray  the  consequent  expense.  Having 
heard  that  in  Providence,  R.  L,  provisions  were  made  for  educa- 
ting the  indigent,  I  left  home  alone  at  the  age  of  thirteen,  in  com- 
pliance with  the  wishes  of  my  parents,  to  travel  on  foot  the  dis- 


.    ^       ■  •&•   ■       '-^tf  a.'     JlJ.tf^-t..X,  - 


DAVID  1LUIK8. 

tanoe  of  368  milea,  expecting  to  be  absent  five  or  six  years.  My 
Heavenly  Father  provided  me  friends.  Strangers,  when  they 
learned  ihe  object  of  my  journey,  were  very  kind,  often  bestowing 
a  little  m<niey  to  defray  my  expenses :  s<Hnetimes  they  would  we^, 
and  frequently  express  much  surprise  upon  seeing  a  child  alone  so 
far  from  home.  Al  times,  while  thinking  of  my  friends  beneath 
the  parental  roetf,  lonely  and  solitary  feeUngs  weighed  down  my 
spirit,  yet  the  Lord  of  Hosts  was  my  comforter.  He  dispersed 
the  gloom  by  pouring  heavenly  consolation  into  my  bosom.  Fre- 
quent o^ortunities  of  riding  reHeved,  in  a  great  measure,  the  te- 
diousness  of  the  journey.  Tu  twelve  days  I  reached  Providence, 
and  was  kindly  received  by  Mr.  Messers,  President  of  Brown 
University,  to  whom  I  delivered  a  letter  from  my  parents.  After 
a  stay  of  two  days,  he  infonned  me  that  tuiUon  would  be  free,  b«i 
no  provision  was  made  fi>r  board  and  (Nothing ;  and  advised  me  to 
go  to  an  Institution  in  Mass.  where  he  thought  a  reception  wo|ild 
be  aflEbrded,  agreeably  to  my  wishes.* 

He  Q^ed  me  a  leUer  of  introduction  to  the  Directors  of  that 
Institution,  but  the  fear  that  admission  would  not  be  granted,  and 
an  expectation  that  equal  privileges  might  be  enjoyed  nearer 
home,  in  Hamilton,  N.  Yoik,  where  a  free  school  was  soon  to  be 
established,  induced  me  to  return  homeward.  My  heart  wa/3  not 
free  from  trial  and  temptation.  While  travelling  one  evening  near 
Albany,  I  came  to  a  toll  bridge,  and  all  around  being  silent,  the 
following  suggestions  were  presented.  "  You  are  now  a  child,  in 
a  land  cMf  strangers,  without  sufficient  money  to  bear  your  expen- 
ses to  your  parents ;  you  can  cliinb  this  gate,  pass  over  tlie  bridge 
without  homing  it,  and  thus  save  a  little  that  will  do  you  good 
without  injury  to  any  one."  With  these  views,  I  passed  over  the 
gate,  when  fodUngs  of  guilt  and  condemnation  so  burdened  me,  that 
I  turned  aside  to  a  retired  place,  and  there  laid  my  case  before 
the  Lord,  beseeching  him  to  lead  me  in  the  path  of  duty,  and  keep 
me  from  sinning  against  him.  Feeling  an  impression  to  return 
and  like  an  bwiest  child,  pay  for  crossing  the  bridge,  I  sincerely 
wished  myself  the  other  side  of  the  gate.  Thinking  the  deed 
must  be  undone,  and  not  wishing  it  to  be  known,  I  concluded  to 
climb  the  gate,  and  then  request  to  have  it  opened  for  my  passage ; 
but  while  in  the  act  of  getting  over,  a  woman  heard  me,  and  com- 
ing to  the  do(Mr,  much  to  my  alarm,  exclaimed ;  ^  What !  are  you 
climbing  the  giU«  ?"  Trembling,  I  related  to  her  my  situation,  the 
struggle  of  my  mind  with  regard  to  duty,  and  my  wish  to  pay  the 


Hie 


*  I  was  ftft^rWarAs  kif<Mmed  4]iat  some  of  tfi6  stttdents  inu<^nig^ttec[  flier 
had  not  known  mj  oase;  and  tliat  diev  said  had  they  known  it,  thcf  woouL 
have  fiustained  me  thraogh  a  course  or  stndy.      ^^   j    -..^c   ^3*;/:'.-^  ,  ,^^:  , 


• --«... 


:.>. 


^  '     HEHOIBS  OF 

toll.  Laughing  heartily,  she  replied,  "  Ah,  dear  child,  you  may  go 
free,  I  will  receive  nothing,  and  may  blessings  follow  you."  She 
then  opened  the  gate,  when  with  a  light  heart  and  an  approving 
conscience  I  continued  my  journey  and  reached  home  after  an  ab> 
sence  of  twenty-five  days. 

Passages  were  so  frequently  given  me  in  stages  and  in  other  car- 
riages, that  not  more  than  one  third  of  this  journey  was  perform- 
ed on  foot.  And  with  few  exceptions,  those  persons  with  whom  I 
lodged  would  not  accept  any  recompense,  but  they  generally  con- 
versed familiarly  with  me,  and  asked  me  to  pray^  with  them.  Com- 
plying with  their  invitations  my  soul  was  often  greatly  blessed. 
After  my  return,  the  information  that  none  could  be  freely  educat- 
ed in  Hamilton  without  bail,  that  should  be  accountable  for  the  ex- 
pense, in  case  they  should  ever  preach  any  other  doctrine  than  that 
believed  by  the  Calvinistic  Baptists,  induced  me  to  relinquish  the 
idea  of  pursuing  a  course  of  literary  study?  '•• 

I  continued  to  attend  the  Baptist  covenant  meetings,  and  was 
treated  with  the  same  studi.  1  coldness  as  before.  Six  months  had 
passed  since  the  church  received  me  as  a  candidate  for  baptism, 
and  still  all  was  silence  on  the  subject  As  yet,  the  vote  of  fel- 
lowship had  neither  been  recalled  nor  disannulled.  A  sense  of  the 
solemn  duty  lay  so  heavily  on  my  mind,  that  I  agun  renewed  the 
request,  in  case  they  still  believed  me  a  fit  subject ;  and  if  not,  I 
desired  them  to  let  me  know  it.  They  now  discussed  the  subject, 
and  observed  that  when  I  was  received,  a  part  of  the  church  only 
was  present,  consequently  the  absent  members  were  unacquainted 
with  my  e;xperience ;  and  added,  that  some  of  those  who  did 
receive  me,  on  consideration  had  changed  their  minds.  Being 
requested,  I  again  related  my  experience  and  my  present  exercis- 
ei.  They  wished  to  know  my  sentiments  concerning  particular  and 
unconditional  election,  and  communion,  as  believed  and  practiced 
by  them.  I  told  them  it  was  a  doubt  in  my  mind  whether  those 
views  were  agreeable  to  the  Scriptures.  The  whole  church,  with 
one  exception,  voted  they  were  not  satisfied  with  my  experience 
and  could  not  receive  me.  Trials  now  pressed  heavily  upon  me,  and 
I  felt  like  a  lone  and  friendless  child.  Something  whispered, 
"  What  folly  to  think  you  are  a  Christian,  when  men  of  piety  and 
experience  disown  you.  You  ai*e  but  a  child,  and  do  you  know 
more  than  the  whole  church  ?"  My  temptations  were  very  great. 
But  to  the  Lord  only  could  I  go ;  and  had  he  not  granted  succor 
by  especially  manifesting  himself,  despondence  would  have  discour- 
aged me,  and  that  perhaps  forever.  My  oath  was  sacred,  and  its 
performance  diligently  attended.  The  grace  of  God  was  sufficient 
for  me,  and  the  consolation  of  his  Spirit  gladdened  my  heart.  My 
peace  became  like  a  river,  and  wintry  trials  ga¥4}  place  to  the 


DAVID  MABK0. 


25 


cheering  joys  of  spring  and  summer.  I  attended  meetings  with 
diflferent  denominations,  particulariy  the  Methodist,  and  often  had 
happy  seasons,  feeling  my  spiritual  strength  renewed.  But  tfaei^ 
sentiments  not  being  in  every  particulfu:  congenial  with  my  own,  I 
could  not  find  that  my  home  was  with  them.  ^ 

In  the  month  of  July,  1819,  Elder  Zcbuton  Dean  and  his  doth" 
panion  having  heard  of  my  situation  and  feeling  interested,  sent 
an  appointment  to  our  neighborhood,  and  came  thirty  miles,  accom" 
panied  by  brother  Samuel  Wire,  then  an  unordained  preacher,  and 
two  oUier  brethren.  They  were  Free-will  Baptists,  and  the  firtt 
of  whom  I  had  any  knowledge.  On  Saturday,  July  10th,  I  ittet 
with  them  and  learned  their  sentiments  and  spirit,  which  so  well 
accorded  wi^  my  own  views  and  feelings,  that  desiring  to  be  bap- 
tized, I  related  to  them  my  experience  and  sentiments,  abo  the 
manner  in  which  my  application  to  unite  with  the  Baptist  chnrdii 
had  been  received  and  idierwards  rejected.  They  expressed  satis- 
faction with  my  experience,  approved  of  my  sentiments,  and  the 
next  day,  being  the  Sabbath,  a  meeting  was  appointed  for  preach- 
ing and  examination  at  the  house  where  the  Baptist  church  usually 
met  for  worship.  They  having  been  invited  to  attend,  were  gen- 
erally present  with  a  large  concourse  of  people.  After  sermon, 
being  requested,  I  stood  upon  a  bench,  and  again  related  the  deal- 
ings of  the  Lord  with  me.  Elder  Dean  requested  the  church  to 
state  the  reason  why  they  did  not  receive  me.  After  a  space  of 
silence,  one  of  the  members  answered,  that  it  had  been  understood 
the  child  was  disobedient  to  his  parents.  This  repbrt  to  me  wa» 
new ;  but  on  being  traced  to  its  source  in  presence  m  the  assembly, 
it  was  manifest  that  it  had  originated  in  misunderstancGng ;  and  fks- 
it  was  contradicted  by  my  parents  and' others,  Eld^r  Dean  still 
called,  not  only  on  the  church,  but  on  the  whole  assembly,  to  show 
if  they  knew  any  reason  that  should  debar  me  from  the  privileges 
of  the  house  of  GU)d,  and  if  not,  charged  them  forever  to  hold  their 
peace.  Nothing  more  being  said,  the  assembly  resorted  to  the 
water.  To  me  this  was  a  long  desired  and  pleasant  hour.  When 
led  into  the  stream,  feeling  impressed  to  address  the  people,  I  turn- 
ed and  declared  to  them  my  weariness  of  transgression,  and  my  de- 
termination, through  grace,  forever  to  forsake  all  sin,  the  way  of 
the  wicked,  and  to  travel  the  narrow  way  to  the  city  of  Grod.  Af- 
ter earnestly  soliciting  those  of  my  age  and  all  sinners  to  begin 
with  me  to  seek  a  better  world,  I  assured  them  if  they  would  not,  I 
must  leave  them  forever ;  and  called  heaven  and  earth,  the  assem- 
bly, and  even  the  water  in  which  I  stood,  to  record  my  separation 
from  the  world,  and  to  witness  against  me  in  the  judgment  day,  if  I 
should  ever  forsake  the  Lord ;  then,  having  been  laid  in  the  bap' 
tismal  grave  and  raised  again,  I  went  on  my  way  rejoicing. 
3 


K: 


te 


MKMOIHS  OF 


'' 


■> 


« 


:;i. 


On  the  17th  of  the  same  month,  I  attended  the  Benton  quarterlj 
meeting  of  the  Free-will  Baptists  in  the  town  of  Phelps,  eighteen 
miles  from  my  father's,  and  was  there  received  a  member  of  the 
church  in  that  place.  Five  were  baptized,  and  a  profitable  season 
was  enjoyed.  After  this  Elder  Dean  and  brother  Wire  frequently 
preached  in  Junius.  A  revival  followed  their  labors,  in  which 
some  of  my  former  persecutoii's  were  converted  to  the  faith  of  the 
gospel.  In  the  ensuing  autumn  brother  Wire  was  ordained.  He 
and  Elder  Dean  baptized  fifteen  in  Junius  who  united  with  the 
church  in  Phelps ;  but  in  January  following,  they  were  dismissed 
and  acknowledged  a  church  in  Junius,  taking  the  Scriptures  for 
their  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice.  Being  absent  at  the  time  of 
its  organization  I  did  not  become  one  of  its  members  till  the  ensu- 
ing spring.  This  church  walked  in  gospel  order  several  months 
and  enjoyed  many  happy  seasons.  But  the  summer  of  prosperity 
passed  and  the  winter  of  adversity  succeeded.  Seven  or  eight,  who 
first  united  and  were  well  engaged,  soon  turned  aside  after  satan 
and  walked  no  more  with  us.  Every  feeling  of  my  soul  was  pain- 
ed, when  those  with  whom  I  had  taken  sweet  counsel,  thus  wounded 
the  innocent  cause  of  Jesus  and  brought  it  into  reproach.  But 
while  our  number  decreased  by  excommunications,  the  Lord  more 
than  supplied  the  vacancies  by  adding  to  the  church  of  such  as 
should  be  saved.  Determined  by  the  help  of  Grod  to  walk  in  the 
truth  and  keep  all  the  commandments,  I  embraced  every  opportu- 
nity of  attending  meetings  of  worship,  when  generally  my  spirit  was 
pressed  within  me  to  warn  the  wicked  of  the  necessity  of  a  prepar- 
ation to  meet  God ;  and  I  seldom  remained  silent,  as  this  brought 
condemnation  to  my  soul. 


■"■■.■J . 'i-.f 


27 


DAYID  MARKS. 

CHAPTER  ni. 


J  Call  to  the  mmiatiy,  and  some  parlicukirs  of  my  exercises  and  'f 
gospel  labors  for  three  months. 

i.. 

November  4,  1820,  completed  my  fifteenth  .year.  On  this  day^ 
going  alone  into  a  wood  on  a  high  hill  while  the  rain  was  desoend* 
ing,  I  fell  upoq  the  ground  and  formally  dedicated  myself  anew  to 
Grod,  promising  faithfulness  and  full  submission  to  his  will. .  In  this 
dedication,  casting  my  eyes  upon  the  surrounding  country,  Fhad  a 
view  of  the  gospel  harvest,  and  felt  the  first  serious  impression, 
that  duty  would  call  me  to  labor  therein. 

On  January  1, 1821,  having  been  solicited  by  Elder  Dean,  I  left 
home  and  went  to  Benton  and  Milo,  where  a  revival  was  progress- 
ing, and  there  attended  several  meetkigs  with  the  Elder,  generally 
giving  an  exhortation  after  sermon.  Thus  three  weeks  quickly 
passed,  when  my  parents  meeting  me  at  the  Benton  quarterly  meet- 
ing in  Phelps,  desired  my  immediate  return.  Elders  Dean  and 
Fowler,  after  some  entreaty,  obtained  their  leave  for  my  attendance 
at  an  extra  quarterly  meeting  in  Ontario.  My  parents  gave  me 
liberty  to  accompany  Elder  Dean  to  several  other  .places  cdso,  pro- 
vided I  should  first  return  with  them.  Acc<M:dingly  I  returned 
home,  and  after  a  stay  of  two  days,  I  left  for  Ontario,  forty  miles 
distant.  A  deep  snow  had  fallen,  which  was  much  drifted,  and  the 
weather  was  extremely  cold,  insomuch  that  few  ventured  iirom  thdr 
firesides.  After  wading"  through  the  snow  thirteen  miles,  and  suf> 
fering  considerably,  I  found  my  toes  were  ftrozen,  and  consequently 
proceeded  no  farther  till  the  next  day.*  Arriving  at  Ontario,  I  was 
glad  to  meet  Elders  Dean  and  Fowler.  At  this  meeting  some  re- 
ft-eshing  was  enjoyed,  and  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  give  me  freedom 
while  speaking  in  his  name.  After  its  close  Elder  Dean  took  me 
with  him  to  Benton,  Milo,  and  Poultney.  In  the  latter  place  the 
power  of  God  was  manifest  in  our  meeting.  One  cried  aloud  for 
mercy  and  soon  after  professed  to  find  pardon.  Others  were  seri- 
ously affected,  but  suffered  the  enemy  to  catch  away  the  seed  that 
was  sown  in  their  hearts. 

Returning  to  Benton  I  attended  a  few  meetings.  During  this 
period,  one  day  when  the  rain  and  snow  were  descending,  I  felt  the 
first  direct  impulse  as  if  from  Heaven,  "  Go  thou  and  preach  the 
gospeV*  Every  surrounding  object  now  assumed  a  mournful  as- 
pect ;  and  retiring  immediately  to  a  wood  on  the  shore  of  Seneca 
lake  half  a  mile  from  any  house,  I  cast  myself  upon  the  beach  where 


*  Afterwards  I  heard  of  nine  persona  who  on  this  day  were  frozen  to  death 
at  different  places  in  this  section. 


s$ 


MBICOIB8  OV 


i'; 


the  restless  waves  uttered  a  hoarse  murmur  on  one  side  and  the 
bleak  winds  rustled  in  the  forest  on  the  other.  Raising  a  tearful 
eye  to  Heaven,  I  exclaimed,  ^  O  my  God,  is  this  truly  from  thee  ? 
and  must  I,  an  ignorant  child,  go  and  preach  thy  gospel  ?"  After 
weeping  awhile  upon  the  ground,  I  arose  and  queried  thus  with 
myself:  "  Can  it  be  that  God  will  pass  bv  the  learned,  the  wise, 
the  experienced,  and  choose  a  child  of  ^fleen  years  to  preach  the 
gospel  r'  When  about  to  answer  in  the  negative,  I  cast  my  eyes 
eastward  as  I  arose,  and  in  an  instant,  by  impression,  saw  myself 
a  friendleiMi  child  running  to  and  fro  in  the  earth  to  warn  the  wick- 
Bi  of  their  danger.  From  these  impressions  I  began  to  gather  that 
God  would  put  me  into  his  vineyard  and  that  the  time  was  at  hand. 
A  view  of  leaving  parental  care,  the  society  of  home,  of  wandering 
in  a  land  of  strangers,  while  yet  but  a  child,  of  fadng  the  trials  and 
persecutions  that  awaited  me,  now  rushed  upon  my  soul,  overpow- 
ctred  my  feelings,  and  constrained  me  to  weep  aloud.  After  this 
liarst  <a  grief  had  a  little  abated,  I  aead,  "  Lord,  I  am  a  child,  how 
can  I  preaeb  ?"  and  walking  over  the  water  on  a  fallen  tree,  I  gaz- 
ed therein  and  thought,  how  pleasant  would  be  a  watery  tomb  if  it 
■sigfat  hide  me  from  a  life  of  exile.  A  sweet  voice  whispered, 
**  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee.  Out  of  the  mouths  of  babes  and 
raoklings,  I  have  perfected  praise."  Duty  was  made  plain;  I 
CKmaented  to  walk  to  ihe  path  ef  obedience  and  peace  of  soul  en- 
toed. 

On  my  return  to  Junius,  iftnding  my  parents  unwilling  to  ^ve  me 
|Mnn{iMOn  to  leave  them  again,  I  rdated  to  them  my  exercise  of 
mind  and  impression  of  ^e  duty  God  reqiiired  of  me ;  and  «dded, 
if  they  tiiought  it  would  be  right  to  keep  me  at  home  they  would 
be  aeoouAtable  and  my  conscience  would  be  dear  in  the  sight  of 
Heaven.  They  thought  they  should  be  justifiable  in  thus  doing, 
and  told  me  my  labor  was  so  much  needed  they  could  not  spare 
Bie.  I  returned  to  my  former  avocations,  but  nature  seemed  cloth- 
ed with  solemnity }  the  concerns  of  earth  seemed  of  little  moment ; 
the  hapless  children  of  men,  sinl^ing  to  wo  by  unbelief,  were  con- 
stantly presented  to  my  view.  Day  and  night  I  wept  and  mourn- 
ed for  them  at  mercy's  altar.  Sleep  often  fled  my  pillow  while  it 
was  bedewed  with  tears. 

One  evening,  after  retiring  to  rest,  a  sense  of  the  state  of  the 
wicked  rolled  upon  my  mind ;  and  a  little  aft«r  midnight,  I  retired 
to  the  lonely  forest,  and  there  prostrated  myself  on  the  snow.  Du- 
ty called  me  to  go  out  into  the  world  and  warn  my  fellow  creatures 
to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of  sal- 
vation, "  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord,  and  the  day  of  vengeance 
pf  our  God."  Again,  a  view  of  the  storms  of  opposition  and  per- 
secution that  awaited  me  was  suddenly  presented,  together  with 


DAVID  MABK8. 


29 


the  painful  scene  of  leaving  the  tender  care  of  those  dear  parents 
who  from  the  days  of  infancy  had  guided  the  steps  of  my  child- 
hood and  checked  its  waywardness.  My  beloved  brothers  and  dear 
sister  clung  to  my  affections.  I  recollected  my  scanty  education, 
having  enjoyed  the  advantages  of  a  school  only  ten  months ;  and 
had  to  reflect  on  my  situation,  destitute  even  of  convenient  raiment. 
I  thought,  surely  men  will  despise  my  youth  as  well  as  my  coun- 
sel, and  the  truth  will  be  disgraced.  Yet  the  path  in  which  God 
was  calling  me  to  walk  was  made  plain,  and  in  obedience  alone 
was  peace.  Clay  had  been  used  to  open  the  eyes  of  the  blind  and 
the  power  of  God  was  still  the  same.  Resigning  myself  to  his 
will,  my  heart  was  encouraged,  and  I  desired  the  Lord  to  open  the 
way  that  my  whole  time  might  be  devoted  to  warn  the  unconvert- 
ed and  point  them  to  the  Lamb  of  God,  and  I  believed  that  I 
should  bear  patiently  their  abuse,  contempt,  and  reproach.  These 
exercises  of  mind  continued  and  increased  while  sorrow  was  de- 
picted on  my  countenance.  In  my  sleeping  and  waking  moments 
I  felt  that  the  blood  of  souls  would  be  required  at  my  hand,  and 
that  '  wo'  would  be  mine,  if  I  preached  not  the  gospel.  ^i 

One  day  while  cutting  trees  in  the  wood,  I  became  almost  lost  to 
all  sense  of  my  labor,  and  frequently  sat  down  and  wept  for  the 
miseries  that  awaited  the  ungodly.  My  father  observing  this  call- 
ed me  to  the  house.  Endeavoring  to  conceal  my  grief,  I  obeyed 
his  call  without  any  suspicion  of  his  motive.  Giving  me  a  chair  he 
asked  me  to  sit  down.  This  unusual  manner  excited  my  surprise ; 
I  observed  both  his  countenance  and  my  mother's  were  sad,  and 
they  appeared  to  have  been  weeping.  With  an  agitated  voice  my 
father  said  tenderly,  "My  son,  why  have  you  been  weeping r* 
Till  now,  I  had  not  thought  my  grief  had  been  discovered ;  but 
after  a  pause  I  answered :  "  The  Lord  is  calling  me  to  warn  poor 
perishing  sinners  of  their  danger,  but  I  cannot  go,  for  my  parents 
are  unwilling."  They  burst  into  tears,  and  my  father  siud,  **  My 
son,  you  may  go.  For  some  time  we  have  felt  we  were  like  Pha- 
raoh who  would  not  let  the  children  of  Israel  goto  worship  God  in 
the  wilderness.  We  give  you  your  time,  and  will  no  longer  detain 
you."  My  feelings  were  overpowered.  Our  tears  mingled  togeth- 
er and  I  thanked  God. 

At  this  time  a  great  revival  was  progressing  in  Brutus  and  Ca- 
millus,  twenty  miles  from  Junius.  Feeling  anxious  to  see  this 
work  and  labor  in  it  according  to  my  ability,  I  left  home,  walked 
fifteen  miles  to  Brutus,  and  spent  the  night  among  strangers,  who 
were  kind.  The  next  day,  understanding  Elder  E.  Shaw  would 
preach  and  baptize  about  four  miles  from  the  place  of  my  lodging, 
I  went  to  his  meeting.  I  knew  no  difference  among  Christians, 
and  I  thought  the  countenances  of  the  people  showed  who  among 


so 


MBMOIM   or 


i;. 


them  were  the  followers  of  the  Lamb.  After  preaching,  several 
spdce  of  the  things  God  bad  done  for  them,  and  it  seemed  that  I 
was  in  my  Father's  family.  Standing  upon  a  bench  in  order  to  see 
the  assembbr,  I  exhorted  them  a  few  moments  and  remarked,  that 
at  the  antediluvians  were  disobedient  while  the  ark  was  preparing 
and  the  flood  destroyed  them ;  so  if  they  in  this  revival,  and  in  this 
Ufe  were  indifferent,  the  Lord  would  send  a  storm  of  fire  and  de- 
stroy them  in  like  manner.  I  enjoyed  much  freedom  and  it  pleas- 
ed the  Lord  to  touch  the  assembly.  After  meeting,  many  spoke 
with  me,  invited  me  to  their  houses,  and  to  attend  different  meet- 
ings, so  that  I  no  more  felt  as  a  stranger  or  wanted  an  open  door. 
At  ib»  conclusion,  Elder  Shaw  baptized  eleven  who  came  out  of 
the  stream  apparently  very  happy,  and  some  of  them  shouted  for 
^  joy.  The  evening  was  spent  m  a  prayer  meeting  that  continued 
nearly  all  night,  in  which  three  professed  to  be  converted. 

Several  days  following  were  spent  in  Brutus,  attending  grayer, 
conference,  and  preaching  meetings,  and  visiting  families.  I  em- 
braced every  opportunity  of  testifying  to  all,  small  and  great,  rich 
and  poor,  both  pubHely  and  fhim  house  to  house,  repentance  to- 
ward God  and  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  Some  were  awak- 
ened, and  professed  to  obtain  reeoncifiation  with  God.  In  one  of  • 
my  visits  at  a  public  house,  I  desired  to  pray  with  the  family,  but 
wa«  denied ;  tiiien  I  requested  the  privilege  of  praying  in  the  bar- 
room, where  the  traveUer  is  allowed  to  swear  withovt  asking  leave, 
Irat  tihis  also  was  denied.  Reflecting  that  the  street  was  free,  and 
■observing  there  would  be  liberty  there,  I  went  out  and  kneeled 
<down  befmw  the  house,  and  besought  the  Lord  to  have  mercy  on 
this  family.  Meanwhile  as  I  was  afterward  informed,  the  landlord 
took  a  horse-whip,  came  out  to  drive  me  away  from  prayer  and 
vrhip  me  from  the  place ;  but  meeting  a  young  man  of  the  Presby- 
terian church  at  his  door  who  had  just  commenced  preaching,  he 
neized  him  by  the  collar,  and  said,  "  You  rascal,  why  have  you  sent 
that  boy  here  to  pray  f"  The  yoang  man  replied,  "  I  have  not : 
Ood  sent  him."  Before  the  dispute  ended,  I  was  visiting  other  fam- 
ilies. SUQ  the  revival  passed,  and  this  family  took  not  warning  to 
tontkB  their  sins,  neither  shared  they  in  the  work. 

Li  a  part  of  Brutus  called  Jericho,  a  young  man  whom  I  was  ex- 
liorting  to  repentance  swore  very  wickedly,  for  which  I  told  him 
he  must  give  account  to  God.  He  raised  his  axe  and  bade  me 
**  Be  gMie,**  swearing  if  I  said  any  more  he  would  throw  it  at  my 
head.  Taming  to  go  away,  I  replied,  "  Remember  for  all  these 
ttogs  God  will  bring  thee  into  judgment."  He  appeared  angry, 
and  easting  down  his  axe  took  up  a  stidc  of  wood  with  both  hands 
«Md  tiirew  at  me.  I  was  then  abont  a  rod  frmn  him,  and  immedi- 
ately stopped  in  order  to  suffer  patiently  the  effects  of  his  wrath, 


1'; 


DATID  MABM. 


m 


hoping  that  conviction  might  fasten  on  his  heart.  The  stick  passed 
just  over  my  head ;  he  threw  a  second  that  passed  behind  me ;  a 
third  wliich  only  touched  my  leg ;  a  fourth  that  just  missed  me.  It 
really  seemed  the  Lord  was  my  defence.  Not  satisfied  with  these 
attempts  at  abuse,  he  came  with  a  loaded  horse-whip  and  gave  me 
a  severe  blow  which  caused  exquisite  pain  and  led.  its  mark  for 
two  weeks.  His  father  with  some  others,  stopped  him  and  pre- 
vented any  further  violence.  Proceeding  a  little  distance  on  my 
way,  I  felt  grieved  at  his  awful  situation,  and  prayed  God  to  have 
mercy  on  his  soul.  While  on  my  knees,  the  young  man  passed  by, 
and  swearing  very  wickedly  loaded  me  witli  curses. 

In  the  latter  part  of  my  stay  in  these  regions,  I  attended  several 
meetings  in  the  village  of  Elbridge  where  the  revival  was  progress- 
ing powerfully,  and  visited  considerably  from  house  to  house,  pray- 
ing with  the  anxious  and  exhorting  them  to  resign  every  thing  for 
Jesus'  sake.  In  the  family  of  a  certain  lawy«r  where  I  had  been 
invited,  I  enjoyed  much  freedom  in  conversation  and  prayer.  One 
of  the  daughters  was  awakened  to  seek  the  "  pearl  of  great  price." 
Shortly  afterward,  her  father  told  me  that  she  had  become  discour- 
aged, and  invited  me  to  call  again.  I  complied  with  his  request 
and  again  prayed  with  her,  and  she  again  renewed  her  covenant. 
Soon  after  this,  she  was  converted  and  publicly  professed  faith  in 
Christ.  Withhi  the  circle  of  my  visits,  was  the  family  of  a  respec- 
table merchant  who  himself  was  a  lover  of  religion,  but  his  com- 
panion was  o|^sed  to  the  revival.  I  requested  liberty  to  pray, 
which  was  granted ;  and  my  poor  heart  felt  encouraged,  when  as  I 
arose,  his  wife  was  in  tears.  After  adding  a  few  words  of  exhw- 
tation,  I  wrat  out — the  merchant  following,  spoke  affectionately  to 
me  and  left  a  half  dollar  in  my  hand.  Sm>n  after,  by  his  request  I 
visited  ^m  a  second  time  and  prayed  with  his  ccnaapanion,  who 
again  seemed  afiected  but  not  fully  persuaded  to  embrace  Christ. 
Alas  I  how  mtmy  wait  for  a  c<Hivenient  season  to  their  own  de- 
skvction. 

In  the  east  part  of  Camillns,  I  attended  several  meetings,  pass- 
ed through  some  severe  trials,  and  spent  many  solitary  hours,  feel- 
ing like  a  lonely  stranger  in  the  earth,  often  weeping  till  my  eyes 
were  sore.  Persecution  met  me  on  idmost  every  btmd ;  some  said 
the  lad  ought  to  be  whipped  home,  &c  At  an  evening  meeting 
where  Elder  Morrill  preached,  I  spoke  in  exhortation.  After  its 
close,  no  one  inviting  me  to  a  lod^ng  I  was  left  alone  in  thehotise. 
But  soon  after,  Elder  Morrill  kindly  inquired  fbr  me,  returned,  and 
took  me  to  the  place  where  he  was  staying.  The  grief  and  dis- 
couragement that  overcame  me,  touched  his  heart ;  and  taking  me 
into  his  lap  as  he  would  a  child,  he  spoke  words  of  consolation  that 
gore  me  relief.    I  enjoyed  much  satisfaction  in  the  revival  in  these 


■'M 


-n 


82 


HSMOIRB  OF 


■< 


towns ;  and  notwithstanding  my  seTcro  trials,  my  faith  wa0  conflrm" 
ed  that  duty  called  me  to  labor  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord ;  and 
my  heart  was  encouraged  by  the  success  with  which  God  bless- 
ed my  feeble  endeavors  in  the  awakening  and  conversion  of  a 
few. 

'-  It  was  calculated,  that  in  Brutus,  Camillus,  and  the  a^acent 
towns,  six  or  seven  hundred  professed  to  pass  from  death  unto  life. 
In  this  work  I  labored  about  one  month  and  attended  forty-four 
meetings,  but  did  not  conflno  myself  to  a  text  or  pretend  to  sermon- 
ize. When  about  to  retnm  home,  I  was  much  interested  at  Treat 
settlement  with  Moses  Manrow,  a  lad  of  about  fiileen  years,  be- 
longing to  the  denomination  called  Christian.  He  exhibited  much 
talent  in  public  speaking  for  one  of  his  age,  appeared  humble,  and 
desired  to  travel  with  me.  The  propostd  was  pleasing,  for  I  be- 
lieved he  would  make  a  good  yoke  fellow  in  the  goipel;  and  being 
admitted  as  a  companion,  on  the  17th  of  April,  18'21 ,  he  accompan- 
ied me  on  my  return  to  my  parents. 

...  '  .  ,.>?).  ■»''  >. 


■f'  H-:'    '  ■:'^i^r.i:-'  -.'^fii:■^lurrt^*■■ 


A..... 


-  •>*>»"fc^w-,%i-^WV"»^  N*fc« 


CHAPTER  IV. 


<:      Particulars  of  a  three  mofUhs*  journey  to  Holland  Purchase. 

'■?■ 
J 

A  week  soon  passed  in  the  society  of  the  family  circle  and  it8 
ei^joyment  was  sweet  to  my  soul.  During  this  period,  my  mother 
conversed  and  advised  much  with  me  on  such  subjects  as  she  thought 
would  be  useful ;  a  presentiment  seeming  fixed  in  her  mind,  that 
she  was  enjoying  the  last  opportunity  she  should  ever  have  to  be- 
stow her  counsel.  Her  words  sunk  deep  into  my  heart,  and  with 
thankfulness  I  blessed  God  for  a  pious  and  affectionate  mother. 
The  passing  moments  seemed  precious  while  I  listened  to  the  sweet 
accents  that  fell  from  her  lips  and  endeavored  to  treasure  up  the 
instruction  she  was  giving  me.  Home  was  pleasant ;  but  the  time 
was  at  band  that  required  my  departure. 

The  church  in  Junius  had  given  me  a  letter  of  commendation, 
and  the  morning  of  April  26,  was  appointed  for  my  departure.  It 
dawned  a  beautiful  morning ;  but  grief  sat  heavy  on  our  hearts. 
Together  we  bowed  at  the  altar  of  mercy,  where  often  we  had  felt 
the  consolations  of  Heaven,  and  had  been  united  to  each  other  by 
ties  stronger  than  those  of  natural  affection.  My  mother  with  a 
trembling  voice  called  on  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  fervently  en- 
treated that  his  preserving  power  and  choice  blessings  might  at- 


•  rV 


DAVID   MARKS.  IV 

tend  her  beloved  bod,  just  going  from  her  care  perhaps  forever. 
Often  she  had  prayed  for  me — and  bitter  now  was  the  thousht) 
that  this  might  be  the  last  time  I  should  ever  hear  her  supplica- 
tions in  my  behalf.  The  moment  of  separation  had  come  ;  and  giv- 
ing my  brothers  and  sister  the  parting  hand,  I  passed  from  the 
parental  roof.  My  parents  followed  me  to  the  comer  of  the  house. 
The  weeping  father  then  took  me  by  the  hand,  and  in  a  faltering 
voice,  said,  "  Whenever  you  wish  to  return,  my  house  shall  be 
your  home.  God  bless  you,  my  son.  Farewell."  My  dear  moth- 
er then  giving  me  a  dollar,  grasped  my  hand,  and  pressed  it  af- 
fectionately. On  casting  a  look  at  her  features,  I  saw  thev  were 
convulsed ;  the  big  swelUng  tears  rolling  fast  from  her  eves,  betray- 
ed the  conflict  in  her  bosom.  Her  chin  quivered,  her  lips  moved, 
and  she  faintly  articulated,  "  Adieu !  my  child,  adieu  I  The  Lord 
go  with  thee."  My  spirit  almost  failed  within  me,  while  I  witness- 
ed their  agonizing  emotions.  Bidding  them  farewell,  I  sicrhed 
adieu,  again  and  again.  But  O,  the  feelings  of  my  heart !  Where 
am  I  gomg  ?  Into  the  wide  world — to  face  its  frowns— endure  its 
taunts  and  vile  reproaches,  as  once  my  Master  did.  But,  "  It  is 
enough  that  the  servant  be  as  his  lord."  Coming  to  a  rise  of 
ground  in  sight  of  my  father's  house,  I  turned  to  view  once  more 
the  beloved  forms  of  those  dear  parents,  and  cast  on  them  my  last 
look.  They  were  standing  where  we  parted,  apparently  weeping, 
and  following  with  their  eyes  the  departing  child,  as  though  anxious 
to  catch  the  last  ^mpse.  My  mother's  face  was  somewhat  bowed 
down,  and  the  sight  touched  again  every  tender  feeling,  awakening 
all  my  sympathy,  till  in  addition  to  my  own  their  sorrow  became  my 
sorrow.  I  gave  another  look  thinking  perhaps  it  was  the  last,  then 
sighed  farewell.  The  places  where  I  had  passed  the  scenes  of 
childhood,  now  met  my  sight,  and  seemed  bound  to  my  affections 
by  a  thousand  tender  associations.  But  while  grief  was  almost 
bursting  my  heart,  the  sweet  promise  of  Christ,  contiuned  in  Mark 
10:29,  30,  dropped  as  if  from  heaven  into  my  soul :  "  There  is  no 
man  that  hath  left  house,  or  brethren,  or  sisters,  or  father,  or  moth- 
er, or  wife,  or  children,  or  lands,  for  my  sake,  and  the  gospel's,  but 
he  shall  receive  a  hundred  fold  now  in  this  time,  houses,  and  breth- 
ren, and  sistei's,  and  mothers,  and  children,  and  lands,  with  perse- 
cutions ;  and  in  the  world  to  come  eternal  life."  My  mourning  was 
now  turned  into  rejoicing,  and  my  tears  into  songs  of  praise. 

After  walking  twenty-one  miles  in  company  with  the  lad  before 
mentioned,  we  found  entertainment  for  the  night  a  few  miles  south 
of  Geneva,  with  a  Congregationalist  family.  In  the  morning  we 
proceeded  to  Benton,  and  there  visited  from  house  to  house,  con- 
versing with  all,  as  opportunity  presented,  upon  the  importance  and 
necessity  of  a  speedy  preparation  to  meet  God.    A  young  man  at  a 


34 


MRM0IR8   or 


rv„ 


tAvern  whom  I  thus  counselled,  scoffed  at  me  and  ridiculed  religion. 
My  soul  was  pained,  and  falling  on  my  knees,  I  besought  the  Lord 
to  touch  the  heart  of  this  young  man  by  his  Spirit — give  him  to  see 
the  aggravated  nature  of  his  transgressions,  and  to  feel  his  need  of 
the  Savior.  While  thus  supplicating  the  mercy  of  God,  the  yo'ing 
man  continued  to  talk  in  a  loud  tone  of  voice,  and  finally  asked  Lie 
to  take  some  tobacco.  His  mother,  though  a  professor,  instead  of 
reproving  him,  reprimanded  mo  severely,  for  going  about  talking 
to  people  older  than  myself.  After  justifying  my  practice,  by  tell- 
ing her  I  believed  the  Lord  required  it  at  ray  hand,  she  closed  the 
conversation  with  a  remark  too  vulgar  to  name.  Taking  leave 
of  them,  I  w«-~»t  on  my  way,  sighing  for  the  evil  done  by  profes- 
sors, who  are  destitute  of  the  mind  that  was  in  Christ  Jesus.  Their 
conduct  strengthens  the  hands  of  the  wicked.  They  enter  not  in* 
to  the  kingdom  themselves,  and  them  that  would  enter,  they  hinder. 

Sabbath,  April  29,  we  attended  a  meeting  in  Milo  in  which  I 
spoke  a  few  minutes  under  considerable  embarrassment,  and  after- 
ward retired  to  a  wood  much  depressed  in  spirit  and  sorely  pained 
with  doubts  and  fears  lest  I  had  mistaken  the  path  of  duty  in  at- 
tempting to  labor  in  Zion.  Returning  to  the  house  of  a  friend  and 
findmg  no  relief,  I  determined  to  fast  and  pray.  In  doing  this,  all 
doubts  and  gloom  were  dispersed  and  my  heart  was  encouraged  to 
continue  in  the  work  of  the  Lord. 

*:  Tuesday,  May  1,  I  spoke  to  a  crowded  and  solemn  audience, 
and  it  was  a  season  of  refreshing  to  my  soul.  Meeting  an  assem- 
bly at  the  house  of  Deacon  Knapp,  in  Wayne,  I  spoke  from  this 
text — "  The  wages  of  sin  is  death ;  but  the  gift;  of  God  is  eternal 
life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord."  The  Holy  Spirit  touched 
the  hearts  of  some  and  many  wept.  Thursday,  in  a  meeting  on 
the  east  side  of  Crooked  lake,  the  Lord  was  with  me,  and  his  Spir- 
it attended  the  word.  .  After  this,  crossing  the  If^e  near  Bluff 
Point  and  walking  a  few  miles  into  Poultney,  I  spoke  to  an  assem- 
bly ;  but  to  me  it  was  a  barren  season,  and  the  language  of  my 
heart  was,  '  how  can  I  preach  the  gospel  to  a  hard-hearted  and 
gainsaying  people.'  Finding  an  answer,  "  My  grace  is  sufficient 
for  thee,"  we  went  to  the  north  part  of  Poultney,  and  thera  spoke 
tlie  word  to  a  few  who  heard  with  candor.  ■-'-<  -^ 

Saturday,  May  5, 1  went  to  Jerusalem,  and  gave  out  appoint- 
ments for  the  next  day.  Sabbath  morning,  at  the  hour  of  nine,  we 
met  for  worship  on  the  west  hill  in  Jerusalem.  The  assembly  was 
large,  and  it  was  a  time  of  Emmanuel's  power :  several  wept  and 
kneeled  for  prayers.  At  one  o'clock,  P.  M.  the  Lord  assisted  me 
in  speaking  to  a  crowded  and  solemn  assembly  oa  the  east  hill  of 
Jerusalem ;  two  manifested  a  resolution  to  seek  the  Lord.  At 
three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  met  another  congregation  in  the  north  part 


DAVID    MARKS. 


85 


of  tho  town,  and  eigoyed  the  presence  of  my  Master.  Here,  M. 
Manrow  lefl  mo  suddenly,  without  assigning  any  reason.  At  six 
in  the  oveninff,  I  attended  a  fourth  meeting  in  Middlesex,  and  the 
next  day  walked  twelve  miles,  and  attended  two  meetings.  The 
day  following,  I  visited  Canandatgua ;  and  meeting  the  Episcopa- 
Uan  minister  in  the  street,  stated. to  him  my  desire  to  epeak  to  the 
people  concerning  the  things  of  eternity.  "  What  I"  said  he,  ''  are 
you  preaching  ?  You  are  not  capable  of  preaching.  You  cannot 
preach.  We  put  young  gifts  to  learning  till  they  become  men." 
He  then  left  me.  After  several  fruitless  attempts  to  find  a  house 
onen  for  meeting,  among  professed  Christians,  I  turned  to  '-  Cesar's 
kmgdom,"  and  without  difficulty  obtained  leave  to  hold  a  meeting 
in  the  court  house.  About  one  hundred  assembled.  While  stating 
in  my  introduction  the  reason  of  my  leaving  home,  and  the  partic- 
ular exercises  of  my  mind  concerning  public  speaking,  a  gentle- 
man in  the  jurors'  seat  looked  me  stc^iastly  in  the  face  and  said, 
"  Young  man,  we  came  to  hear  you  preach  ;  not  to  hear  your  ex- 
perience. If  you  are  going  to  preach,  we  wish  you  to  proceed." 
This  somewhat  confused  me ;  however  I  named  a  text  and  pro- 
ceeded with  some  embarrassment.  About  twenty  left  the  assem- 
bly before  the  conclusion  of  the  discourse.  At  the  close  of  tho 
meeting,  one  gentleman  gave  me  half  a  dollar,  and  another  a  small 
piece.  During  ray  discourse,  I  observed  two  men  without  the 
court  house  in  earnest  conversation,  and  pointing  towards  me ;  and 
when  passing  the  jail,  a  woman  came  to  the  door  and  asked  me  a 
number  of  questions  concerning  my  manner  of  life.  After  pro- 
ceeding a  little  distance,  I  saw  a  man  leave  the  jail  and  come  after 
me  in  a  wagon  with  much  speed.  These  circumstances  together 
with  that  of  many  having  left  the .  meeting,  induced  me  to  think 
they  might  possibly  look  on  me  with  suspicion  and  wish  to  pat 
me  in  jail.  The  man  overtook  me,  said  he  supposed  I  was  a 
stranger,  and  invited  me  to  go  home  with  him.  As  it  was  three 
miles  from  my  purposed  route,  it  was  after  considerable  solicita- 
tion that  I  returned.  He  was  a  Calvinistic  Baptist  and  treated  me 
as  a  friend. 

The  little  good  effect  apparent  from  my  last  meeting  and  the 
contempt  manifested  at  my  endeavore  to  warn  the  wicked,  bore 
heavily  upon  me.  In  addition  to  this,  my  friend  tcld  me  he  thought 
my  learning  was  not  sufficient  to  make  my  public  addresses  gener- 
ally interesting ;  and  advised  me  to  go  home  and  stay  till  I  should 
be  of  age,  or  at  least  two  or  three  years.  I  now  felt  a  deeper  lone- 
liness than  I  had  ever  before  experienced.  "Though  entreated,  I 
could  not  eat,  but  retired  to  my  lodging  where  sleep  was  a  stran- 
ger, and  there  gave  vent  to  my  grief  till  my  eyes  were  sore  with 
weeping.    In  the  morning  my  grief  was  not  assuaged  nor  the  foun- 


IT" 


"•"mm 


•■  ■  '    V 


m 


MEMOIRS   OF 


■I 


,\ 


U 


I 


in 


i 


tain  of  my  tears  drained.  I  ate  no  breakfast  but  went  my  way  be- 
fore the  sun  rose,  passed  through  the  village  of  Canandaigua  into 
Gorham,  and  there  turned  aside  in  a  wood  and  laid  myself  on  the 
earth.  My  sorrow  seemed  greater  than  I  could  bear ;  and  life 
seemed  such  a  burden  that  I  was  tempted  to  starve  myself.  As 
this  would  be  sin,  I  dared  not  resolve — but  thought,  could  I  go 
home,  gladly  would  I  haste  to  parental  care.  Beneath  the  shady 
boughs  of  Gorham,  I  mourned,  somewhat  like  Jonah  under  the 
gourd,  and  desired  death,  unless  my  faith  and  hope  should  be  in- 
creased ;  then  lifting  mv  eyes  toward  heaven,  I  said,  '  O  Lord,  why 
hast  thou  sent  me,  a  child,  when  men  of  experience  might  go  ?  Why 
hast  thou  called  an  ignorant  youth  and  left  the  learned  at  home  ?  I 
am  had  in  derision  and  mocked  by  the  enemies  of  the  cross.'  Two 
ways  apptiired— either  to  go  home,  and  renounce  all  ideas  of  ever 
attempting  to  preach  agun,  and  thus  please  the  greater  part  of  my 
acquaintance,  manv  of  my  brethren,  and  my  natural  mind — or  to 
continue  laboring  in  the  vinevard,  and  face  a  storm  of  opposition. 
Feeling  that  necessity  was  laid  upon  me,  that  wo  would  be  mine  if 
X  preached  not  the  gospel,  I  dared  not  disobey.  Leaving  the  wood,  I 
went  to  a  house,  where  the  people  were  kind.  They  gave  me  some 
food,  and  had  a  meeting  notified  in  their  vicinity.  The  next  day 
I  attended  three  meetings ;  and  the  day  following  walked  twenty- 
five  miles  to  Lyons,  where  the  Benton  quarterly  meeting  was  to  be 
held  the  12th  and  13th  of  May. 

Here  I  received  a  letter  from  my  mother.  It  brought  heavy  ti- 
dings and  a  trial  of  which  I  had  not  thought.  My  father's  house 
was  ag^n  burned  with  all  its  contents,  litis  trying  scene  happen- 
ed only  the  Wednesday  previous.  My  parents  desired  me  to  re- 
turn and  visit  them  in  their  affliction  provided  I  could  have  per- 
mission from  the  Lord.  Retiring  to  a  field  alone,  solitude  seemed 
written  on  all  below.  I  thought  of  IHe  continued  series  of  misfor- 
tunes that  had  afflicted  my  dear  parents  till  all  my  sympathies 
were  awakened.  Reading  the  letter  again  and  again,  I  laid  the 
case  before  the  Lord,  when  Luke  9:59,  "  Lord,  suffer  me  first  to  go 
and  bury  ray  father,"  occurred  to  my  recollection,  and  our  Lord's 
answer,  "  Let  the  dead  bury  their  dead,  but  go  thou  and  preach  the 
kingdom  of  God,"  kept  passing  through  my  mind.  Finally,  con- 
cluSng  I  could  do  but  little  good  should  I  return,  and  believing 
the  Lord  still  called  me  to  go  west,  I  wrote  to  my  parents,  btating 
my  sympathy  for  thom,  and  conviction  of  duty,  and  sent  back  the 
dollar  that  my  mother  gave  me  on  the  morning  of  onr  separ- 
ation. 

Monday,  leaving  for  the  Holland  Purchase,  I  vralked  nine  miles 
and  held  two  meetings,  in  which  some  were  awakened  who  shortly 

The  two  following  days  were  sp^nt  m 


ptvicascu 


lU 


uuu 


tiesus. 


DAVID  MARKS. 


87 


Ontario  \vhere  I  attended  three  meetings  and  enjoyed  peace  and 
liberty.  Continuing  my  journey  I  crossed  the  Genesee  river,  and 
in  the  afternoon  of  Friday,  arrived  at  Elder  Jonathan  N.  Hinckley's, 
in  Hinckleyville.  He  had  gone  to  the  Bethany  quarterly  meeting 
which  was  to  commence  in  Attica  the  next  day.  I  stated  that  I 
was  going  to  that  meeting  and  requested  something  to  eat.  Sister 
Hinckley  inquired  whence  I  came,  the  object  of  my  journey,  &c. 
Being  answered,  she  said  wiUiin  herself,  as  she  after^nurd  informed 
me, '  A  likely  story,  that  you,  a*  little  boy,  have  come  more  than  a 
hundred  miles  on  foot  to  attend  a  quarterly  meeting  T  Thus  she 
concluded  I  had  only  said  this  to  get  something  to  eat,  which  she 
gave  me  and  let  me  go  my  way.  I  walked  that  evening  fifteen 
miles  to  Byron,  and  about  eleven  o'clock,  called  at  brother  Gil- 
man's,  and  found  all  had  retired  to  rest.  One  arose,  however,  un- 
bolted the  door  and  gave  me  admission.  After  hearing  my  hx- 
troduction,  he  conducted  me  to  the  cupboard,  and  then  to  a  lodgrag 
with  Elder  Hinckley  who  lodged  in  the  house  that  night.  This  was 
my  first  interview  with  him;  and  the  next  morning,  though  a 
stranger  he  pitied  my  weariness,  and  insisted  that  I  should  ride 
on  his  beast  a  part  of  the  way  to  Attica,  which  was  twenty-one 
miles. 

At  one  o'clock,  P.  M.,  we  entered  the  meeting,  and  Eld.  Hinck- 
ley shortly  afler  arose  on  the  stand,  looked  around  on  the  assem- 
bly with  a  piercing  eye,  and  then  said :  "  I  was  not  coming  to  this 
place.  I  was  going  to  Clarkson.  But  the  Lord  God  swid  to  me, 
'  Attica — ^Attica — Attica ;'  and  I  am  here,  thank  God."  He  then 
sat  down.  Feeling  the  cold  chills  pass  over  me,  I  looked  around  and 
saw  tears  starting  from  many  eyes.  About  one  minute  after,  he 
arose  again  and  said :  "  It  was  in  the  north  country,  in  the  month 
of  April,  when  the  snow  was  several  feet  deep  on  the  earth,  that 
the  Lord  God  found  Jonathan,  the  atheist^  fuid  converted  his  soul — 
and  the  leafless  trees  stretched  their  arms  towturd  heaven  and 
praised  God."  Again  he  took  his  seat ;  but  such  was  the  pow«r 
that  attended  these  words  that  nearly  the  whole  assembly  were  in 
tears.  The  preaching  that  followed  was  interesting  and  refresh- 
ing. Here  I  saw  several  ministers  for  the  first  time,  some  of  whom 
treated  me  affectionately ;  others,  though  they  used  me  tenderly, 
gave  me  to  understand  they  were  doubfiul  of  my  being  in  the  -path 
of  duty,  as  they  feared  I  had  run  without  being  sent.  Again  I  fidl 
into  a  sore  trial.  For  the  opinion  of  preachers  having  much  influ- 
ence with  me,  I  thought  it  possible  that  I  might  have  been  mis- 
taken respecting  duty.  The  query  was  presented  to  me,  "  How 
can  it  lie  that  the  Lord  has  called  you  to  labor  in  his  vineyard 
when  so  many  good  people  believe  it  not?"  Retiring  to  a  vale  on 
the  binks  of  the  TonewanUh  my  spirit  suok  whh^aiSL»  i|i^  ogam 


m 


KBBOms   OF 


'i  beeasne  weary  of  mj  life  and  had  strong  temptations  to  put  a  pe* 
riod  to  it.  Coald  I  have  felt  Uberty  from  the  Lord  to  return 
home  my  trial  would  have  ceased ;  but  this  I  felt  forbidden  to  do. 
A  monitor  within  strengthened  me  to  resist  temptation  and  contin- 
ue in  the  work ;  for  it  appeared  that  I  must  know  my  duty  for  my- 
self, and  that  as  another  could  not  discharge  it,  so  another  could 
not  dedde  upon  a  case  that  was  wholly  between  God  and  my  own 
souL  I  returned  to  the  quarterly  meeting  about  the  time  it  closed 
and  spoke  to  those  who  would  stay  to  hear. 

Monday,  I  held  two  meetings,  in  one  of  which,  some  appeared 
to  be  deeply  convicted  of  their  lost  condition.  On  the  day  fbllow- 
mg,  I  attended  three  meetings :  in  one  of  these,  alter  soliciting 
those  who  desired  religion  to  rise,  promising  that  I  wwild  try  to 
pray  for  them,  twenty  stood  up  in  the  assembly ;  and  severtd  of 
&em  by  sighs  and  tears,  confessed  the  danger  they  were  in  by  liv- 
'  ii^  in  sin. 

Wednesday  I  spoke  to  an  assembly  in  Bennington.  The  Spirit 
of  the  Lord  was  pres^it,  to  the  joy  of  saints  and  the  conviction  of 
Sinners.  At  eight  the  next  nM>ming  agreeably  to  appointment,  I 
met  a  congregation  in  Attica.  Six  were  awakened  to  view  their 
lost  condition  and  promised  to  seek  the  Savior.  At  evening  in  the 
same  neighborhood,  I  held  a  meeting  that  continued  till  after  three 
o'clock  in  the  morning.  The  Spirit  of  God  was  manifest  in  a  mar- 
vellous manner.  Saints  rejoiced  and  shouted  aloud  for  joy — sinners 
fell  to  the  floor,  wept  and  cried  aloud  for  mercy.  Having  never  wit- 
n^sed  such  a  scene  before^  I  said  rashly  within  myself,  ^  it  is  con- 
ftuion;'  and  this  Scripture,  "  Our  God  is  not  the  author  of  coniu- 
«iott^"  eame  to  my  recoUeetion  and  in  my  heart  I  condemned  the 
-woi^  till  several  of  the  awakened  spoke  forth  the  praises  of  God 
before  nay  eyes,  and  told  what  the  ^«rd  had  done  for  their  souls. 
Hien,  affer  considering  the  subject  again,  and  the  accounts  in  sa- 
bred writ  of  certain  mc  ^.tings  where  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  was 
powerfully  manifested,  (see  Ezra  13:12,  18.  Acts  2:18--d7,)  I 
<x)uld  not  doubt  it  was  the  woii(  of  Israel's  God. 

I  labored  in  Attica  and  Bennington  ten  days  and  attended 
twelve  meetings ;  in  these,  several  bowed  before  the  Lord  for  the 
first  time,  and  called  upon  his  name.  Seven  professed  to  be  brought 
into  the  fold  of  Jesus,  and  several  wanderers  were  reclaimed.  Oh 
how  g^  was  my  heart,  when  the  Lord  looked  upon  the  afflictions 
of  David,  and  granted  him  the  desire  of  his  soul  in  permitting  his 
«yes  to  see  the  salvation  of  God.  These  few  souls  which  the  Lord 
:gave  me,  were  dew  to  my  heart  even  as  children,  and  appeared  as 
cwals  and  witnesses,  that  he  had  commissioned  me  to  declare  his 
word  to  the  sons  o£  men.  I  next  went  to  Sheldon  and  attended 
Mveral  meetings,  in  one  of  which,  nearly  twenty  came  forward  for 


J 


': 


DAVID  MAKKS. 


39 


prayers,  and  two  were  soon  brought  to  rejoice  in  the  liberty  of  the 
sons  of  God.  .'^ 

Sunday,  May  27, 1  attended  six  meetings ;  two  in  Sheldon,  •one' 
in  Bennington,  and  three  in  Attica.  The  congregations  were  large 
and  attentive.  No  unusual  occurrence  mu-ked  these  meetings,  jet 
it  was  believed  good  was  done.  The  next  day  I  travelled  twentj- 
five  miles  and  preached  twice.  The  second  meeting  was  in  Attiea, 
and  continued  till  two  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Six  happy  converts 
were  present,  and  we  sat  t(^ther  in  a  heavenly  place  in  Christ 
Yea,  many  could  say, 


-!»*■:. 


"  My  willing  soul  would  stay  in  such  a  frame  as  this, 
And  ait  and  sing  herself  away  to  everlafltiog  bliss." 


Tuesday,  after  travelling  fifteen  miles,  I  attended  one  meetu^ 
and  the  day  following,  preached  three  times.  The  Lord  was  pres- 
ent in  the  assemblies,  and  maE|y  rejoiced  in  bright  hp{i«9  of  9,  hftp-. 
py  immortality.  Vf'    !         "  1  v^  ;•- 

Thursday,  I  walked  twelve  mHies,  and  held  three  meedjags ;  and 
the  next  d^  preached  in  the  north  part  of  Bheldon.  The  da^ 
following,  I  went  to  China  where  the  Erie  quarterly  meeting  was 
in  session.  Elders  Richard  M.  Carey  and  Jeremiah  Polsom  were 
present ;  the  preaching  and  other  exercises  were  spiritual  and  in- 
teresting. 

One  circumstance  at  this  meeting  ^eatly  afifected  me.  Having 
retired  from  the  assembly  a  smiall  distance,  I  heard  a  very  siugular 
sound  in  the  barn  where  they  were  convened,  that  excited  anxietj 
and  alarm.  I  returned  in  haste ;  and  on  entering  the  meeting 
saw  a  young  man  Standing  before  the  assembly  in  a  flood  of  tea^ ; 
who  by  signs  and  gestures,  was  attempting  to  describe  the  joys  of 
heaven,  and  the  horrors  of  hell.  The  sound  o£  his  voioe  was  in- 
aiiiculate,  but  varied  with  his  signs  to  express  happiness  and  vi^ 
ery.  The  whole  assembly  was  deeply  affected ;  to  my  astonish- 
ment, I  found  that  this  young  man,  though  deaf  a,nd  dumb,  had 
opened  his  mouth  to  persuade  the  wicked  from  the  wi^  to  helL 
He  had  lately  experienced  a  hope  in  God,  and  related  his  expe- 
rience by  signs  ;  showing  his  fears  of  punishment  by  looking  ;»t 
the  fire,  and  then  pointing  downward ;  and  his  views  of  heaven,  by 
touching  things  that  were  bright,  or  of  the  color  of  gold,  and  point- 
ing upward.  He  desired  and  reodved  baptism,  and  became  a 
faithful  member  of  the  church.  The  exercises  of  the  meeting  ap- 
peared to  interest  him,  as  much  as  any  one ;  and  though  he  could 
neither  hear  words  nor  articulate  them,  yet  he  had  sounds  pecu- 
liar to  exhortation,  prayer  and  singing,  accompanied  by  suitable 
gestures.  I  understood  his  public  exercises  had  been  blessed  to 
ihe  conversion  of  several.    This  was  loud  preaching,  and  many 


I 


I 


HEMOIBS   OF 

said,  "  If  the  Lord  hath  opened  the  mouth  of  the  dumb,  it  is  time 
for  tt$f  who  have  the  use  of  speech,  to  confess  Christ  with  the  mouth 
unto  salvation." 

Sunday,  June  4, 1  enjoyed  unusual  freedom  in  speaking  to  an 
assembly  in  Concord.  The  day  following,  I  went  to  Boston,  Erie 
county,  N.  Y.,  and  the  next  morning,  at  the  hour  of  six,  spoke  to  a 
crowded  congregation,  where  my  soul  was  led  out  into  the  liberty  of 
the  gospel.  Six  ministers  were  present ;  the  hearts  of  the  people 
seemed  melted  by  the  presence  of  the  G^  of  Sabbaoth ;  and  it  was 
a  time  that  doubtless  will  be  remembered  in  eternity.  I  went  to 
Nichol's  settlement,  and  in  the  early  part  of  the  evening  gave  out 
an  appointment  The  house  was  soon  filled  and  we  enjoyed  a  sol- 
emn waiting  before  God.  Convicting  power  touched  the  hearts  of 
some,  who  before  the  exercises  closed,  desired  the  prayers  of  Chris- 
tians. In  the  morning,  I  held  another  meeting  at  the  same  place, 
and  several  covenanted  to  kneel  and  pray  thrice  a  day  for  four 
weeks.  The  day  following  I  preached  in  Zoar ;  this  was  a  solemn, 
refreshing  season,  and  at  the  close  a  number  promised  to  seek  the 
Savior.  Saturday,  I  travelled  fifteen  miles  and  held  two  meetings, 
in  which  twenty-five  manifested  their  desire  for  the  "  one  thing 
needful."  One  or  two  of  the  number  soon  professed  to  find  par- 
don through  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  -v       ;    i.:^  : 

Sabbath  morning,  June  10,  after  speaking  to  an  assembly  in  a 
bam,  at  the  hour  of  seven,  I  went  to  Zoar,  where  a  large  congre- 
gation was  present ;  and  in  declaring  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation, 
enjoyed  much  freedom.  Here  five  solemnly  covenanted  to  kneel 
and  pray  twice  a  day,  for  the  four  weeks  ensuing.  Afler  preach- 
ing again  in  Nichol's  settlement,  I  rode  ten  miles  to  Boston  and 
fbund  a  numerous  assembly,  who  had  come  out  to  hear  the  "  h(nf 
preacher^*'  the  appellation  by  which  I  was  generally  known.  The 
Lord  gave  me  confidence  with  a  good  degree  of  his  Spirit  and  it 
was  a  weeping  season.  Here  our  hearts  were  made  glad ;  twenty- 
five  precious  awakened  souls  came  forward,  desiring  the  prayers  of 
God's  children.  Monday,  afler  walking  twenty-seven  miles,  I 
preached  once.  Near  the  close  of  the  meeting,  I  invited  those  who 
felt  a  need  of  salvation,  and  desired  to  obtain  it,  to  come  forward 
and  bow  before  the  Lord,  saying  I  would  pray  for  them ;  five  ac- 
cepted the  invitation.  After  visiting  and  preaching  in  Sheldon, 
Bennington,  and  Attica,  I  held  a  meeting  in  Pike,  in  which  I  was 
publicly  opposed  by  a  Universalist,  yet  there  appeared  some  good 
signs. 

I  staid  the  night  with  a  brother  in  Christ,  whose  name  was  John- 
son. Soon  afler  rising  in  the  morning,  the  form  of  my  mother  sud- 
denly appeared  to  my  view,  with  a  pallid  countenance,  and  clad  in 


DATID  UABKS. 


41 


the  habiliments  of  death.*  Before  I  was  aware,  turning  to  the  fam- 
ily, I  said, '  My  mother  is  dead,'  and  related  the  impression.  For 
some  time  previous,  she  had  been  in  my  thoughts  but  little,  and  the 
idea  that  it  was,  or  might  be  so,  caused  a  bitter  pang.  Though 
fears  now  troubled  me,  I  hoped  ^ey  would  prove  groundless. 

From  Pike,  I  went  to  Genterville,  and  attendeda  meeting,  which 
was  truly  solemn.  Some  were  awakened  and  desired  to  be 
remembered  at  the  throne  of  grace.  Sunday,  June  17, 1  preached 
to  four  large  congregations  in  Rushford  and  Genterville.  The 
power  of  Emmanuel  was  present  in  each  meeting,  and  sinners 
wept  as  they  viewed  themselves  in  the  gospel  glass.  The  next  day 
I  spoke  the  word  to  a  solemn  audience  iix  Pike ;  and  early  in  the 
following  day,  at  Six  Acre  lake.  In  the  afternoon  I  was  highly 
favored  orthe  Lord,  while  pointing  precious  souls  to  the  Friend  of 
sinners,  at  the  east  part  of  the  town. 

i  Wednesday,  I  preached  in  China;  the  day  after,  walked  thir- 
teen miles  in  the  rain,  and  attended  three  meetings.  My  shoes 
were  worn  off  from  my  feet ;  and  on  reaching  the  last  appointment 
in  Boston,  Erie  Co.,  I  was  much  wearied ;  my  feet  were  blister- 
ed, and  so  painful,  that  I  was  obliged  to  sit  with  them  on  a  pillow, 
while  speaking  to  the  people.  But  amidst  my  privations  and  jsaf- 
ferings  for  the  cause  of  Christ,  my  heart  felt  that  more  than  double 
was  rendered,  by  seeing  one  sinntr  this  evening  persuaded  to  turn 
and  live. 

On  Friday,  I  went  to  a  camp  meeting  in  ^oston,  and  by  request 
preached  in  the  evening.  On  the  Sabbath,  feeling  constrained  by 
the  love  of  Christ  and  a  sense  of  duty,  though  my  feet  were  still 
bare,  I  again  addressed  the  people  from  the  stand,  and  enjoyed 
good  freedom.  At  the  close  of  my  discourse,  a  man  who  was  not 
a  professor  left  nearly  two  dollars  in  my  hand  and  told  me  to  pm*- 
chase  a  pair  of  shoes ;  but  before  an  opportunity  presented,  a  pair 
was  given  me. 

On  Monday,  I  preached  in  BufFham  settlement  and  in  Aurorar 
In  the  latter  place,  a  heavenly  season  was  enjoyed ;  fifteen  awaken- 
ed souls  promised  to  seek  the  Lord,  and  two  of  them  were  soon 
brought  to  rejoice.  The  day  following,  I  held  a  meeting  in  Wades ; 
the  next  day,  travelled  sixteen  miles  and  preached  twice.  In  ihe 
latter  meeting  two  requested  prayers.  Thursday,  after  riding 
twenty  miles,  I  preached  once ;  and  the  day  following,  attended  a 
meeting  in  Pike  but  saw  none  persuaded  to  turn  to  God. 

Sunday  morning,  July  1,  1821,  I  went  to  Centerville.  Num- 
bers had  assembled,  aqd  J  felt  gr<e|fkt  .ooQftd,ejpQe  Jn  declaring  the 


-Al-    «*■;»;■*•*>! 


(■vti'i 


'M'The  writer  did  not  mean  to  be  understood  that  he  saw  any  lijsral  an^eiir- 
ance  but  only  that  it  was  a  vivid  view  of  her  in  his  mind. 

4* 


\ 


MEMOIRS  or 


\  ■ 


i  : 


counsel  of  Heaven.  This  assembly  was  said  to  be  the  largest  that 
had  ever  been  in  the  town.  In  the  after  part  of  the  day,  about 
four  hundred  met  in  Hushford,  many  having  come  between  ten  and 
fifteen  miles.  The  Lord  enabled  me  to  come  to  the  people  in  the 
fullness  of  the  blessing  of  the  gospel  of  Christ.  Many  were  smit- 
ten by  the  sword  of  the  Spirit ;  a  revival  soon  commenced,  and,  as  I 
afterward  leu-ned,  fifty  or  sixty  professed  to  find  Him,  of  whom 
Moses  in  the  law  and  the  prophets  did  write.  In  the  evening,  I 
preached  again  at  Centerville.  The  next  day  I  travelled  fifteen 
miles  and  held  two  meetings ;  and  the  day  f<^owing  preached 
twice  in  Pike. 

On  the  4th  of  July,  Elder  Kendall,  a  Calvinistic  Baptist,  preach- 
ed at  Centerville,  and  at  the  conclusion  of  his  discourse,  I  address- 
ed the  audience.  £lder  Kendall  made  me  a  considerable  present 
of  wearing  apparel ;  and  offered  to  give  me  $1.00  toward  a  collegi- 
ate education,  provided  I  would  go  to  Massachusetts  and  receive 
tuition  from  one  of  his  relatives.  He  also  gave  encouragement, 
that  the  whole  expense  of  a  support  at  college  should  be  defrayed. 
As  this  would  prevent  me  from  travelling  to  declare  the  glad  ti- 
dings of  salvation,  and  thihking  my  life  would  be  short,  I  could  not 
accept  his  kind  offer. 

Thursday,  July  5, 1  went  to  a  camp  meeting  in  Warsaw,  where 
th6  preachers  treated  me  with  eoldness.  Aft»r  a  stay  of  one  day, 
having  prayed  twice  on  the  camp  ground,  one  of  the  ministers  re- 
proved me  for  takinn^up  too  much  of  the  time.  Feeling  desirous 
to  address  the  people  from  the  stand,  I  requested  the  privilege,  but 
was  denied.  During  an  intermission  on  Saturday,  while  convers- 
ing with  some  individuals,  and  endeavoring  to  persuade  them  to  be 
reconciled  to  God,  large  numbers  crowded  to  hear,  till  I  had  not 
room  to  turn.  Being  solicited  by  some  of  the  brethren,  I  climbed 
upon  a  fire  stand,*  and  commenced  delivering  my  message.  Near- 
ly the  whole  assembly  gathering  around,  listened  attentively,  and 
many  with  tears.  Soon  one  of  the  preachers  requested  me  to  be 
as  brief  in  my  remarks  as  possible,  and  free  my  mind.  Feeling 
my  duty  was  then  ^lischarged,  I  ceased  speaking,  and  the  next  day 
left  the  meeting.  Having  now  a  chain  of  appointments  west  of 
"VTarsaw,  I  proceeded  thirty-six  miles ;  and  on  Monday  preached 
in  Sheldon  and  Wales.  In  the  latter  place,  it  was  a  time  of  Em- 
manuel's power ;  five  penitents  kneeled  for  prayer,  one  of  whom 
soon  found  Jesus.    On  the  day  after  I  preached  at  Aurora,  and 


*Fire  stands  ore  lOtdvtsix  ftet  bigb,  slid  are  coiistfacted  by  ptaciiig  sever- 
al stakes  in  the  groQr.<I,  and  covering  the  tops  of  them  first  with  boards,  and 
then  with  earth,  for  the  purpose  of  building  fires  on  them,  to  give  light  in  the 
^hight  at  oamp  meetings. 


i 


DAVID  MARKS. 


«8 


where 


one  who  had  been  awakened  in  one  of  my  former  meetings,  was 
brought  into  the  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God.  In  the  after  part  of 
the  day,  I  spoke  to  a  congregation  in  Boston ;  one  sinner  was  slain, 
and  soou  .;fler  raised  by  the  great  Physician.  The  day  following 
I  preached  in  Hamburg  to  a  numerous  concourse,  who  appeared 
to  hear  for  the  judgment  day. 

July  11, 1  observed  with  solemn  prayer,  it  being  the  second  an- 
niversary of  my  baptism.  The  day  was  pleasant.  In  the  fore- 
noon, I  attended  a  meeting  in  Eden,  where  the  solemnities  of  the 
eternal  wo^ld  were  unveiled,  and  the  arrows  of  the  King  were 
sharp  in  •:  le  hearts  of  his  enemies.  Eleven  bowed  before  the 
Lord ;  and  while  we  implored  his  mercy,  their  cries  and  groans 
resounded  through  the  bam  in  which  we  were  assembled.  After 
the  meeting  closed,  as  the  people  seemed  very  unwilling  to  leave 
the  place,  I  conversed  with  several  who  promised  to  seek  God. 
Addressing  a  young  woman,  who  belonged  to  the  Quakers,  I  asked 
her  if  she  desired  the  religion  of  the  blessed  Jesus.  She  made  no 
reply,  but  immediately  started  for  home.  Conviction  followed  her, 
and  her  distress  of  mind  became  so  great,  that  she  returned  in 
tears ;  and  meeting  me  in  company  with  several  anxious  souls,  as 
we  were  passing  from  the  bani  to  the  house,  she  begged  forgive- 
ness for  leaving  me  so  abruptly,  and  said,  she  not  only  desired  the 
knowledge  of  God,  but  wished  me  to  entreat  his  mercy  for  her. 
After  entering  the  house,  we  again  called  on  the  Lord.  From  this 
good  hour,  a  revival  followed,  in  which  several  Quakers  professed 
to  be  bom  again. 

After  attending  two  other  meetings,  I  went  to  Buffalo,  and 
preached  to  a  numerous  congregation  in  the  Methodist  chapel. 
Sunday,  July  15, 1  had  an  appointment  in  a  grove  at  Hamburg. 
Many,  attracted  by  curiosity,  came  out  to  hear  "  the  boy  /"  and  it  . 
was  said  the  assembly  was  larger  than  any  that  had  ever  before  been 
held  in  that  town.  I  endeavored  to  trust  in  God,  but  did  not  see 
so  much  of  his  power  manifested  as  my  heart  would  gladly  have 
witnessed.  In  the  evening,  the  Lord  met  with  us  again  in  Eden, 
and  while  his  glory  beamed  upon  us,  Zion's  children  rejoiced  with 
exceeding  great  joy,  and  sinners  wept  aloud.  Ten  or  fifteen  awak- 
ened souls  fell  on  their  knees  and  humbly  begged  for  pardon.  The 
next  day,  I  travelled  twenty  miles  and  preached  twice ;  the  day 
following,  walked  fourteen  miles  to  an  appointment  in  Attica ;  and 
on  Thureday  returned  to  Eden,  a  distance  of  thirty-five  miles. 
Here  I  met  a  ci'owded  assembly,  in  which  the  power  of  the  High- 
est rendered  the  place  both  awfiil  and  glorious.  Many  went  away 
mourning  for  their  transgressions,  and  sighing  for  salvation.  A 
conference  was  held  in  the  evening :  a  large  number  spoke  of  the 
dealings  of  tlie  Lord  with  them,  and  seve^  declared  thev  would 


■i^ 


\\ 


""*- 


..-„'? 


V 


44 


HEMOIBS  or 


; 


nevor  rest  till  they  found  peace  to  their  souls.  The  awakened  be- 
came so  dtstre.ssed,  that  near  the  close  their  cries  were  heard 
throughout  the  assembly.  Fifteen  united  in  a  circle,  and  bowed 
with  us,  while  we  called  on  the  Lord.  One  or  two  found  peace, 
and  went  home  rejoicing. 

Friday,  July  20,  while  I  was  preaching  in  Boston,  the  Spirit  of 
the  Lord  Grod  descended  upon  us,  and  the  cries  of  sinners  were 
heard  in  every  part  of  the  congregation.  Fourteen  manifested 
their  desires  for  salvation,  and  their  resolutions  to  seek  mercy ;  and 
two  or  three  were  hopefully  converted. 

On  Saturday,  an  attack  of  the  chicken  pox  brought  on  me  the 
pains  of  raging  disorder.  But  having  appointments,  I  walked  ten 
miles,  to  Aurora,  in  much  distress  of  body,  frequently  lying  down 
by  the  way.  The  next  day,  Elder  H.  a  Calvinistic  Baptist,  and 
myself,  undesignedly  had  appointments  at  the  same  hour  and  place. 
The  assembly  was  large,  and  on  entering,  I  took  a  seat  as  a  stran- 
ger. Elder  H.,  after  statmg  that  he  understood  a  boy,  who  had 
been  preaching  in  those  parts,  had  an  appomtment  at  tfaa^  place, 
inquired  if  any  one  knew  where  he  was.  On  receiving  an  answer, 
he  asked  me  if  I  belonged  to  any  church,  or  had  credentials.  My 
letter  being  presented,  he  read  it  to  the  assembly,  and  gave  me  lib- 
erty to  preach.  I  loved  to  preach  Jesus,  and  improving  the  oppor- 
tunity, enjoyed  a  precious-season.  Li  the  after  part  of  the  <^y,  I 
walked  nine  miles,  and  preached  twice,  but  passed  a  restless  night; 
my  illness  having  considerably  increased. 

On  Monday  morning,  the  rain  was  falling,  and  my  strength 
almost  spent ;  yet  an  appointment,  eleven  miles  distant,  called  me, 
and  sinners  lay  near  my  heart.  After  walking  in  much  distress 
four  miles,  my  strength  failed ;  but  borrowing  ahorse,  I  reached 
my  appointment  at  Veimont  hill,  both  wet  and  cold.  The  house 
was  filled,  and  the  people  were  attentive.  Their  trickling  tears 
bespoke  that  they  felt  the  melting  influence  of  God's  Holy  Spirit. 
After  the  meeting  C'osed,  I  began  conversing  with  individuals,  and 
asked  them  if  they  desired  an  interest  in  Christ.  Some  answered, 
*  they  did  not  at  present :'  others  that  they  *  could  live  without  it  a 
little  longer :' — some  said  they  '  thought  reli^on  a  good  thing ;'  and 
others,  they  <  would  like  it  well  enough.'  I  asked  different  ques- 
tions, relative  to  the  state  of  their  minds ;  but  notwithstanding  their 
tears  and  trembling,  they  answered  evasively, — and  no  one  owning 
a  desire  for  salvation,  I  went  to  Elder  Folsom'S,  sorrowing  and  as- 
tonished at  the  obstinacy  of  sinful  man.  But  as  soon  as  the  even- 
ing came,  six  or  seven  with  whom  I  had  conversed,  came  to  the 
house  and  desired  me  to  pray  for  them.  K^xt  morning,  I  was  in- 
formed that  two  or  three  of  this  number  had  been  in  such  distress 
of  mind,  white  theiy  saw  the  ainftilness  of  their  lives,  that  they 


DAYID  MARKS. 


u 


neither  closed  tLdir  eyes  to  sleep,  nor  lay  down  during  the  night. 
At  dawn  of  day,  they  returned  to  my  lodging,  and  others  continued 
to  come,  till  an  hour  after  sunrise,  when  the  number  was  increascdt 
to  fifteen.  I  prayed  and  conversed  with  them — then  bidding  them 
adieu,  went  to  my  appointment  in  Boston.  Here  the  heavens 
seemed  to  be  opened,  and  the  glory  of  God  filled  the  house.  Pro- 
fessors were  revived,  wanderers  reclaimed,  and  our  meeting  was 
crowned  with  the  praises  of  two  or  three  new-bom  souls.  The 
four  days  following  I  labored  in  Eden  and  Boston. 

During  four  weeks  that  had  now  passed,  the  power  of  God  was 
frequently  manifested  in  our  meetings  in  these  towns.  While  the 
saints  were  made  to  sing  and  shout  for  joy,  the  cries  of  awakened 
sinners,  begging  for  mercy,  often  saluted  our  ears.  Eighteen  had 
professed  to  find  pardon  through  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  Among 
this  number,  was  one  in  advanced  life,  who  for  eight  years  had  at- 
tended but  one  or  two  religious  meetings.  His  curiosity  being  ex- 
cited-  by  the  report  that  <a  boy  of  the  age  of  fifteen,  was  preaching 
funong  the  people,'  he  came  out  to  hear,  looking  with  a  scrutiniz- 
ing eye  at  Uie  youth,  when,  as  he  afterwards  stated,  the  following 
inquiry  was  suggested  to  his  mind :  <  If  that  lad  is  engaged  in 
the  cause  of  religion,  and  so  earnestly  desires  the  welfare  of  men, 
as  to  leave  his  fathei^s  house  at  this  tender  age,  and  go  among 
strangers,  far  away  from  home,  to  persuade  men  to  be  reconciled  to 
God,  what  should  I,  an  old  man,  be  about  ?  I  am  living  in  sin  in 
the  very  evening  of  life,  while  he  is  serving  God  in  childhood.' 
Conviction  reached  his  heart,  and  never  left  him,  till  he  was  hope- 
fully converted. 

July  29,  after  taking  leave  of  the  brethren  in  Boston  and  Eden, 
I  preached  in  Concord  and  China,  and  next  day  visited  Centerville, 
little  realizing  the  deep  sorrows  that  awaited  me.  Being  told  a 
letter  in  the  Post  Office  awaited  my  arrival,  the  recollection  of  my 
impression  six  weeks  before  at  brother  Johnson's,  in  Pike,  caused 
me  to  tremble,  and  remark  that  I  believed  my  mother  was  no 
more. 

With  an  agitated  step,  I  hastened  to  the  office.  The  letter  was 
presented,  and  a  black  seal  confirmed  my  fears.  I  paused  to  pre- 
pare for  heavy  tidings ;  then  opened  the  letter,  and  saw  the  name 
subscribed  was  my  father's.  After  naming  the  reception  of  my 
last  letter,  he  wrote  thus :  "  You  write, '  Dear  father  and  mother ;' 
"but,  O  my  son,  it  has  become  my  painful  duty  to  inform  you,  that 
your  mother  is  no  more  with  us.  A  sudden  attack  of  the  quick 
consumi:>tion  confined  her  on  the  16th  of  May,  1821,  and  she  de- 
parte*^.  this  life  on  the  29th  of  the  same  month."  That  which  I 
had  feared  now  came  upon  me.  I  could  read  no  further — the  ten- 
der ties  were  rent  asunder.    I  retired,  that 


gut  bleed 


.« 


.*■ 


;  'l>%»f^«'  ^J^ri-^j?U<jVi^^'tt^<iJr^:^v. . 


v 


MEltOlKS  Of 


its  anguish*  When  th«  first  impulse  of  grtef  had  a  little  subsided, 
I  read  mj  letter,  and  with  subsequent  information,  gathered  the 
following  particulars. 

My  parents,  afler  the  burning  of  their  dwelling,  prepared  a 
neighboring  cottage  for  their  abode,  into  which  they  gathered  a  few 
things,  till  a  house  my  father  had  purchased  should  be  removed  to 
the  place  they  had  selected.  Shortly  after,  my  mother,  having 
no  candles,  seated  herself  in  the  door  of  the  cottage  one  evening, 
to  repair  garments  ibr  the  family  by  moon-light.  The  next  morn- 
ing she  found  she  bad  taken  cold,  an^  said  to  my  father,  "  I  am 
iil,  and  I  shall  die.  Our  cottage  is  uncomfortable,  and  I  will  go  to 
one  of  our  neigfebors  and  there  end  my  days,"  But  he,  supposing 
tlieir  late  affliction  had  cast  a  gloom  over  her  miod,  and  that  iH 
health  had  disoouraged  her,  hoped  she  would  soon  recover,  and 
be  restored  to  her  usual  cheerfulness.  8he  went  to  the  house  of 
Mr.  W.,  apparently  without  serious  ^rmptoms  of  a  course  of  Nck- 
Bess,  «nil  said,  "  I  am  not  wdil,  and  have  come  to  your  house  to  be 
sick  )md  die."  Mr.  W.,  surprised  at  the  remark,  kindly  replied, 
**  You  are  weloome  to  my  house ;  but  I  trust  yon  mistwe  in  ex- 
pecting death."  The  same  day  she  took  her  bed,  and  seemingly 
closed  her  eyes  upon  the  world.  Though  n«tt  yet  attacked  violent- 
ly, she  said  she  should  no  more  arise.  My  fether  proposed  to  call 
a  physician.  She  replied,  **  It  will  do  bo  ffood ;  but  if  it  will  af- 
ford you  any  satisfaction  I  am  willing."  mv.  M.,  a  skilUul  ^y- 
sician,  attended,  and  at  first  did  not  consider  her  case  alarming ; 
but  soon  her  deetiay  appeared  to  be  unalterably  fixed. 

My  brother  Friend,  while  sitting  by  her,  said,  "  I  cannot  bear 
the  thought  that  you«faould'  now  die  and  leave  us."  She  calmly 
replied, "  My  son,  nearly  forty-five  years  have  I  spent  in  this  world 
of  tribulation.  We  commenced  in  comfortable  circumstances,  with 
fair  prospects  of  Hie  future  ;  but  once  have  been  stripped  of  all,-~* 
twice  our  dwelling  has  been  consumed.  Life  has  been  a  continu- 
ed series  of  disappointments,  and  now  I  am  nearly  through  all  my 
sorrows.  The  Lord  is  about  to  take  me  to  himself, — and  O,  my 
child,  how  can  you  wish  me  to  stay  here  any  longer."  My  brotlier, 
bursting  into  tears,  could  say  no  more,  but  retired  in  secret  to  vent 
his  grief.  Bosanno,  an  only  daughter  of  the  age  of  seven,  and  the 
youngest,  a  son  of  five  years,  having  heard  her  say  she  should  die, 
went  several  times  each  to  her  bed,  weeping  and  saying,  "Mamma, 
I  don't  want  you  should  die."  Always,  befo»e  this,  when  confined 
hy  sickness  or  expecting  the  approadi  of  death,  she  had  expressed 
much  affectioa  for  her  children,  and  concern  for  their  welfare ;  but 
now  it  seemed  that  a  view  of  death,  and  discovery  of  eternity,  had 
i>aniHhed  anxiety  and  absorbed  natural  a(I«ction.  Though  she  had 
always  been  a  tender  mother,  now  the  only  reply  to  her  innocent 


I  .2 

I 


J^::r. 


fi 


DATID  MABKS.  48 

babes  waa,  "  Go  away."  Being  frequently  asked  if  she  did  not 
wish  to  see  David,  her  repeated  answer  was,  "  No."  Once,  in  re- 
to  the  same  question,  slie  said,  "  You  may  think  it  strange  that 
say  no ;  but  it  is  because  he  is  engaged  in  the  cause  of  Christ, 
which  I  do  not  wish  him  to  leave  to  visit  met  I  am  going  home ; 
he  will  soon  finish  his  work  and  follow  me." 

On  the  morning  of  the  28th  of  May,  her  physician,  after  giving 
Mxne  directions  concemfaig  her  medicine,  aaid  he  must  leave  but 
would  call  again  the  next  day*  She  replied,  '*  You  need  not  come 
for  it  will  be  useless;  if  you  come  to-m<»Tow,  you  will  find  mea 
corpse."  At  one  o'clock,  P.  M.,  she  became  speechless  and  the 
pains  of  death  began.  Several  times,  my  father  desired  her  to 
press  his  hand  if  she  felt  confident  of  her  acceptance  with  God. 
This  she  continued  to  do  as  often  as  requested,  until  her  strength 
so  failed  that  she  could  only  stretch  her  hand  a  little.  Her  as- 
tress  was  very  great ;  but  at  the  hour  of  four  the  next  morning,  her 
Savior  called— she  left  her  pain  and  anguish— and  exchanged  this 
wortd  of  sorrow,  this  vale  of  tears,  I  trust,  for  a  world  of  glory 
and  immortal  bliss. 

Another  little  circumstance  touched  my  heart.  The  dollar  that 
I  sent  back  after  the  lumse  was  burned,  was  used  towards  purchas- 
ing her  grave  appareL  O,  bow  distant  was  the  thought,  when  I 
received  that  dollar  from  my  mother,  and  returned  it,  that  this  would 
be  its  ftf^ication ! 


,tv/'  ■^'■:;_'^f:^p:--*J^J-  '  ■^■.^■■'      fi;^'-  ■   ^ 'i'-'itiW'i  ■'■  V{   i^-  /Ar<v5v■■^ti»^>?;f*f**■ 


.'•':'''    (':-■ 


>,f^.-«v,^; -■*:'?.;."!>  :i;»>-<J«5a^i   -i-M- 


■  .\tif^X'^  ^V.-fl. .    ^ 

•    . 

\^\pi-.'k^if'jiv^:                 -          ■: 

m^i  , 

■•)>V.:?I,.,     .U.:..' 

••    j..'ri>'''  ;^*"\-;;.' 

■•'■/■■:  ,;^i   ^..f^sfo 

■^  -^ 

,■    ^:^^■yi-^t■•^•^    '^j^i-e-    '^■•■*■■•^'■    ^*¥^--' 

■  itp'^::^'^---^^-''^^-^ 

^^n 

yJ  -_.    ,  ■-■'ji'  i*^'/''    -V    1  .-s '■  ." '.fc>  ■; 

-•TO- 


m^ 


knocent 


:•«??.... 


*«1-' 


....-.■j^^i^J.  M^  .  . 


48 


•V  i' 


MEMOIRS  or 

-  •■'.1.1 ..  .'."  •?,, .  :'h-)  .  U'i 

CHAPTER  V. 

■'v-.'  ",: 

'  Particulars  of  my  labors,  and  other  oreurrencet,  from  August, 
1821,  io  November  following. 

Elder  Kendall  kindly  gave  mo  the  use  of  a  horae  to  visit  our  bc' 
reaved  family.  On  the  morning  of  August  2,  1821, 1  proceeded 
on  the  journey,  which  was  180  miles;  and  on  the  evening  of  the 
fourth,  arrived  at  my  father's  dwelling.  But,  O  how  gloomy  I  All 
that  met  my  sight  was  marked  with  change.  The  house  I  lefl  was 
gone,  and  another  erected  on  other  grounds  The  mantle  of  night 
had  cast  its  shade  around.  I  knocked  at  the  door,  but  all  was  si- 
lent as  the  house  of  death.  Raceiving  no  answer,  I  entered,  and 
found  my  younger  brother  sleeping  by  the  fire.  Upon  awaking 
him,  he  burst  into  tears,  and  exclaiLied,  "  O  David !  is  this  you  ? 
mamma  is  dead !"  Afl^er  informing  me  that  my  father  and  eldest 
brother  had  gone  a  few  miles  from  home,  he  conducted  me  to  the 
chamber,  where  the  two  youngest  children  were  in  bed.  Awaking 
from  sleep,  Rosanna  threw  her  arms  around  my  neck,  and  with 
much  grief  cried,  "  Mamma  is  dead.'  Jeremiah  also  told  me  the 
same,  as  though  the  tidings  were  new.  This  was  a  heart-touching 
scene.  Soon  my  father  and  brother  returned ;  but  O,  how  empty 
and  solitary  the  house  appeared !  Death  seemed  engraven  on  the 
walls,  and  on  all  things  around.  Together  we  bowed  before  the 
Lord,  when  a  remembrance  of  the  solemn  scene  on  the  morning  of 
our  separation,  caused  my  heart  a  bitter  pang.  Our  number  was 
less  than  at  that  time, — that  voice,  which  then  so  fervently  implor- 
ed the  mercies  of  Heaven  at  t'le  family  altar,  we  heard  not.  Alas ! 
it  was  silent  and  mute  in  death.  Memory,  faithful  to  its  office, 
brought  to  mind  the  excellent  counsel  and  emphatical  warnings  my 
dear  mother  had  given  me,  accompanied  by  the  painful  assurance 
that  they  conld  never  again  be  rt  peated. .  The  next  morning  was 
the  Sabbath.  I  arose  early,  anu  viewed  in  solemn  silence  the  sur- 
rounding scenery.  The  ruins  of  the  old  house  brought  the  I'ecol- 
lection  of  departed  years ;  but  another  spot  met  my  eye.  It  was 
where  I  last  beheld  the  fonn  of  my  departed  mother.  O,  how 
dreary  and  (1(  folate  all  creation  appeared!  With  bitterness  I  said, 
"  All  below  is  vanity." 

We  repaired  to  the  house  of  worship.  Tlie  empty  seat  in  the 
carriage,  and  the  vacxnt  place  in  the  house  of  God,  told  us  in  silent 
language,  that  death  had  bereaved  us ;  and  pointed  to  the  dark 
confines  of  the  tomb.  Afler  the  morning  service,  in  company  with 
my  father  and  family,  I  walked  to  the  "  congregation  of  the  dead ;" 


DAVID   MARKS.  || 

there  I  gazud  on  the  mound  bcnoalh  which  rested  the  body  of  iny 
mother,  and  watered  it  with  mv  tears.  But  nay  heart  was  not 
without  consolation ;  I  rejoiced  in  the  midst  of  sorrow ;  for  I 
thought,  "  Blessed  are  the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord."  Here  sh« 
rests  in  peace.  No  more  the  toils  of  life,  the  afllictions  and  woes 
of  this  land  of  pain  and  death,  assail  her.  She  rests  in  the  bosom 
of  that  Savior  who  on  earth  was  so  dear  to  her,  and  whose  cause 
was  so  precious  to  her  heart.  Though  I  deeply  felt  and  mourned 
my  loss,  yet  while  I  know  it  was  her  eternal  gain,  for  her  I  could 
rejoice.  In  a  little  time  I  shall  finish  my  work  and  follow  her. 
Aflcr  wandering  a  little  longer  in  the  earth,  warning  sinners  and 
weeping  over  them,  I  shall  rest  from  my  labors,  and  rejoin  her  to 
sing  praises  to  God  and  the  Lamb  for  ever.  Bidding  adieu  to  her 
peaceful  grave,  I  endeavored  in  the  afternoon,  with  feelings  of 
great  solemnity,  to  point  sinners  to  the  Savior. 

After  a  stay  of  four  days  in  Junius,  duty  called  for  my  departr 
ure.  Bidding  my  father  and  brothers  farewell  on  the  9th  of  Au- 
gust, they  went  to  their  labor,  and  my  little  sister  sat  alone  in  the 
house.  Just  08  I  was  ready  to  leave,  she  burst  into  tears  and  said, 
''  O  David,  don't  leave  me.  It  is  very  lonesome  here  since  mamma 
died."  It  seemed  as  though  my  heart  would  break.  I  tried  to 
console  her  and  quiet  her  grief,  telling  her,  it  was  for  poor  sinners 
that  I  left  her ;  they  were  going  down  to  death,  and  the  Lord  had 
mode  it  my  duty  to  warn  them.  This  was  a  trying  hour :  but, 
committing  her  to  the  care  of  Heaven,  I  proceeded  to  "Wayne, 
where  the  Bf  ton  quarterly  meeting  was  to  be  hold  on  the  11th 
and  12th  .  me  month.  The  meeting  was  highly  favored  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord.  Four  were  hopefully  converted — wander- 
ers confes!»tHl  their  backslidings — and  several  went  to  their  homes 
inquiring  ihe  way  to  Zion. 

Monday,  after  rding  forty  miles  to  Bristol  to  attend  an  appoint- 
ment previous!)  left  with  a  landlady  for  circulation,  I  found  she 
had  not  given  u  notice.  She  said  she  believed  me  an  impostor  and 
had  not  expected  my  return.  But  notwithstanding  I  had  returned 
according  to  agreement,  she  was  then  unwilling  I  should  preach  in 
her  house.  Being  destitute  of  mone\,  much  fatigued,  and  faint 
with  hunger,  having  eat  nothing  during  the  day's  journey,  I  re- 
quested some  food,  but  it  was  refused  :  then  asking  something  for 
my  horse,  this  also  was  refused.  So  leaving  her,  I  rode  about  two 
miles,  made  application  for  a  lodging  which  was  granted  and  my 
necessities  were  kindly  relieved.  The  next  day  I  rode  thirty 
miles  to  an  app<iiintment  in  Perry ;  and  the  day  following  to  Cen- 
terville,  returned  the  horse  I  had  borrowed,  and  in  the  evening  at- 
tended a  meeting.  Thursday  and  Friday  I  walked  36  miles  to 
Bethany,  and  preached  once  by  the  way.     "^ ";  -^'"-  t^  ;>-  -Tn^je^K 


'^i.ikii^'lMt-Ljt'-  ^i'w-i^.lf^ 


\ 


Mr 


50 


MBMOnUI  09 


0»  Friday,  Aug.  17,  1821,  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  being  pres- 
ent at  the  organization  of  the  Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting. 
Three  quarterly  meetings,  viz :  Bethany,  Erie,  and  Benton,  united 
Xnf  delegation ;  and  the  following  particulars  concerning  their  rise 
aad  numbers  at  that  period,  vrere  presented  s 

BethM^y  quarterly  meeting  was  the  first  of  the  Free-will  Baptist 
denomination,  organized  in  the  state  of  New  Yoi^.  It  was  gath- 
ered in  1813,  through  the  instrumentality  of  Elder  Nathaniel  Brown, 
«  faithful  minister  of  Christ,  who  left  his  brethren  in  Strafford,  Vt. 
alMnt  the  y6ar  1810.  At  this  time,  it  consisted  of  thirteen  church- 
esy  which  numbered  five  hundred  and  forty 'eight  members,  nine 
dders,  and  six  unordained  preachers.  ;« 

Erie  quarterly  meeting  was  organized  from  the  Bethany  quar- 
terly meeting,  about  the  year  1818.  It  now  had  eight  churches — 
which  consisted  of  three  elders,  four  unordained  preachers,  and  one 
huncbred  and  ninety-eight  members. 

Benton  quarterly  meeting  was  gathered  by  Elder  Zebulon  Dean, 
about  the  year  1818.  At  this  time  it  consisted  of  six  churches,  con- 
ttfkiifig  o***)  hundred  and  twenty-two  members,  five  elders,  and  three 
unoT^htja  preachers. 

T<>tal  number  in  the  yearly  meeting — seventeen  elders,  thir- 
teen unordained  preachers,  and  eight  hundred  and  sixty-eight 
iMiAberB.  -i^ 

On  Saturday,  a  good  season  was  enjoyed.  On  the  Sabbath,  a 
namerbus  assembly  was  present.  Five  sermons  were  delivered, 
Wlitch  Were  very  instructive  and  refreshing.  On  an  evening  of  this 
lAeeting,  I  attended  worship  where  sevet^l  preachers  were  present, 
•ad  gave  an  exhortation ;  but  being  a  stranger,  the  people  as  they 
dispersed  left  me  alone  in  the  school-house,  which  some  one  locked. 
My  Master  declared  at  one  time,  that  he  "  had  not  where  to  lay 
hift  head ;"  when  I  thought  of  my  comfortable  shelter,  my  mind  >ira$ 
ebmposed,  and  placing  two  or  three  benches  together,  I  laid  m^iself 
on  them  and  fell  into  a  sweet  slumber.  Meanwhile,  a  person  who 
was  not  a  professor,  after  he  had  gone  a  mile  toward  home,  knowing 
I  was  locked  in  the  house,  felt  uneasy  and  obtaining  the  key,  re- 
liMied  and  awoke  me  and  would  have  me  go  to  his  house. 

From  Bethany,  I  went  to  Wales  and  Boston,  and  preached  in 
■  ^luih  town ;  then  Iretuming  home,  attended  two  meetings  by  the 
t  way^  I  spent  about  three  weeks  in  Junius,  held  fifteen  meetings. 
«Bd  met  with  considerable  opposition.  My  trials  were  great ;  but 
thft  wotds  of  Christ,  Matt,  13:57,  "  A  propheb  id  net  without  hon- 
<»r,  B*ve  in  his  own  country,"  encouraged  me  to  walk  in  the  path  of 
obediience — believing  that  if  God  had  called  me  to  preach  his  word, 
h«  Would  uphold  me  in  the  day  o^  trouble ;  and  that  amid  all  the 
changes  of  life,  his  grace  would  be  svflkient  for  those  who  putihoir 


DAVID  UAUK9. 


tnnt  in  him.  One  man  gave  notice  diat  he  'woald  provide  «  hand- 
ful of  whips  at  my  next  meeting,  and  would  give  a  gallon  €>f  whis- 
key to  any  one  that  would  wear  them  out  on  me.  Sickneae  im-  ^ 
mediately  confined  him,  so  that  at  my  next  meeting,  he  was  unsUe 
to  attend.  One  of  his  children  was  taken  til  M)out  the  sane  dmtt, 
and  died  in  a  few  days.  How  gr^at  is  tlie  care  God  has  of  liit 
children  I-— Not  a  hair  shall  fall  to  the  ground  without  his  notate. 
I  understood  that  at  another  time  some  of  the  planks  were  temm- 
edfrom  a  bridge,  over  wfaitih  I  was  expected  to  pass  in  the  ev«o- 
ing.  The  «  Guide  of  my  youth*'  turned  my  feet  another  way,  «iid 
thus  preserved  me  from  the  snare  of  my  enemies.  A  member  .of 
the  chnrcb  told  me  my  foei  were  intending  to  lie  in  wait  wiwn  I 
flhould  go  away  and  take  my  life.  O  Uiait  Grod  may  not  lay  these  «m 
to  their  charge,  but  in  'mercy  may  He  give  them  to  «ee  the  foUgr  ti 
th^rways.  ^  * 

About  this  time,  I  f<^t  connderaUe  desire  to  acqinreakn<Mrledg8 
of  English  Grammar ;  but  as  my  views  of  duty  would  set  penut 
me  to  leave  tlra  work  U  w<hiefa  God  had  appointed  me,  to  «ittend  a 
school,  I  reasoned  with  layaeM  thus :  if  nioa  h«ve  hiiad  sufioMifc 
genius  to  foim  and  Mrange  the  rules  of  languid,  aad  the-eacpen* 
ence  and  learning  criT  i^es  have  presented  them  in  a  style,  plain  and 
femitiar,*  cannot  a  knoMi'ledge  oif  this  science  be  <«kitained  wnikxmt 
going  to  school  ?  The  continued  di^o^ng  ia(  water  Will  wear  «i>9a 
a  stone ;  by  resolution  and  perseverance,  ai^hing  wi^n  *d)eflpfaQM 
of  man  may  be  aec<Hnpli^ed.  As  a  knowledge  <^  grammar  wi^^ 
gready  extend  my  usefulness,  I  oondluded  that,  if  life  continue,  I 
can  and  will  obtain  this  knowledge.  ¥et  1  had  no  book,  neMbfff 
money  to  purchase  one.  But,  as  one  day^s  labor  on  Hie  Ecie  caaali 
that  was  near,  would  furnish  me  with  the  money,  I  went  to  a  nMuidi 
west  of  Montezuma,  and  engaged  in  pumping  water.  Soon  cme-rf 
the  laborers  accosted  me  thus :  "What!  you  at  work  on  the  canidf 
I  thought  you  spent  your  whole  time  in  preaching."  Telling  1^ 
the  occasion  of  my  being  thus  engaged,  he  seemed  toudied,  and 
gave  me  a  shilling ;  then  called  on  his  comrades  to  show  a  'Vke  d^ 
vor.  They  soon  gave  me  money  enough  for  my  desired  objeoli 
and  dismissed  me,  requesting  that  I  should  preach  to  the  workraea 
the  ensuing  evening.  Accordingly  I  complied,  and  enjoyed  tlM 
presence  of  God.  I  understood  that  some  of  the  wicked  laboren 
had  designed  to  whip  me,  and  that  others,  learning  this,  had  deHer- 
mined  to  defend  me  by  force.  This  however  they  had  no  occasion 
to  do,  for  the  Lord  protected  me,  and  I  was  permitted  to  return  ti> 
Junius  in  peace. 

Having  now  obtained  a  book,  I  commenced  the  study  of  gram- 
miu:;  and  occasionally  received  some  instruction  from  friends  tbait 
I  met  with  in  my  subsequent  travels.    I  studied  while  trav^ngwi 


52 


MBM0IB8  OF 


the  road  for  hundrada  of  miles,  and  at  length  measurably  succeed- 
ed in  my  desived  object. 

Daring  my  stay  in  Junius  I  was  called  to  witness  a  solemn 
scene.  A  neighbor  who  resided  near,  had  stated  that  soon  after 
the  burial  of  my  mother,  a  noise  was  heard  in  the  burying  ground 
like  the  opening  of  a  grave.  The  mound  also  over  her  had  sunk 
much  below  the  surface  of  the  surrounding  earth.  From  these  cir- 
cumstances, we  feared  that  her  body  had  been  taken  away,  and 
concluded  to  open  her  grave.  Our  family  and  a  few  others  were 
present  on  the  occasion.  After  prayer,  our  friends  proceeded  to 
the  work — ^and  with  a  trembling  heart,  I  waited  the  solemn  sight. 
If  the  coffin  should  be  empty,  this  must  give  us  unpleasant  feel- 
ings i  and  if,  on  the  other  hand,  the  remains  of  the  tender  parent 
should  be  found,  I  knew  this  would  be  a  sight  from  which  my  feel- 
ings must  shrink.  The  lid  was  raided,  and  a  human  form  appear- 
ed. But  O,  the  change  1  The  coffin  was  half  full  of  dark  water, 
that  appeared  once  to  have  entirely  covered  the  body.  The  face 
had  the  color  of  dark  earth ;  the  flesh  had  fallen  away  from  the 
cheeks,  leaving  the  teeth  bare ;  and  her  eyes  had  sunk  deep  in  their 
sockets.  Her  arms  had  sunk  in  the  body,  till  they  were  nearly 
level  with  its  surface.  While  gazing  on  these  remains,  I  exclaim- 
ed vithin  myself,  O  my  God !  is  this  my  mother !  Axe  those  the 
arms  that  embraced  me  in  infancy ! — ^those  the  eyes  that  wept  over 
me !— is  that  the  bosom  to  which,  in  childhood,  I  was  tenderly 
pressed !  As  an  unpleasant  effluvia  compelled  me  to  turn  away*  I 
said  of  the  dust,  '  Thou  art  my  mother.'  And  the  thought  rushed 
upon  me  with  great  solemnity,  Hhis  is  a  looking-glass  for  me. 
Thus  it  will  soon  be  with  me,  and  with  all  the  living.  But  her 
spirit  is  not  here ;  it  has  fled  beyond  the  limits  of  mortality.'  The 
coffin  being  again  closed,  and  the  grave  filled  up,  we  retired  from 
the  instructive  scene,  while  solemn  reflections  of  the  resurrection 
gave  me  great  consolation. 

September  19,  my  father  kindly  purchased  me  a  horse,  and  al- 
lowed me  six  months  to  make  the  payment.  The  next  morning,  I 
left  home  for  Manlius,  and  rode  twenty  miles  without  a  saddle, 
then  left  my  horse  in  Elbridge,  and  the  day  following  walked  twen- 
ty-six miles  and  held  one  meeting,  in  which  sinners  wept  and  saints 
rejoiced.  One  mourning  soul  cried  to  God,  and  soon  after  found 
peace  in  Jesus. 

Sunday,  23.  A  large  number  assembled  at  the  place  of  my  ap- 
pointment. The  Lord  gave  me  boldness  to  speak  in  his  name,  and 
his  Spirit  attended  the  work.  Many  who  came,  expecting  the 
" hoy"  like  Sampson,  would  only  msJse  sport  for  them,  wept  pro- 
fusely. In  the  afternoon,  I  preached  at  Manlius  four  corners,  to 
several  hundred.    The  Master  of  assemblies  presided  and  sinners 


BA.VID  MAXKS. 


M 


were  pricked  in  the  heart ;  Inviting  those  ivho  were  desirous  of 
salvation,  to  manifest  it  hj  rising,  my  heart  leaped  with  joy,  to  be- 
hold  thirty  rise  in  the  assembly.  Several  of  them  wept  bitterly^ 
and  eight  or  nine  never  rested  till  they  found  Jesus.  Three  dollars 
were  given  me  in  this  place  for  which  I  thanked  God.  Mondaj, 
I  walked  twenty-eight  miles  and  preached  in  Gettysburg  and  El- 
bridge. 

A^ser  this,  I  went  to  Lysander,  Oswego,  and  Scriba,  and  attend- 
ed laeetings  in  each  j^ace.  In  the  latter,  some  appeared  sensM^le 
of  their  dzmger  and  promised  to  se^  the  Lord.  Sunday,  SeptMn- 
ber  30, 1  rode  ten  miles,  and  preached  at  the  Oswego  falls  fromiiie 
word  'JPtre;*  and  indeed  felt  the  word  shut  up  l&e  fire  in  my 
bones.  The  next  day  I  spoke  to  an  attentive  audience  m  Guau- 
lus,  and  the  day  blowing  returned  to  Janiw. 

My  father's  dwelling  was  more  lonely  than  ever,  my  sister  :tnd 
youngest  brother  having  been  committed  to  the  care  of  4Str«i^ws 
thirty  miles  from  home.  With  me,  Junius  had  lost  much  of  Its 
power  to  delight  The  ties  which  had  made  it  deiu:  to  my  hOHrt, 
were  nearly  all  rent  asunder,  while  the  empty  plaees  of  myiseln- 
tives  called  up  bitter  reeollectacms. 

After  holdii^  a  hw  meetings  in  Junius,  I  again  visited  the  Hol- 
land Purchase,  and  enjoyed  some  iarored  seasons,  while  pointang 
sinners  to  the  Savior.  During  my  visit,  I  attended  the  Erie  qunv 
terly  meeting  in  the  town  of  Holland  on  the  third  and  fouilhof 
November,  1821.  The  sermons  were  interesting,  and  sonae  good 
degree  of  the  Spirit  was  present. 

After  viF  <.ngand  preaching  in  Boston,  I  returned  to  Jumtts^ 
where  I  aiT    A  on  the  13th  of  November. 

ltt>.iii-Cf,;!^J^  V'TirAiS^J.    i;.';;v>-;;(- ..--i^,     •S-rt)/^         .':'-mJ  i-^lVi'fs     ^v\^iv^i^:i,&W■^•''■:'' 


tfmi-iV:t.:pi:.iNi':^-m    ^'.J" ;    I'^A-zf 

.,!--4;i«'-;t;  v^"  f\  ^v: 

'>^^e»av*^f^■f . 

Afmmi 


\ 


54 


msHOiBS  or 
CHAPTER  Vt  '     ■'^■i^jKx-./^,,-      .--, 


tm.' 


My  Journey  to  New  Hampthire. 


.-•tlrtS'- 


From  a  constant  perusal  of  the  Religious  Informer^  a  periodical 
published  by  one  of  our  preachers  in  New  Hampshire,  I  had  become 
much  attached  to  many  in  New  England.  An  anxiety  for  months 
had  been  ,  increasing  in  my  mind  to  see  these  brethren,  many  of 
whom  had  been  long  in  the  holy  war.  Believing  such  an  opportu- 
nity would  be  useful  to  me,  and  having  made  it  a  subject  of  prayer, 
I  now  thought  duty  called  me  to  visit  them,  and  accordingly  had 
sent  appointments  to  attend  on  my  route.  Ailer  a  stay  of  an  hour 
and  a  half  at  my  father's,  on  Tuesday,  the  13th  of  November,  I 
commenced  the  journey.  My  temporal  prospects  were  discoura- 
ging. I  had  a  young  horse,  no  saddle,  great  coat,  or  money ;  and 
was  going  among  strangers,  a  distance  of  more  than  four  hundred 
miles.  But  being  bound  in  spirit  to  go  thither  I  believed  the  Lord 
would  provide  for  me.  At  evening,  I  attended  a  meeting  on  the 
island  west  of  Montezuma,  and  the  next  day  crossed  the  toll  bridge 
at  Montezuma,  promising  to  pay  the  tax  on  my  return.  At  Bru- 
tus, I  held  a  meeting,  and  there  met  Moses  Manrow,  who  desired 
to  accompany  me  to  New  Hampshire.  He  also  was  destitute  of 
money.'  ^jtv-gsf '|';'F**v4i,j-lf><-^i^:#''  ■:."«>^.'i*?^ 

Thursday,  we  attended  my  appointment  in  Elbridge.  The  next 
morning  we  camu  to  a  turnpike  gate  in  Camillas,  and  after  telling 
Uio  gate  keeper  my  situation  and  business,  I  requested  a  free  pas- 
sage. Being  denied,  I  offered  my  hat,  coat,  or  shoes,  for  security. 
He  replied,  he  wanted  the  money ;  but  afler  detaining  me  half  an 
hour,  let  me  pass,  with  a  charge  never  to  come  to  that  gate  again 
with  a  horse  and  no  money.  Pursuing  our  journey,  I  held  meet- 
ings at  Nine  Mile  Point,  Gettysburg,  Syracuse,  Manlius,  Orvillc, 
fanlius  Square  and  Pompey.  The  Spirit's  influences  were  visi- 
ble in  these  meetings,  and  some  appeared  to  feel  their  need  of  sal- 
vation. At  the  latter  place,  a  few  shillings  were  given  to  enable 
me  to  pass  the  gates.  Thursday  morning,  Nov.  21,  at  7  o'clock,  I 
preached  in  Christian  Hollow.  Here  I  met  with  unexpected  em- 
barrassment ;  for  by  some  means  I  had  lost  the  record  of  my  ap- 
po-'  itments  in  a  strange  land.  The  most  I  knew  of  them  was,  they 
were  in  a  southern  direction.  After  proceeding  twenty  miles,  I 
found  that  I  had  missed  two ;  and  then  obtained  information  of 
four  others. 

Friday,  we  came  to  a  grave-yard,  where  the  congregation  was 
attending  to  the  burial  of  a  young  woman,  who  only  the  Tuesday 
previous  was  in  the  bloom  of  health.     She  remarked,  while  stand- 


DAVID   MARKS. 


xmf-' 


ing  before  the  glass,  dressing  her  hfur,  she  intended  to  go  to  school 
the  whole  winter.  In  a  few  minutes  she  felt  the  attacks  of  disor- 
der, and  in  thirty-six  hours  bid  the  world  adieu.  Duringthis  short 
illness,  she  bitterly  lamented  the  misimprovement  of  her  time.  Two 
weeks  previous  she  attended  a  gay  party  and  joined  in  the  dance  ; 
but  now,  when  death  was  summoning  her  to  appear  before  her 
Judge,  with  grief  she  said,  **  O,  that  I  had  spent  that  time  praying 
to  God !"  She  then  called  her  parents  to  pray  tor  her.  This  they 
had  often  done,  and  also  counselled  her  to  prepare  for  the  solemn 
change ;  but  her  ears  had  been  deaf  to  all  their  entreaties,— for 
she  thought  that  as  she  was  in  the  morning  of  life,  she  had  time 
enowfh  yet  to  attend  to  religion.  Now  she  regretted  her  refusal  of 
the  friendly  counsel,  and  said,  "  O  that  all  young  people  were  pre- 
sent, that  I  might  warn  them  not  to  do  as  I  have  done !  O,  tell 
them  from  me,  when  I  am  dead,  not  to  live  in  sin  as  I  have."  Just 
before  her  eyes  closed  in  death,  she  exclaimed,  '*  I  am  going  to  re- 
ceive my  everlasting  fate!  I  am  going  to  dwell  with  devils !" 
Afler  her  burial  the  people  i:etired  to  a  house — ^and  as  their  ex- 
pected preacher  had  not  arrived,  being  requested,  I  addressed  them 
a  few  minutes,  concerning  the  mortality  of  man  and  the  necessity 
of  being  prepared  tor  the  awful  change  of  death.  Afler  praying 
with  them,  we  proceeded  to  my  appointment  in  Truxton.  The 
next  day  I  preached  thrice ;  a  friend  gave  a  great  coat,  which, 
though  considerably  worn,  'was  gladly  received. 

Sunday,  Nov.  25, 1  attended  worship  in  Truxton,  where  two  or 
three  were  awakened,  and  kneeled  for  prayer.  A  revival  follow- 
ed, in  which  several  were  added  to  the  Lord.  Leaving  Truxton,  I 
preached  in  De  Ruyter  village,  and  the  next  day  proceeded  twen- 
ty miles  to  Murray  and  Lebanon,  and  there  held  four  meetings. 
Going  next  to  Flainfield,  I  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  speaking  to  a 
congregation  composed  chiefly  of  young  converts.  There  had  been 
a  glorious  revival  in  the  towns  of  Plainfield  and  Winfield,  in  which 
many  had  learned  the  song  of  Zion.  Saturday  I  enjoyed  a  refr(|sh- 
ing  season  with  the  "  Seventh  day''  Christians.  Here  an  invitation 
was  given  me  to  preach  in  Broc^field.  As  it  was  eight  miles  from 
my  intended  course,  I  at  first  declined ;  but  being  much  importun- 
ed, I  finally  sent  an  appointment  for  the  next  Tuesday.  Sabbath, 
Dec.  2, 1  preached  in  the  Free  Communion  Baptist  meeting  house ; 
in  the  evening,  on  the  Cherry  Valley  turnpike,  and  the  next  day 
at  a  school  house. 

Tuesday,  I  addressed  a  considerable  number  of  people  in  Brook- 
field,  from  Gen.  3:19,  "  Dust  thou  art,  and  unto  dust  shalt  thou  re- 
turn." Many,  touched  by  the  power  of  God,  wept,  and  five  sin- 
sick  souls  bowed  for  prayer.  Feeling  an  impression  of  duty,  I 
made  a  second  appointment.    Several  hundreds  attended :  the  Lord 


\ 


M 


imiOlItB  OT 


'led  my  soul  out  into  the  deep  wsiters,  «nd  by  hia  Spirit,  fWstened 
oonvioUon  in  many  hearts.  A  good  prospect  of  revival  in  Brook- 
fleld  no^  appeared,  and  I  was  in  doubt  whether  it  was  duty  to  stsfy 
M'  to  proceed  on  icy  joumeiy.  But,  remembering  a  promise  I  made, 
after  leaving  the  revival  in  Boston  and  Eden,  which  stopped  soOn 
after,  that  if  the  Lord  would  make  me  instrumental  of  one  more 
revival,  I  would  not  leave  it  till  sensible  it  was  his  will,  I  conclud- 
ed to  remain  a  little  season ;  and  I  requested  my  heavenly  Father, 
if  It  was  my  duty  to  stay,  and  if  my  eyes  (^ould  there  see  his  md- 
vation,  that  for  a  witness  of  it,  he  would  convert  two  soUls  before 
tlie  close  of  that  week.  Dec.  9,  one  was  eonverted,  and  testified 
what  God  had  done  for  his  soul;  and  before  the  week  closed, 
another  was  brought  into  the  fold  of  Jesus.  This  desired  witness 
sritisfying  me  as  to  duty,  I  continued  my  labors.  On  Dec.  12,  one 
more  was  converted,  and  the  number  of  the  anxious  increased. 

But  now  the  enemy  of  all  righteousness,  seeing  his  kingdom  in- 
vaded, and  his  servants  deserting  his  standard,  rallied  his  forces. 
Scandalous  reports  were  circulated,  both  concerning  myself  and  the 
subjects  of  the  revival;  h\A  the  Captain  of  our  salvation  fought  for 
YAa  people,  and  suffered  not  his  work  to  be  hindered.  In  our  meet- 
ing on  the  19th  of  the  month,  several  ridiculed  religion,  yet  the 
season  was  solemn  to  many,  and  some  cried  for  mercy.  One  young 
man,  who  was  thoughtless  and  disorderly  in  the  early  part  of  the 
meeting,  was  cut  to  the  heart,  while  witnessing  the  tears  of  Chris- 
lions,  whose  prayers  were  raised  to  God  in  his  behalf.  When  con- 
viction, which  he  then  called  " a  singvJar  feeling"  sunk  into  his 
heart,  immediately  he  left  the  house  for  home — ^returned — set  out 
again— returned  again — and  coming  to  me,  desired  my  prayers  for 
his  poor  soul.  He  appeared  to  be  a  very  humble  penitent,  cried 
fervently  to  God  for  pardon,  and  soon  after  was  happy  in  Uie  Sa- 
^vior's  love. 

^'  On  the  evening  of  Dec.  23,  we  enjoyed  a  h^ivenly  season.  I 
delivered  a  discourse  to  several  hundreds,  .and  afterward  a  lai^e 
number  spoke  of  the  goodness  of  God :  others  anxiously  de^red 
salvation,  and  prayed  for  a  pardon  of  their  sins.  Before  the  close 
of  the  meeting,  which  was  at  two  in  the  morning,  seven  who  thus 
wept  and  mourned,  were  brought  to  rejoice  and  give  glory  to 
€k)d. 

"^  January  1,  1822.  About  fifteen  had  professed  faith  in  Christ. 
I  had  now  been  travelling  one  year  to  preach  the  gospel.  A  mm- 
gled  cup  of  joy  and  sorrow  had  been  my  portion.  My  greatest  sor- 
row had  been  to  see  poor  sinners  slight  the  Savior,  and  by  their 
mad  rejection,  prepare  themselves  for  eternal  wo  and  wrett^ei- 
nesB.    I  had  enjoyed  peace  of  mind  in  warning  and  weeping  over 


DAVID  liABKS. 


them ;  and  feeling  encouraged  hj  the  guccess  Qod  had  given  my 
labors,  I  determined  to  spend  my  life  on  the  walls  of  Zion. 

The  work  of  God  continuing,  I  generally  held  from  seven  to  t^n  • 
meetings  in  a  week.  There  were  usually  from  three  to  five,  and 
sometimes  seven  hundred  people  present.  -We  often  enjoyed  heav- 
enly refreshings  and  the  converts  in  a  very  affecting  manner,  fre- 
quently  spoke  the  praises  of  the  Lord.  In  one  evening  meeting, 
sixty  spoke  of  the  goodness  of  God  after  sermon,  and  declared 
that  they  were  resolved,  through  grace,  to  persevere  in  obedience 
to  the  commands  of  the  dear  Redeemer.  But  in  the  latter  part  of 
January,  this  happy  state  of  things  seemed  a  little  changed.  Cer- 
tain professed  ministers  of  the  Prince  of  peace  came  into  the  vi- 
cinity of  the  revivalj  and  preached  their  doctrines.  A  party  spirit 
followed,  and  hindered  the  work.  From  a  conviction  of  duty,  I 
went  into  the  north  and  north-east  parts  of  the  town.  Here  sin- 
ners began  to  cry  for  mercy,  and  the  revival  spread.  Jan.  18,  at 
a  meeting  in  Cordon's  settlement,  five  or  six  arose  and  said,  that 
within  a  week  past  they  had  found  Jesus. 

Jan.  19.  Having  IsJbored  under  much  trial  on  account  of  a  tri- 
fling spirit,  which  frequently  influenced  my  conversation  and  de- 
portment, I  resolved  to  fast  and  continue  in  prayer,  hoping  to  ob- 
tain victory  over  this  sinful  propensity.  With  this  resolution  I 
went  to  Eaton,  where  Elder  J.  Shaw,  a  preacher  of  the  Six  Priti- 
eipie  Baptists,  had  solicited  an  appointment,  hoping  the  warnings 
of  a  youth  of  sixteen  might  touch  the  hearts  of  his  children, 
for  none  of  them  had  yet  been  converted.  I  held  two  meetings  in 
that  town,  and  felt  much  of  the  solemn  power  of  God.  The  Spir- 
it of  truth  attended  the  word  to  the  hearts  of  the  people.  A  few 
were  awakened  who  covenanted  to  seek  the  Lord,  and  were  soon 
happy  in  the  smiles  of  the  Savior.  Their  testimonies  were  bless- 
ed to  the  awakening  of  others,  and  this  good  work  continued,  till 
about  fiftfr  or  sixty  were  brought  into  the  fold  of  Christ.  Among 
these,  according  to  the  hope  of  Elder  Shaw,  I  think,  were  two  or 
three  of  his  children.*  Leaving  Eaton  the  same  day  I  held  a 
meeting  at  the  Baptist  Seminary  in  Hamilton.  On  the  next  even- 
ing, I  preached  in  Brookfield,  and  then,  havim^  fasted  fifty-five 
hours  and  feeling  much  blessed  and  strengtheneu  of  the  Lor«],  I 


*  An  individual  who  resided  in  Eaton  recently  told  me,  that  the  "  tey 
preacha;"  at  the  commencement  of  the  first  meeting  he  lield  in  Eaton,  arose 
and  said  to  the  people,  there  were  three  words  he  wished  them  to  remember. 
These  were  "  ceatk,  judgmetU  and  eternity."  Such  was  the  solemnity  of  his 
manner,  that  the  effect  on  the  assembly  was  like  an  electric  shock.  Many 
were  in  tears,  and  afterwards  several  of  the  converts  dated  their  awakening 
from  this  circumstance.    [Ed.] 


'    Jlf^r  *i^/'S,'*"^'        ■•-fcl'jM,..'  JJ- 


\ 


I 


mnoAs  ov  ' 

feceived  food.    After  this  I  held'  seveml  meetings  m  yrkieh.  tira 
power  of  Qod  was  manffested. 

Six  weeks  hod  now  passed  since  I  first  came  to  Brookficld,— in 
1^  time  thirty-five  or  fortj  had  professed  to  be  bom  again.  I  al- 
so nreachcd  frequently  in  other  places,  particularly  in  PlainfteM 
and  at  times  felt  much  of  the  presence  and  Spirit  «f  God.  In 
Aris  town,  also,  a  few  were  converted,  and  a  nomber  of  wanderort) 
rehirned  to  the  fold  of  Christ. 

At  the  close  of  a  meeting  I  spoke  to  a  yoang  woman  of  the  in- 
portance  of  being  prepared  to  meet  Qod,  but  she  treated  the  solo 
%imn  subject  of  which  I  spoke,  with  a  degree  of  contempt  that  I 
never  before  saw  equalled  1^  one  of  her  a^  and  sex.  Sol- 
«nm  impressions  concemI:.g  her  situation,  filled  ray  mind  with  aiw* 
ful  welg^ht ;  and  I  said  to  her,  I  greatly  Jwtr,  if  yon  do  not  reponf, 
God  wUl  take  you  from  iime  in  lets  man  a  year.  In  about  e^ht 
months  from  this,  as  she  was  spmning  at  her  wheeS^  near  mid-^hrf, 
l^pparently  in  health,  the  hand  of  distress  was  laid  upon  her.  Sbt 
left  her  wheel — ^retired  to  the  bed — and  in  fifteen  minutes  was  a 
Mrpse  1  Thus  was  i^e  snatched  arway  whltout  an  hour's  warning. 
O,  how  sudden  !  how  shocking  to  her  pairents  and  relatives  I  i^ 
I8iem,  as  well  as  to  her,  what  a  change  of  scene  is  presented-*- 
imd  liow  quick  the  transition  1  The  daughter  whom  a  few  xafr> 
ments  before  they  saw  in  health,  now  lies  voild  in  4eath.  T%fe 
^irheel  at  which  ^e  was  busied  is  stfll  in  its  place,  nnmoved— «iid 
'fhe  roll  that  was  in  her  hand,  still  hangs  from  the  spindle.  T« 
-gay^— ye  thoughtless ! — fnmi.  tiUis  take  warning,  and  dare  not  to  Iri- 
fle  with  your  God ! 

M.  Manrow  was  with  me  in  Brodkfleld  most  of  the  time,  and 
-generally  took  part  in  the  meetings,  thou^  sometimes  he  made 
separate  appointments.  His  labors  seemed  to  be  useful ;  but  wHh 
^in,  I  discovered  that  be  was  unstable  and  trifling  m  his  conver- 
sa^on.  He  received  my  reproofs  kindly  and.  often  with  tears. 
Viewing  his  soul  and  his  gifts  precious,  I  felt  to  treat  him  tenderly 
hoping  he  would  overcome  the  follies  of  his  youth.  But  as  he 
was  more  ready  to  hear  reproof  tlian  to  reform,  I  sometimes  re- 
gretted that  he  had  obtained  my  consent  to  travel  with  me. 

An  old  sleigh  and  two  or  three  dollars  were  given  us  in  Brodc- 
field.  In  the  latter  part  of  January,  taking  leave  of  the  ceavefii, 
we  proceeded  to  Hardwick :  there  we  held  several  meetings  in  the 
Ohristicm  meeting  house,  and  one  in  the  Universalist.  In  the  hit- 
ter was  a  large  and  attentive  assembly ;  some  were  very  solemn, 
others  opposed,  and  afterwards,  as  I  was  informed,  threatened  to 
beat  me.  Aftei^  holding  several  other  meetings  in  Hardwick,  and 
enjoying  good  seasons,  we  attended  a  meeting  in  Canajoharne. 
£ight  came  forward  for  prayer.     One  promised  to  kneel  and  pray 


I 


DAVID  HABKl* 


59 


HI  w%ich  tiM 


Uuree  times  a  day  for  five  weeks,  who  together  with  several  other* 
was  soon  converted.  Here  I  discovered  my  horse  was  sick ;  bul 
not  having  money  to  get  him  kept  in  the  pUice,  we  proceeded  slow- 
ly  twelve  miles  to  Cl»arlcatown  and  held  one  meeting.  Then,  leav- 
ing my  horse  in  the  care  of  a  good  man,  we  pursued  our  journey 
on  foot 

.  February  2,  we  attended  meeting  with  the  Methodists  in  Sche- 
nectady. We  went  home  with  the  preacher,  and  I  desired  to  leave 
an  appointment  at  his  chapel,  to  attend  on  my  return.  Ailer  ex- 
amining my  credentials,  and  consulting  some  of  his  society,  he  told 
me  they  had  concluded,  as  I  was  a  boy,  and  could  not  iiyure  the 
house,  to  grant  mo  the  privilege.  Proceeding  eastward,  we  cross- 
ed the  Hudson  at  Troy,  and  arrived  at  Brunswick  in  the  early 
part  of  the  evening.  Being  requested  to  hold  a  meeting,  immedi- 
ate notice  was  given,  and  about  thirty  collected,  to  whom  I  spoke 
with  freedom. 

In  the  morning  we  pursued  our  way,  but  my  mind  was  in  great 
trial  from  the  singular  and  irreligious  deportment  of  the  youth  who 
accompanied  me.  His  levity  seemed  daily  to  increase,  and  I  now 
despaired  of  any  reform,  for  reproof  was  in  vain.  I  wept,  not  on- 
ly for  his  soul,  but  for  my  own  misfortune,  in  having  fallen  into 
company  that  was  woi-se  than  useless.  I  told  him  my  grievances, 
and  my  wish  to  separate.  This  he  refused,  saying,  ^  I  can  travel 
•8  fast,  or  as  slowly  as  you  can,  and  I  will  go  with  you  to  Ando- 
ver,  N.  H.  It  will  be  useless  for  you  to  contend  with  me,  as  this 
will  only  close  the  hearts  of  strangers."  I  attempted  to  separate 
from  him  but  he  prevailed.  So  I  had  to  submit  to  his  will,  pain- 
ful as  it  was,  and  patiently  bear  with  him,  till  the  way  should  open 
for  my  delivr ^^ance.  We  spent  the  ensuing  night  in  Bennington, 
Yt.  and  the  next  day,  crossing  the  Gremi  mountains,  we  waded 
through  a  deep  snow  to  Wilmington. 

In  the  morning,  after  paying  our  last  money  for  the  night's 
lodging  and  a  few  crackers,  we  went  to  Brattleboro',  where  was  a 
toll  bridge  across  the  Connecticut  river.  After  telling  the  toll  re- 
ceiver our  situation  I  requested  a  free  passage.  He  inquired  if  we 
bad  money  and  received  answer  that  we  had  not.  He  then  asked 
me  of  my  business.  I  replied,  I  am  trying  to  preach  the  gospel. 
«  What !  you  preach  ?'  said  he.  "  Who  sent  you  ?"  «  The  Lord, 
1  trust."  "  What  I"  he  rejoined,  "  the  Lord  send  you  without  mon- 
ey!  I  think  then  he  is  a  poor  paymaster."  I  answered,  "  He  sent 
his  apostles  without  purse  or  scrip;  and  in  like  manner  I  think 
He  has  sent  me."  Ho  then  inquired  "  Have  you  any  friends  in 
the  place  from  which  you  came?"  "I  believe  I  have,"  was  my 
reply.  He  then  remarked,  "  I  doubt  whether  you  have  any 
friends;  if  you  had  they  would  have  provided  money  for  your  ev- 


\, 


60 


MEMOIRS    OP 


1 


ponses ;  I  guess  you  are  an  impofitor."  On  my  offering  to  show 
him  my  letters  of  commendation,  he  said,  "  I  don't  wish  to  see 
them ;  pay  your  toll  and  be  off."  Again  I  told  him  as  I  had  no 
money,  I  could  not.  In  a  manner  too  abrupt  to  name,  he  bade  me 
say  no  more,  but  go  back  whence  I  came ;  then  he  fastened  the 
gate,  went  into  the  house'  and  -that  the  door.  I  turned  away,  and 
leaned  over  the  railing  of  the  bridge ;  while  the  contrast  of  my 
present  situation  with  former  days  overpowered  my  feelings,  and 
my  teara  mingled  with  the  stream.  While  thus  venting  my  grief, 
several  passed  the  gate.  At  length  I  fell  on  my  knees,  and  be- 
sought the  Lord  to  open  my  way,  provided  he  had  sent  me ;  and 
if  he  had  not,  I  duitircd  it  might  continue  to  be  hedged  up.  When 
I  arose,  two  men  stood  behind  mo,  and  one  of  them  asked,  "  What 
is  the  matter  ?"  I  replied,  "  I  wish  to  pass  the  gate,  but  have  no 
money."  He  then  paid  our  toll,  which  I  think  was  not  more  than 
four  cents ;  and  much  to  my  surprise,  began  to  swear,  and  curse 
the-  gate  keeper  for  detaining  travellers  because  they  had  no  mon- 
ey. This  has  reminded  me  of  the  ravens  that  were  sent  to  feed 
Elijah,  when  the  Lord's  professed  people  did  not ;  and  also  of  the 
Scripture,  Pro  v.  21:18,  which  saith,  "  The  vricked  shall  be  a  ran- 
som for  the  righteous,  and  the  transgressor  for  the  upright." 

We  had  now  entered  New  Hampshire,  and  were  both  weary 
and  hungry.  On  coming  to  a  large  house,  where  all  things  around 
indicated  that  the  inhabitant  was  wealthy,  I  thought  to  go  in  and 
beg  a  little  food ;  but  this  Scripture  occurring  to  mind,  "  How 
hajndly  shall  they  that  have  riches  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God," 
we  passed  on  and  went  into  a  little  cottage,  whose  appearance  be- 
spoke poverty.  The  people  fed  us  and  I  felt  to  thank  God.  Pro- 
ceeding a  few  miles  into  Chesterfield,  I  began,  as  the  sun  was  set- 
ting, to  seek  a  lodging ;  but  at  every  house,  for  some  miles,  I  sought 
in  vain.  For  as  soon  as  they  learned  the  object  of  my  journey, 
the  repeated  answer  was,  "  No."  Had  a  poor  drunkard  asked  their 
charity,  doubtless  they  would  have  given  him  as  much  as  a  crust 
of  bread,  and  a  lodging  by  their  fire-side ;  but  as  I  was  a  poor 
preacher,  of  a  dissenting  order,  to  me  they  would  grant  no  favors. 
Some  attempted  to  justify  their  conduct  by  this  Scripture,  "  Re- 
ceive them  not  into  your  house." 

After  requesting  entertainment  at  a  certain  house,  being  asked 
of  my  business,  I  answered,  "  I  believe  the  Lord  has  called  me  to 
labor  in  his  vineyard ;  and  in  obedience  to  this  requirement,  I  am 
endeavoring  to  preach  the  gospel."  Then  they  said  that  no  one 
should  preach  without  a  collegiate  education  ;  and  that  such  char- 
acters as  I  was  they  considered  the  false  prophets,  that  should 
come  in  the  latter  days — ^and  on  such  they  should  bestow  no  favors. 
It  was  now  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening ;   and  having  found 


DAVID   MARKS. 


m 


as  a  cruet 


no  shelter,  the  possibility  of  perishing  in  the  street  by  cold,  was 
suggested.  Without  asking  leave,  I  kneeled,  and  entreated  the 
Lo^  that  my  way  might  be  opened ;  or  if  I  must  perish,  that  I 
might  be  reconciled,  and  submit  to  my  fate  without  a  murmuring 
word,  or  a  repining  thought.  On  bidding  them  farewell,  the  wo- 
man of  the  house  said,  "  Stop  a  minute,  I  wish  to  talk  with  you. 
What  made  you  first  entertain  an  idea  that  the  Lord  had  called 
you  to  preach  ?"  I  answered,  "  The  impression  of  his  Spirit  on 
my  mind,  and  ito  agreement  with  the  Scriptures."  After  acking 
several  more  questions,  she  said,  **  You  may  stay  the  night,  pro- 
vided you  will  be  civil,  conform  to  our  rules,  retire  in  season,  be 
locked  in  the  room,  and  at  11  o'clock  have  a  young  man  come  to 
your  apartment  and  lodge  with  you."  I  observed  that  we  wished 
to  leave  early  in  the  morning,  and  inquired  at  what  time  they 
would  let  us  out  She  replied,  '*  At  our  oum  time."  Not  choosiog 
to  comply  with  such  requisitions,  we  left  them. 

We  next  called  on  a  man  who  was  a  deacon.  He  asked  his  wife 
if  we  could  stay  but  she  refused  her  consent  Being  busy,  he  had 
no  leisure  to  make  further  inquiries ;  but  giving  us  a  piece  of  mon- 
ey, said,  "  You  can  provide  lodgings  with  that"  I  thanked  both 
him  and  my  Heavenly  Father,  and  obtained  lodgings  at  the  next 
house.  We  retired  to  rest  without  any  refreshment,  and  in  the 
morning  our  hostess,  who  was  a  widow,  kindly  gave  us  breakfast. 
And  with  a  heart  glowing  with  gratitude  to  Him  who  hears  the 
young  ravens  when  they  cry,  I  went  on  to  Sullivan,  and  there 
preadied  Jesus.  The  following  day  we  proceeded  to  Bradford, 
and  staid  with  a  Free-will  Baptist  deacon,  who  treated  us  courte- 
ously. We  spent  the  next  night  in  Wilmot,  with  a  brother  who 
received  us  affectionately,  and  my  heart  was  comforted  beneath  his 
roof. 

Sabbath,  Feb.  10,  finding  a  congregation  in  Andover  assembled 
to  hear  Elder  Jesse  Thompson,  we  went  in,  and  took  a  seat  At 
the  close  of  the  sermon  I  madi^;  a  few  remarks.  Elder  Thompson 
invited  me  to  address  the  people  in  the  afternoon.  Complying 
with  the  invitation,  I  opened  my  mouth,  and  the  Lord  gave  utter- 
ance ;  he  made  his  word  as  sharp  arrows,  and  almost  every  fiue 
was  bedewed  with  tears.  Near  the  close  of  the  exercises,  about 
one  hundred,  on  being  requested,  arose  to  manifest  their  desires 
to  find  Jesus.  The  next  day  I  preached  in  a  ball-room.  Several, 
humbling  themselves,  bowed  with  Christians  in  time  of  devotion. 

About  this  time,  Moses  Manrow  left  me.  He  took  his  own 
course ;  soon  became  irreligious,  and  at  length  a  base  impostor. 
May  God  save  me,  and  all  who  read  this,  from  pride  "  the  snare  of 
the  fowler,"  which  effected  the  downfall  of  this  youth,  who  but  for 
this,  might  have  been  a  burning  light 
6 


69 


mMOIM  ov 


*  IXnrinK  the  (bur  (Irjii  followins,  I  hold  tvro  meotingt  in  Wilmot, 
two  in  Hutton,  in  which  RovonU  lineeled  for  prayora,  and  one  in 
8pringfl«ld.  Hunday,  Fob.  17,  KIdor  J.  Thompson  preached  at 
KnHold,  in  a  ball-room :  afVnr  Hormon,  I  gnvo  an  oxhortation  ;  and 
in  the  evening  et\)oynd  a  nolomn  nvaMin  at  Canaan  while  entnmtini;; 
■innnni  to  be  reeoncilod  to  God.  Next  morning  I  Icfl  without 
iHwaltfiMt,  having  twelve  or  fourteen  milf^H  tn  walk  before  ten  o'clock. 
Afler  going  nine  miles  through  the  deep  and  drilled  snow,  my 
•trengtn  was  nearly  exhausted ;  but  embracing  an  opportunity  to 
ride  the  rest  of  the  way,  I  rt«achod  my  ap|K)intment.  The  Lord 
save  mo  freedom  in  speiUiing  fVom  liomans  9:18 1  **  Jacob  have  t 
loved,  but  Ksau  have  I  hated :"  and  mv  soul  was  tilled  with  Joy 
inexpressible.  Many  wept^  and  I  believe  good  was  done.  The 
four  days  following,  I  spent  in  Aiidover,  and  attended  six  meetings, 
in  which  were  appearances  of  go(»d  \  but  not  so  much  prospect  of 
a  revival  as  luul  been  expected.  Feb.  28,  I  hold  another  mooting 
in  Wilmot ;  the  day  following  in  SpringKold,  and  my  soul  was  fill- 
•d  with  the  joys  of  the  heavenly  world. 

I  was  now  about  to  return  to  New  York.  The  people  here  had 
feoeivcd  mo  in  the  name  of  tho  Lord,  and  had  shown  mo  great 
kindness.  I  came  to  them  pennilens  ;  but,  through  their  liberality, 
I  had  now  ten  dollars.  My  prayer  was  that  God  would  i*eward 
Uiem. 

Monday,  Feb.  26, 1  commenced  my  journey ;  having  a  chain  of 
appointments  four  hundred  and  fifty  miles  in  length,  and  some  of 
nine  months*  standing.  The  day  before,  considerable  snow  had 
flUIen,  and  the  wind  blew,  so  that  in  some  places  the  loiul  was  fiU- 
«d  to  the  tops  of  the  fonoes ;  yet  I  was  enabled  to  walk  twenty- 
Iwo  miles,  and  attend  three  appointments.  The  following  day, 
after  travelling  fifteen  miles  to  Washington,  I  found  that  1  could 
not  get  to  my  appointment  in  season,  and  hired  a  man  to  carry  me 
four  miles :  still  it  was  eight  miles  further  and  the  road  not  broken. 
Proceeding  slowly,  I  arrived  at  the  meeting  about  seven  in  the 
evening.  The  house  was  filled  with  peo^e,  and  I  commenced 
■peaking ;  but  was  soon  interrupted  by  some  that  came  to  make 
disturbMice.  I  entreated  them  to  behave  with  decency,  but  they 
were  the  more  outrageous,  and  swore  violently.  Some  present 
threatened  them  with  prosecution  if  they  did  not  desist ;  upon 
which,  one  laid  aside  his  coat  to  fight  After  expostulating  with 
them  a  considerable  time,  and  being  convinced  that  all  attempts  to 
persuade  them  to  order  would  be  useless,  I  left  the  assembly,  and 
it  soon  dispersed.  This  meeting  was  in  Stoddard,  N.  H.,  and  the 
onlj  one  of  my  iq>pointmenta  that  was  ever  broken  up  by  the  un- 
godljr }  probably  this  would  not  have  been,  had  not  the  disturbers 
been  drunken.  -    .!r?*!;f*  »f*j^p-»'*'^ -'  j.;-  r^<-  ::^.  ^r'-^^'f?*^'  .kw, 


DAVID   MABKI. 


68 


I  wont  to  tho  tavorn,  and  tome  of  tho  unombljr  followed,  witlv 
iiig  mo  to  pruoch  tlieru  (  but  tho  gang  uuriued  uh,  and  loon  all  waa 
coniuiion.  Homo  who  unpiiarod  friendly  observed,  that  aa  I  waa 
n  atrnngor  and  had  auffored  abuio,  they  would  make  a  contribu- 
tion, am  a  kiiul  of  compensation.  To  tlii«  I  objected.  A  few  oenta 
were  ofTored  me,  which  I  chose  not  tu  accept ;  being  resolved,  if 
tho  })OopIe  would  not  hear  mv  Master's  word,  to  receive  none  of 
their  HubHtanco.  O  the  grief  of  my  heart,  while  witnessing  the 
rebellion  of  tliin  people  I  My  soul  mourned,  and  my  eyes  ran  down 
with  tears.     I  left  the  place,  and  walking  Ave  miles  furlher,  etop- 

()ed  for  the  night,  but  in  the  morning,  finding  that  amid  the  trouD- 
es  of  the  preceding  evening  a  bundle  of  my  clothes  had  been  left 
at  the  tavern,  I  hirad  a  horse,  and  afler  returning  for  them,  pro- 
ceeded again  on  foot. 

The  romi  being  muddy  and  the  remaining  snow  melting,  T  wan 
much  fatigued.  All  things  appeared  gloomy ;  and  for  <ilea  I 
strewed  my  path  with  tears.  Then,  sitting  down  by  the  y>-  ay  sida 
to  rest  my  weary  limbs,  I  thought  of  home,-<K>f  the  gret'  and  im- 
portant work  in  which  I  was  enp^ed  ;  the  pov  "<  of  unbelief  { 
and  the  hardness  of  men's  hearts.  O,  how  ine  itiicr^nt  to  preadi 
the  gospel,  did  I  feel  I  But  while  reflecting  thi^  the  Liord't 
strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness  in  those  whom  he  sends ; 
that  he  knows  all  the  sorrows  of  his  children ;  that  he  hath  said, 
"  Lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world," — a 
voice  whispered,  "  Afy  grace  •«  sufficient  for  thee."  My  heart  was 
comforted. 

Feb.  28, 1  preached  in'  Chesterfield  near  the  manufactory,  to  an 
attentive  assembly  and  enjoyed  the  presence  of  my  Master.  In 
the  west  port  of  the  town,  atler  rising  a  hill  near  Connecticut  riv- 
er, I  saw  in  a  vale  before  me,  a  large  assembly  in  front  of  a  house : 
I  recollected  kneeling  and  praying  near  that  place,  four  weeks  pre- 
vious, and  making  an  appointment  fo~  a  boy  of  sixteen  to  preach 
at  this  hour.  Some  as  they  were  pf>  j"  g  by,  heard  it,  and  circu- 
lated the  notice  quite  largely.  As  I  approached  the  crowd,  an 
aged,  grave,  and  neatly  dressed  gentleman,  met  me ;  and  inquired 
if  I  was  the  young  man  who  appointed  that  meeting ;  being  an- 
swered in  the  affirmative,  he  invited  me  to  follow  him.  The  peo- 
ple giving  place,  we  came  to  the  door  of  the  house,  which  waa  id- 
ready  full.  He  handed  me  his  Bible,  and  placed  a  chair  upon  the 
door  step.  Standing  in  the  chair,  I  spoke  from  the  Scripture, 
"  Many  are  called  but  few  are  chosen."  Matt.  22:14.  I  endeav- 
ored to  show  who  are  called,  even  all  that  are  afar  off  by  wicked 
works,  according  to  the  invitation  of  Scripture,  Isa.  45:22.  "  Look 
unto  me,  and  he  ye  saved,  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  ;  for  lam  Ood 
and  there  is  none  else."    Then  I  attempted  to  show,  that  they  who 


\ 


64 


IBEMOIRS   or 


I 


li 


are  chpsen,  are  chosen  through  "  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,"  and 
belief  of  the  truth — that  thej  must  believe,  before  they  :an  become 
the  chosen  of  the  Lord ;  and  that  the  reason  that  few  are  chosen, 
is,  thai  few  will  hear  or  obey  the  call.  Much  solemnity  rested  on 
the  assembly,  and  the  greater  part  seemed  deeply  affected.  At  the 
close  of  the  meeting,  the  gentleman  before  named,  returned  thanks 
to  the  Lord, — ^for  the  happy  disappointment  they  had  met  with^ 
that  the  young  man,  instead  of  ridiculing  the  religion  of  Jesus,  as 
they  had  feared  he  would,  had  come  with  tears,  entreating  his  fel- 
low youth  tc  be  reconciled  to  Grod — and  besought  the  Lord  to  im- 
press the  solemn  truth  they  had  heard  upon  their  minds.*  He 
then  proposed  a  contribution,  an(?  several  dollars  were  given  me. 
I  was  informed  that  this  gentleman  was  a  preacher,  and  an  officer 
of  a  literary  institution  of  distinction  in  New  England,  and  that  he 
was  now  going,  in  company  with  his  wife,  to  visit  his  friends  in 
Vermont  On  leaving  the  place,  he  carried  me  in  his  sleigh  two 
miles,  invited  me  to  go  home  with  him,  and  said  he  would  give  ten 
dollars  toward  my  support  at  school.  As  I  did  not  incline  to  his 
proposal,  he  then  said,  he  would  himself  give  me  six  months'  sup- 
port at  college,  and  that  a  whole  course  of  collocate  study  should 
be  provided  me  free  of  expense,  if  I  would  return  with  him.  But 
having  appointments,  and  feeling  no  liberty  to  leave  the  work  to 
which  Grod  had  called  me,  I  frankly  expressed  my  mind,  acknowl- 
edged his  kindness,  and  told  him  I  could  not  accept  his  generous 
offer.  He  then  remarked,  that  education  was  good,  and  very  nec- 
essary ;  althougJi  without  it,  men  called  of  God  miglit  be  useful. 
To  these  remarks  I  assented ;  and  would  gladly  have  accepted  his 
proposal,  could  I  have  done  it  without  the  sacrifice  of  my  peace. 
Science  may  gain  the  favor  of  man — ^find  access  to  the  hearts  of 
many,  and  may  oflen  extend  the  preacher's  usefulness.  But  the 
path  of  duty  appeared  to  lead  me  in  a  more  humble  and  self-deny- 
ing way ;  to  go  to  the  poor  and  the  ignorant ; — to  tell  them,  in  my 
simple  language,  that  Jesus  died  for  sinners,  and  exhort  them  to 
flee  from  the  wrath  to  come.  On  parting  he  gave  me  good  counsel 
and  bade  me  "  God  speed." 

I  then  crossed  the  Counecticut  and  West  rivers,  and  found  a 
large  assembly  in  Dummerston,  almost  weary  of  waiting  for  me. 
The  Lord  gave  me  a  message  to  the  people.     Here  war  a  church 


'»\  •».?«' 


.'iM- 


*  From  the  novelty  of  the  appointment  made  as  above  named,  for  a  boy 
of  sixteen  to  preach,  a  large  concourse  of  people  were  expected  to  assemble. 
And  as  the  friends  of  religion  feared  that  either  the  boy  would  not  attend,  or, 
if  he  should  attend,  that  his  object  might  be  to  ridicule  religion,  they  had  so- 
licited this  traveller  to  delay  his  journey  a  day,  and  attend  mis  meeting,  for 
die  purpose  of  promoting  order,  and  of  preaching  to  the  people  if  circum* 
stances  should  require. 


DAVID  HABKS. 


65 


that  had  left  the  CaJvinistic  Baptists,  and  ded&red  tbemselyes 
Frce-wiU  Baptists  ;  though  they  knew  no  denomination  [irofessing 
their  sentiments.  When  thej  first  separated,  their  number  was 
small ;  but  now  it  had  increased  to  eighty,  and  several  other  con- 
siderable churches  had  united  with  them.  Elders  Mann  and 
Wells  had  the  care  of  them  ;r— like  other  dissenters,  they  had  been 
much  persecuted.  They  received  me  gladly;  and  we  found  we 
were  of  one  heart,  of  one  soul,  and  spoke  the  same  thing.  These 
churches  afterward  united  with  the  Free-will  Baptist  denomina- 
tion. 

March  1.  In  Marlborough,  Vermont,  I  spoke  to  a  few ;  of  these, 
some  laughed  and  some  wept.  The  next  day,  I  crossed  the  Green 
Mountains  to  Bennington ;  and  the  day  following  went  to  Hoo^ac, 
where  I  had  made  an  appointment  at  the  Baptist  meeting  house, 
provided  the  church  should  be  willing  I  should  preach  in  it ;  oth- 
erwise it  was  to  be  in  the  highway.  This  day  being  the  Sabbath, 
the  church,  afler  consulting  together,  concluded,  that  as  I  could  not 
harm  the  house,  I  might  address  the  people.  Putting  my  trust  in 
the  Lord,  I  spoke  on  the  subject  of  the  resurrection.  March  4)  at 
a  meeting  in  Brunswick,  the  Lord  gave  me  much  of  hid  Spirit,  aiKl 
touched  the  hearts  of  the  hearers.    Two  dollars  were  here  given  me. 

March  5.  I  had  an  appointment  at  the  court  house  in  Troy. 
On  my  arrival,  finding  the  door  closed  against  me,  I  gave  notiee 
that  I  would  preach  on  the  steps  in  fifteen  minutes.  But  before 
the  time  expired,  the  door  was  opened,  a  number  assembled,  and  I 
spoke  to  them  according  to  the  grace  given  me.  A  well  dressed 
gentleman,  having  a  large  ivory-headed  cane,  hung  by  a  ribbon  <m 
his  wrist,  sat  just  before  me,  and  seemed  to  hear  and  look  very 
earnestly.  At  fii'st,  he  appeared  to  me  like  "  some  great  one,"  who 
thought  by  his  presence  to  embarrass  me ;  and  to  my  sorrow  I 
found  myself  somewhat  intimidated ;  but  remembering  that  men 
are  only  dust,  and  that  the  servant  of  the  Most  High  should  not 
fear  the  fitce  of  clay,  my  mind  was  measurably  relieved  of  its  em- 
barrassment When  the  meeting  closed,  he  beckoned  to  me,  observ- 
ing that  he  wished  some  conversation.  Following  him  two  rods 
from  the  court  house,  he  stopped  on  the  side  walk,  raised  his  hand, 
and  in  an  elevated  tone  of  voice,  said ;  "  I  am  a  Methodist 
preacher  in  this  cUy,  and  your  friend; — I  advise  you  to  go  home 
and  stay  there  tUl  you  can  preach.  You  may  preach  till  you  are 
as  old  as  Methusehh,  and  you  will  never  do  any  good,  unless  you 
preach  better  than  you  have  to-day."  He  then  left  me  without  fur- 
ther ceremony.  I  stood  amazed,  and  a  flood  of  tears  bursting 
from  my  eyes,  gave  some  relief  to  my  wounded  spirit.  Gladly 
would  I  have  taken  hb  advice,  if  I  could  have  enjoyed  peace  in  r . 

doing.    But  my  commi8si<m  had  not  been  received  from  mas,  s®^ 
0* 


66 


MKM0IS8  or 


^ 


ther  could  it  be  recalled  by  man ;  and  the  path  of  duty  had  been 
made  too  plain  for  me  to  doubt  at  this  time.  A  friend  solicited 
me  to  go  to  his  house  and  take  refreshment ;  but  an  appointment 
necessitated  me  to  decline.  We  walked  a  little  distance  in  com- 
pany, and  he  inquired.  "  What  said  our  preacher  to  you  ?"  Iga^e 
no  answer  till  he  remarked,  they  feared  he  had  said  something  that 
would  occasion  me  a  trial.  I  then  stated  his  remarks ;  upon  which 
he  appeared  grieved,  and  observed,  "  He  will  hear  of  this  again." 
In  an  affectionate  manner,  he  gave  me  good  advice,  and  said, ''  Do 
not  be  discouraged,  but  do  what  you  think  to  be  duty ;"  then  bid- 
ding me  "  God  speed,"  we  parted.  This  man  waH  a  citizen  of 
Troy,  and  a  justice  of  the  peace.  I  understood  that  for  many 
years,  he  had  been  a  member  of  the  Methodist  society,  and  for 
some  time  a  class  leader.  Some  others  invited  me  to  their  houses, 
and  on  parting,  left  some  small  pieces  of  money  in  my  hand. 

At  this  time  the  ice  in  the  Hudson  was  broken  up,  and  floating 
down  the  stream,  rendered  the  crossing  so  dangerous,  that  the  fer- 
ryman durst  not  venture  with  me  till  evening ;  then  without  diffi- 
culty we  reached  the  opposite  shore.  The  mud  was  deep,  and  the 
travelling  quite  fatiguing ;  I  succeeded,  however,  in  meeting  my 
appointment  the  next  morning  in  Schenectady.  On  the  day  fol- 
lowing, I  went  to  Florida,  and  preached  to  a  solemn  assembly  in  a 
ball-room.  The  Scoharrie  bridge  had  been  carried  away  by  a 
late  flood,  which  obliged  me  to  disappoint  two  congregations-  Walk- 
ing up  the  creek  nine  miles  in  the  earlv  part  of  the  evening,  I 
crossed  on  Burton's  bridge ;  and  then  walked  seven  miles  further, 
to  Dea.  Gampbell's,  in  Gharlestown ;  where,  at  a  late  hour,  they 
received  me  affectionately.  Here,  I  found  my  horse  had  been  very 
side,  and  was  now  hardly  fit  for  use.  I  held  a  meeting  in  this 
place,  and  a  good  season  was  enjoyed.  The  people  were  very  kind, 
and  communicated  considerable,  for  which  I  felt  grateful. 

I  next  held  meetings  in  Canajoharrie,  Hardwick,  and  Winfield. 
Sabbath,  March  10, 1  spoke  to  an  assembly  of  several  hundred  in 
Brookfield.  The  converts,  with  apparent  gladness,  welcomed  my 
return ;  and  many  of  them  appeared  much  engaged.  Several,  who 
were  mourning  for  their  sins  when  I  lefl  the  town  the  winter  be- 
fore, were  now  happy  in  the  Lord. 

On  Monday  morning  I  left  early,  having  an  appointment  at  the 
Baptist  Seminary  in  Hamilton,  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M.  When  within 
three  miles  of  the  place,  as  I  was  riding  down  a  hill  on  a  quick 
step,  my  horse  stumbled  and  I  fell  on  my  head ;  but  rising  imme- 
diately on  my  feet,  a  violent  pain  caused  by  the  fall,  deprived  mo 
of  -strength,  and  I  fell  into  a  ditch  by  the  side  of  the  road.  The 
air  appeared  to  be  full  of  fire,  and  everything  had  a  fiery  and  un- 
natund  appearance.    My  mind  wavered — ^feelings  of  insensibility 


I 


DAYIIf  MABK8.  _^  "m 

fast  Stole  upon  me ; — and,  concluding  death's  cold  hand  was  about 
to  release  my  soul  from  its  house  of  clay,  in  my  thoughts  I  bade 
adieu  to  the  world  with  its  sorrows : — a  calm  peace  filled  my  soul, , 
and  in  a  moment  I  was  senseless.  The  next  I  knew,  a  stranger ' 
stood  behind  me,  supporting  me  in  his  arms.  He  had  seen  me 
fall,  and  had  taken  me  up,  expecting  I  was  dead.  But  much  to  the 
surprise  of  myself  and  others,  I  so  far  recovered  that  I  was  able  to 
ride  on  a  slow  walk  to  my  appointment,  about  an  hour  afler  the 
time.  I  spoke  from  Matt  24:44 ;  "  Therefore  be  ye  alto  ready  '.for 
in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not  the  Son  of  man  cometh"  To  me 
this  was  a  solemn  meeting,  and  the  audience  seemed  greatly  affect- 
ed. At  the  close,  a  young  man  desired  me  to  pray  with  him,  and  ' 
said  he  was  resolved  to  seek  the  Lord.  During  prayer,  he  kneel- 
ed in  the  presence  of  the  assembly,  and  soon  fdler  found  peace  in 
believing.  In  the  after  part  of  the  day,  though  the  travelling  was 
very  bad,  several  hundreds  assembled  in  Eaton,  to  whom  I  spok^ 
with  much  freedom.  Scores  wept  profusely,  and  sighed  for  salva- 
tion ;  <\bout  forty  arose  for  prayer.  At  a  prayer  meeting  in  the 
evening,  twenty-five  promised,  by  giving  me  their  hands  as  a  sign, 
to  seek  the  Savior. 

Leaving  Eaton,  I  held  several  meetings  in  Georgetown  and 
Nelson ;  and  in  the  latter  place  met  with  opposition  from  the  wick- 
ed. My  labors  in  Nelson  seemed  to  me  almost  lost ;  but  a  minis- 
ter who  resided  in  that  vicinity  has  since  told  me  that  he  baptized 
several,  who  dated  their  awakening  at  the  meeting  wliich  was  so 
disturbed  by  the  ungodly.  How  little  does  the  sower  know,  when 
he  sows  the  seed,  which  will  prosper  "  this  or  that ;  or  whether  tliey 
both  shall  be  alike  good."  Often  the  servant  of  Christ  after  dis- 
pensing the  word,  groans  within  himself  and  sighs,  while  he  h 
tempted  to  believe  his  labor  has  been  in  vain  ;  but  the  promise  is 
sure,  "  He  that  goeth  forth  and  weepeth,  bearing  precious  seed,  shall, 
doubtless,  come  again  with  rejoicing,  bringing  his  sheaves  witb 
him."    Psalm  126:6. 

On  Thursday  I  preached  at  Manlius  Square,  and  during  a  stay 
of  three  days,  attended  eight  meetings  in  Manlius  township.  Some 
were  awakened,  and  eleven  or  twelve  solemnly  engaged  to  attend 
to  "  life's  great  concern."  Sunday,  March  17, 1  held  two  meetings : 
the  latter  in  Gettysburg  was  a  favored  season.  The  next  day,  I 
arrived  at  my  father's,  having  been  absent  four  months  and  six 
days.  In  this  time  I  had  seen  much  of  Lhe  glory  of  Grod,  and  his 
wonderful  works  among  the  children  of  men.  My  Heavenly  Fa- 
ther had  watched  over  me  and  supplied  my  wants,  and  now  per- 
mitted me  to  return  in  peace,  to  my  surviving  parent.  Blessed  be 
the  Lord  for  all  his  tender  mercies. 
^  Having  used  the  utmost  economy  in  my  expenses,  and  carefully 


\ 


G8 


MKMOIBS  or  j 


^1 


•■•■Ji   .■■■•-    •         .■»• 


CHAPTER  VII. 


guarrled  the  small  pieces  of  money  given  me  in  different  places,  I 
found  enough  remaining  to  pay  for  my  horse ;  and  I  felt  to  praise 
God,  and  adore  his  providence  in  thus  opening  my  way  to  travel 
and  publish  salvation. 

,    ';- ■■'.■7'■i'',>;-,JS(!J■?i^■ 
The  partictdart  of  my  travels  and  labors  for  nearty  three  months 
after  my  return  from  New  Hampshire. 

After  preaching  a  few  times  in  Junius,  I  left  home  March  26, 
went  to  Scipio  and  Genoa,  where  I  held  ten  meetings.  In  some  of 
these  the  power  of  God  was  manifested.  Monday,  April  1st.,  I 
spoke  to  a  very  solemn  assembly  in  Dry  den,  and  the  next  dsty  in 
Candor,  where  I  enjoyed  the  sweet  presence  of  my  T^Iaster.  Some 
were  awakened  and  soon  fouud  Jesus.  I  next  attended  meetings 
at  Owego  creek  and  Caroline.  In  the  latter  place  a  number  were 
seriously  concerned  for  their  souls  and  kneeled  for  prayer.  Some 
of  these  were  soon  brought  to  sing  praises  to  the  Redeemer.  On 
the  evening  of  the  same  day,,  I  preached  again  in  Candor,  and  the 
Spirit  gave  utterance.  The  powcfr  of  the  Highest  gladdened  the 
hearts  of  his  saints,  while  sinners  trembled  under  his  mighty  hand. 
It  was  a  time  of  mourning  and  weeping,  of  joy  and  guidness. 
Eight  were  awakened,  and  with  four  other  anxious  souls,  bowed  for 
the  first  time  at  mercy's  altar.  Some  of  these  were  of  the  first 
respectability  in  society,  and  soon  became  happy  in  the  Lord. 

Monday,  April  8, 1  held  a  meeting  in  Owego ;  then  crossing  the 
Susquehanna,  preached  once  in  Pennsylvania.  Many  appeared  Xo 
receive  the  word  with  gladness.  Crossing  the  Susquehanna  again, 
I  preached  a  second  time  in  the  village  of  Ow^o.  A  oonsidora- 
ble  assembly  was  present,  and  some  heard  with  candor.  On  the 
morning  of  the  10th,  though  very  rainy,  I  spoke  to  a  large  number 
assembled  near  Owego  creek.  Tlie  Lord  gave  me  a  message,  and 
directed  it  to  the  hearts  of  the  people.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached 
again,  and  in  the  evening  held  a  meeting  in  Caroline.  Here  twen- 
ty-two covenanted  to  kneel  and  pray  twice  a  day  for  three  weeks, 
and  gave  me  their  hands  as  a  token.  Many  of  these  seemed  to  be 
deeply  sensible  of  their  lost  situation  without  the  Savior. 

Thursday,  I  enjoyed  a  precious  season  in  Candor  while  preach- 
ing Christ.  Seven  told  me,  that  since  my  last  meeting  in  that 
place  they  had  found  Jesus,  and  were  happy  in  his  love.  In  preach- 
ing the  next  day,  I  w«a  especially  favored  with  the  Divine  pres- 


DAVID  MABK8. 


69 


ence,  and  heard  BOTen  dodare  their  determinaUon  to  seek  the  Lord. 
Saturday,  I  rode  twenty-three  miles  to  Berkshire,  and  in  the  even- 
ing spoke  the  word  with  freedom.  Many  appeared  tender,  and 
four  desired  the  prayers  of  Christians.  :) 

Sunday,  April  14,  I  held  three  meetings ;  one  in  Candor,  and 
two  fifteen  miles  distant ;  and  the  next  day  preached  again  in  Can- 
dor. Another  soul  had  been  brought  into  the  liberty  of  the  gospel. ; 
After  sermon,  we  walked  to  the  stream,  and  a  solemn  congregation 
crowded  its  banks.  Elder  G.  baptized  nine  of  the  converts,  who 
came  up  out  of  the  water  happy,  and  rejoicing  in  God.  Sinners 
wept  as  they  beheld  the  scene ;  and  soon  after  leaving  the  water, 
one  heavy  laden  soul  came  into  the  liberty  of  the  gospel.  In  the 
evening,  the  cries  of  penitents  still  saluted  our  ears. 

Tuesday,  I  again  spoke  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  a  few  came 
forward  for  prayers,  some  of  whom  appeared  to  be  not  far  from 
the  kingdom  of  God.  The  day  following,  while  speaking  the  word 
on  the  Shendaken  creek,  the  power  of  God  descended  on  the  peo- 
ple. Those  who  had  neglected  the  Savior,  saw  the  awful  nature 
of  sin :  and  a  view  of  its  consequences  caused  many  to  sigh.  Sev- 
eral ga^e  me  their  hands,  desiring  to  be  remembered  at  tibe  throne 
(^  grace.  In  the  evening,  I  preached  in  Candor,  and  a  number  of 
converts,  for  the  first  time,  confessed  Christ. 

Thursday  and  Friday,  April  18  and  19,  having  appointments,  I 
rode  sixty  miles  in  a  storm  of  rain  and  snow  to  the  town  of  Milo ; 
and  on  the  two  days  following,  attended  five  meetings  in  Benton 
and  Penn  Yan.  Monday,  22d,  I  was  much  distressed  with  a  pain 
in  my  side :  but  rode  to  an  -appointment  in  Jerusalem,  and  spoke 
half  an  hour  to  an  assembly  that  appeared  much  affected.  At  the 
close  of  the  interview,  a  young  man  came  forward  for  prayer,  soon 
professed  faith  in  the  Redeemer,  and  became  a  bold  witness  for  the 
truth.  By  request,  I  went  to  the  house  formerly  occupied  by  Je- 
mima Wilkinson,  who  called  herself,  "  The  Universal  IMendf 
and  was  kinclly  treated  by  the  people  livjr;  in  the  house,  to  whom 
she  bequeathed  her  property.  I  could  vt  ascertain  that  her  fol- 
lowers (a?  3  commonly  reported)  call  her  Christ.  They  say,  "  The 
Spirit  of  Christ  dwelt  abundantly  m  fJie  Friend."  They  would  not 
call  her  a  woman  or  Jemima  fKilkinson,  nor  apply  to  her  any  of 
the  perscnjil  pronojin'^  of  the  feminine  gender.  They  dre  industri- 
ous, charitable,  reguiar  in  their  hab?ts,  much  attached  to  their  own 
customs  and  sentiments,  and  treat .  1  with  civility  and  tL..Iemes8. 
They  disapprove  of  marriage. 

On  Tuesday,  I  was  relieved  of  the  pain  in  my  side  by  the  let- 
ting of  blood,  and  preached  twice  in  Middlesex.  The  day  foil- 
ing, I  held  a  meeting  in  Bristol  thirty  miles  distant,  and  the  n^  i;^ 
day  preached  in  Richmond.    Passing  through  Livonia,  I  preached 


•"■W 


M«»lMn««MHMMM 


7^ 


MBMOIBS  or 


m 


l^- 


Christ  in  ihe  villagos  of  Oonesco  and  Momow.  I  felt  groat  bold- 
noM  in  proclaiming  A*ee  salvation,  and  in  Tintli'u 'ing  the  doctrine, 
that  "  Ch(i  M  no  respecttt  of  persona,**  but  "  <i''//  Aoru  oil  *nen  to 
be  saved,  and  totae  to  the  knowledge  of  the  (mifi,"  Tbh  dof:  vine 
pleased  some  ai.l  oflTonded  others.  One  of  tay  lifKu  ore,  whose  Uc  :  t 
the  Lord  oponocl  requested  entertainment  for  rao  »( !»  t>wbl'o  feouia, 
firoinising  Uiat  h«-  would  pay  tho  oh«:';^.  Vkd  thu  l&nt'^toid  »-« tor- 
od,  declaring  that  a  nrnn  y>iUo  nould  s>reach  si  i*h  doctrine,  siiouU 
have  no  place  in  hh  house.  I  understood  aljic,  tbnt  a  man  follow* 
ed  mo  with  a  horiiowhtp,  to  •  ht  > 'ise  me  tor  preaohing  heresy,  but 
tinaUv  was  persua  ^/(J  to  desisl. 

AtW  leaving  Mosieow,  I  attended  ;.;?ft{m^jd  in  Perry,  L<;5c«>8ter, 
Walcv,  Boston  and  Kt^c  a,  which  do9<d  my  Hoe  of  artpciutjaents 
Uml  had  Ih/ II  long  standing,  and  had  cmpioycd  my  umc  tv  >U!arly 
tnu  months 

On  Friday,  May  S,  I  left  Boston,  and  nt  five  o'clock,  P.  M. 
p  *•,%'!*%«!  '-i  Aftinj^  forty  miles  distant;  at  nine  the  next  morning 
in  ^arey.  it^'n«tj>tw(.v  miles  fh>m  Attica;  and  at  twelve  the  same 
day  'u  Mmm\^-  In  the  lai.;or  place,  twelve  manifested  a  desire 
for  ih<r%  oao  thitvg  needful.  The  Lord  gave  me  much  freedom  in 
jtpoaking  to  an  aA^embly  in  tlie  evening  at  Livonia,  and  the  hearts 
of  many  appeared  to  be  touched.  After  tlko  close  of  the  meeting, 
I  rode  eight  miles  tlie  same  evening,  in  a  cold  rain ;  and  in  oonae- 
quencc,  found  my  health  much  impaired. 

Sunday,  May  5,  I  preached  in  tiie  A.  M.  to  a  people  in  Bristol, 
that  seemed  to  hear  as  for  eternity ;  and  in  the  P.  M.  to  several 
hundred  in  the  north  part  of  the  town.  I  felt  to  bless  God  fortlie 
a88i8tano<3  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  solemnity  that  reigned.  At 
the  hour  of  fivfi,  I  preached  standing  on  a  stone,  in  the  open  street, 
to  about  three  hundi'ed  people  in  Canandaigua  village.  Some  ap- 
peared to  receive  tho  word ;  others  cared  not  for  the  things  which 
belong  to  their  eternal  peace.  At  ten  the  next  morning,  standing 
en  a  stump  where  two  ways  met,  I  preached  in  Gorham  to  about 
forty,  who  seemed  to  hear  for  the  judgment  day ;  and  at  one 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  spoke  again  in  the  street,  to  about  two  hundred, 
near  Federal  hollow.  In  tliis  meeting  the  Lord  gave  mo  great 
freedom,  an^  directed  the  truth  to  the  hearts  of  the  hearers.  At 
five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  spoke  to  an  assembly  in  Middlesex.  The 
next  day  I  rode  twenty  miles,  and  attended  three  meetings ;  and 
the  day  following  preached  twice.      Thursf^oy,  after  travellinff 

n  and  Benton,  1 
evening  appoint- 
i  Strengthened,  I 


r 


twenty-four  miles   and   preaching  in  Penn 
found  mysr/if  quite  ill  and  unable  to  atten 
ment  in  M'io.      The  next  day,  being  sor 
travelled  fr  nty  miles  and  held  one  r     *M: 
On  Satr      'y  and  Sunday,  the  11th  ■         .  fh  of  May,  the  Ben 


1 


DAVID  VABXS. 


fl 


ton  quarterly  meeting  was  held  in  Junius.  I  was  still  very  fee- 
ble, but  being  requested,  I  spoke  to  the  people  on  the  SublaUh, 
from  Acts  17:80 :  "And  the  times  of  this  ignorance  God  unnked  att 
but  now  commandeth  all  men  every  where  to  repent." 

I  now  found  my  illness  to  be  occasioned  by  the  measles ;  a  dis- 
order of  which  I  had  not  before  had  the  least  suspicion.  Afler 
meeting  closed,  with  diifficulty  I  walked  two  miles  to  my  father's, 
was  confined  one  week,  and  consequently  unable  to  attend  my  ap- 
pointments, which  extended  to  the  west  one  hundred  miles.  This 
was  the  first  time  I  had  disappointed  congregations  on  account  of 
illness.  Large  numbers  collected  in  many  places ;  and  though  un- 
able to  be  with  them  in  body,  I  was  with  them  in  spirit,  and  ear- 
nestly prayed  that  Jesus  would  be  one  in  their  midst. 

Monday,  May  20,  having  recovered  from  my  illness,  I  set  out 
for  the  Owego  quarterly  meeting,  which  was  to  be  held  in  Candor, 
on  the  25th  and  26th  of  the  month.  A  good  season  was  enjoyed, 
and  on  the  Sabbath,  several  were  baptized. 

Monday,  I  left  for  the  Holland  Purchase,  and  in  five  days  trav- 
elled one  hundred  and  ninety  miles  to  Concord.  In  this  town  the 
Erie  quarterly  meeting  commenced  its  session  on  Saturday,  June  1, 
1822.  A  grove  was  prepared  with  seats  for  the  people,  and  about 
one  hundred  assembled.  After  some  preaching  and  exhortation, 
I  addressed  the  assembly  about  three  quarters  of  an  hour ;  but 
enjoying  little  liberty,  I  took  my  seat  under  considerable  depres- 
sion of  spirit,  and  soon  the  exercises  closed.  In  the  evening,  a 
preacher,  who  heard  my  discourse,  observed  that  he  did  not  think 
it  was  my  duty  to  preach,  and  that  he  was  satisfied  my  preaching 
had  done  no  good.  After  replying  that  I  felt  I  had  not  a  praying 
audience,  he  said  he  did  not  think  I  had ;  that  he  did  not  pray  for 
me,  for  he  thought  me  out  of  the  place  of  duty.  Feeling  con- 
scions  it  had  been  my  intention  to  walk  in  the  path  of  humble  obe- 
uience,  a  degree  of  peace  comforted  my  heart.  ^ 

Monday,  I  preached  in  Zoar  and  Concord.  My  soul  was  happy, 
the  Lord  blessed  his  word,  and  in  one  of  these  meetings  five  awak- 
ened souls  came  forward  for  prayer.  At  five  o'clock,  P.  M.  the 
preacher  above  mentioned  held  a  meeting  in  Boston.  After  the 
conclusion  of  his  sermon,  I  gave  an  exhortation,  and  then  accom- 
panied Lju^  to  Elder  R.  Carey's.  On  resuming  the  subject  of  for- 
mer convf-rsation,  he  said  to  me,  "Either  you  or  I  have  not  the 
spirit  of  C^  ."ist ; — It  is  pride  that  causes  you  to  travel  so  extensive- 
Ijfy — you  with  to  get  o. gr^at  name"  SfC.^ — "curiosity  brings  the 
people  out  to  hear  you,  ad  after  preaching  two  or  three  times  in  a 
place,  you  cannot  get  so  large  a  congregation  as  at  first."  To  these 
remarks  I  made  little  reply ;  for  being  confident,  that  in  some 


\ 


MSMOiBs  or 


things 
ItMle. 


at  least,  he  labored  under  a  mistake,  they  affected  me 


But  as  I  awoke  next  morning,  a  gloom  veiled  my  mind.  I  arose 
and  without  taking  any  food,  proceeded  on  foot,  Uirough  a  severe 
rain,  to  Eden,  where  1  had  an  appointment  While  travelling,  the 
remarks  of  him  whom  I  believed  a  father  in  Israel,  and  to  whom  I 
had  looked  for  encouragement,  rushed  upon  me.  And  reflecting 
that  his  labors  had  been  greatly  blessed  to  the  conversion  of  souls— 
(hat  he  was  highly  esteemed,  and  considered  a  spiritual  preacher, 
sore  temptations  beset  me.  Thinking  I  might  have  been  deceived 
respecting  duty,  and  have  engaged  in  a  work  to  which  God  had 
not  called  me,  my  faith  began  to  fail — unbelief  increased — the 
powers  of  darkness  bound  my  soul,  and  all  my  hopes  seemed  blast- 
ed. My  distress  and  trials  were  past  expression  and  unparalleled 
by  any  thing  that  I  had  hitherto  experienced.  I  turned  aside  into 
a  wood,  prostrated  myself  on  the  wet  ground,  and  poured  forth  my 
grief  in  sighs  and  tears.  Perhaps  I  never  came  nearer  sinking 
under  trials,  and  vowing,  like  Jeremiah,  no  more  to  speak  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  than  I  did  at  this  time.  I  lamented  that  I  had 
any  appointments,  and  concluded  that  after  attending  those  I  had 
already  given  out,  I  would  make  no  more ;  and  in  case  there  was 
no  change  in  my  mind,  would  tell  the  people  that  I  had  been  de- 
ceived and  would  preach  no  more.  I  arose  and  went  to  my  ap- 
pointment with  a  gloomy  mind,  and  dreaded  to  meet  the  people. — 
On  entering  the  assembly,  I  remained  in  silence  a  few  minutes, 
thinking  to  tell  them  I  had  been  deceived  with  regard  to  my  duty ; 
but  in  an  instant,  former  experience  and  former  evidences  of  we 
duty  God  required  of  me,  rose  clearly  to  view ;  and  with  them, 
peace  flowed  into  my  soul.  My  doubts  fled — and  reflecting  that 
**  Great  men  are  not  always  wise  ;'*  neither  are  good  men  cUways 
perfect^  I  was  convinced  my  duty  might  be  better  known  to  myself 
than  to  any  other  erring  mortal ;  and,  though  saying  in  my  heart 
with  the  apostle,  "  Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things,'  I  arose  and 
commenced  speaking.  The  word  of  the  Lord  was  like  fire  shut  up 
in  my  bones,  and  his  power  attended  it  to  the  hearts  of  the  people. 
Sinners  wept,  saints  rejoiced,  and  my  soul  was  happy  in  God. — 
Seven  were  awakened  and  bowed  before  the  Lord,  while  we  plead- 
ed for  mercy. 

I  next  preached  with  much  freedom  in  Hamburg,  Attica,  and 
again  in  Eden.::/^;  ■.  -  ■■;   .>■•■■  ■*<■    _  ■     ,  •  -v  m.  •  ,  •    >,   :xn   • 


■.r.:,,..:.-r, 


DAVID  MAEXt. 

CHAPTER  Yin. 

Mji  Jowmey  to  Ohio, 


n 


For  Bome  time  I  had  felt  that  it  was  my  duty  to  go  to  Ohxo,  and 
declare  the  glad  tidings  of  salvatkm  to  the  inhabitaata  of  that  new 
section  of  country.  And  having  made  such  prepatatioBS  for  mj 
journey  as  were  practicable,  I  left  my  horse  with  a  friend  in  Ham- 
burg, went  to  Black  Ro<^  on  Wednesday,  June  12,  and  engaged 
a  passage  in  a  schooner  to  Portland,  Ohio.  In  the  morning  wc 
embarked,  and  sailing  up  the  Niagara,  anchored  opposite  Buffalo  till 
abcut  4  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  we  weighed  anchor,  and  before  a 
gentle  breeze  sailied  up  the  lake.  Hie  sun  shone  beautifully,  and 
the  waves  rolled  genUy,  as  the  land  of  my  friends  and  acquaiat- 
ance  gradually  receded.  Placing  myself  at  the  stem,  I  tixed  mj 
eyes  on  Bufftdo,  till  night  rendered  every  object  indistinct ;  and  I 
said  adieu  to  many  precious  brethren  and  agreeable  acquaintance^ 
who  have  often  administered  to  my  necessities  and  soothed  my  8or> 
rows.  Then  turning  my  thoughts  to  the  land  in  which  I  diould 
woa  be  a  stranger,  tears  stde  down  my  che^KS.  But  reflecting 
up<Mi  the  care  my  Heavenly  Father  has  over  bis  childrma,  I  retir- 
ed U*  the  cabin,  and  soon  sunk  into  a  gentle  slumb  for  Ihe  irst 
time  on  the  water,  and  passe  ^i  the  night  in  a  calz:  ^td  sweet  re- 
pose. In  the  morning  we  found  we  had  made  ninety  *  the 
sun  again  shone  pleasantly,  and  the  boson"  of  the  lake  w.:^  coacfr* 
ful.  At  the  south  stretched  the  Pennsylvania  shores ;  at  the  nortk 
af^peared  a  vast  es^panse  of  water.  While  gazing  on  the  sublime 
and  beautiful  prospect  before  me,  my  heart  was  filled  with  adora- 
tion. A  calm  succeeding,  we  advanced  but  little ;  and  on  Satur- 
day were  still  in  sight  of  Pennsylvania.  By  reque^  I  preached 
«D  deck  from  Jt^  3:14,  15.  AlUiough  the  crew  seemed  to  listen 
attentively,  the  word  appeared  to  have  little  place  in  their  hearts. 
This  day  I  ate  the  last  crif  my  provisions ;  the  weather  became  un- 
pleasant, and  the  lake  that  a  little  time  before  was  almost  ^Bmffled, 
now  was  very  tempestuous. 

Monday,  June  17,  the  wind  and  storm  abated.  Onr  voyage 
having  been  longer  than  we  expected,  and  the  wind  being  still  coBr 
trary,  the  isaptain  of  the  vessel,  notwithstanding  his  engagement, 
refused  to  t^e  me  to  Portland ;  and  after  receiving  my  last  money 
for  the  paasag-e,  he  set  me  ashore  with  four  others  on  the  peninsula 
west  of  Sandusky  bay,  and  six  miles  opposite  Portland.  Here 
'  ^  9  a  light-house,  and  besides  the  man  who  kept  it,  ihere  were  no 

labitants  on  this  part  of  the  peninsula.  It  was  now  aft«r  sun- 
set, and  during  tibe  last  forty  hours  I  had  eaten  but  on«  meal,  whidi 
7 


74 


MMfoiRs  or 


wa8  given  me  by  tho  captain  of  tho  vessel.    The  man  who  kept  the 
light-hou^o,  had  but  little  provision  with  him,  having  been  dis- 
appointed of  an  nxpected  recruit  in  oonfte<|i)enco  of  the  unfavora- 
ble win  i        .  V  .'  -lut  tasting  any  food,  I  lay  down  on  the  floor 
and  cl  !)cd  i^.     •  yes  to  sleep,  hoping  to  forget  my  hunger.      But 
rec«'!i  jctit. uo  of  ihe  kind  brethren  in  New  York,  who  had  often  fed 
an'l  *udged  me  with  willing  and  joyful  hearts,  together  with  the 
pixinful  contrast  of  my  present  situation,  drove  slumber  from  my 
eyes.     When  the  men  who  landed  with  mo  had  fallen  asleep,  the 
keeper,  remembering  the  "poor  My  that  had  come  far  from  a  father's 
house  to  preach  th«  g    i  c,    uitM.ght    .3  a  cracker  and  half  a  pint 
of  milk,  which  I  received  with  thanksgiving.     Next  morning  the 
sun  rose  with  splendor,  and  I  walked  out  to  view  the  surroundiiig 
scenery.      The  waters  of  Erie  lay  on  the  east,  west  and  north ; 
south,  the  prospect  was  bounded  by  a  wood ;  across  the  bay,  Port- 
land appeared  in  sight.     But  I  knew  no  way   to  go  thither,  for 
there  was  no  vessel  on  th}s  part  of  the  peninsula,  and  I  could  not 
go  by  land,  as  the  distance  was  sixty  miles,  through  a  marshy  wil- 
derness.    Notwithstanding  my  gloomy  situation  Christ  was  precious, 
and  my  soul  was  filled  with  joy  unspeakable.     Two  of  the  men  who 
1'nded  with  me  had  each  of  them  a  rifle ;  and  going  this  morning 
uito  a  wood,  they  killed  a  fawn,  which  we  cooked  and  ate  without 
saasonitag,  or  any  other  kind  of  food ;  but  such  wr>    our  hunger  that 
it  seemed  as  delicious  a  morsel  as  ever  was  tasted. 

The  next  day,  being  weary  of  waiting  for  a  passage,  one  of  the 
men  and  myself  caulked  an  old  skiff,  that  had  been  washed  upon 
the  shore  and  set  off  for  Portland.  The  skiff  waa  so  small,  that 
-our  weight  sunk  it  nearly  to  the  top ;  and  it  leaked  so  fast  that  it 
kept  me  busy  in  lading  out  the  water  with  my  shoe,  which  I  used 
for  want  of  sompt  hin;';  better.  After  rowing  along  the  shore  about 
two  miles,  we  changcl  our  course  directly  across  the  bay  for  Port- 
land. The  wind  was  ap^inst  us ;  and  when  about  one  mile  from 
the  she:  ,  the  ./aves  ran  ihree  or  four  feet  high,  and  frequently 
came  over  the  top  of  the  skiff.  As  we  could  not  swim,  we  now 
began  to  view  ourselves  in  danger ;  but  having  no  wish  to  return, 
we  endeavoic  1  to  make  ovr  way  through  wind  and  waves.  Every 
moment  out  situation  grow  more  perilous.  The  mnd  increased, 
so  that  we  made  but  little  progress ;  and  we  determined  to  return, 
if  possible.  On  turning  tn  skiff  about,  we  we.e  in  danger  of  fall- 
ing into  the  troughs .  <t  we  succeeded  so  well,  that  not  more  than 
a  pail  full  of  water  -  'nt(  our  vessel ;  and  we  reached  the  shore 
at  Sand  Point  about  two  miit  3  from  the  light-house.  I  was  glad 
to  get  on  the  land  a^>in,  though  I  suffered  with  hunger,  in  addition 
to  being  both  wet  and  cold.  Nature  itself  seemed  to  frown ;  the 
.«ky  was  lowering ;  the  cold  north-west  wind  rustled  among  the 


10  kept  tho 
been  dis- 
3  unfavorft* 
1  the  floor 
gcr.  But 
ul  often  fed 
3r  with  the 
r  from  my 
asleep,  the 
m  a  father's 
half  a  pint 
loming  the 
lurroundiiig 
and  north ; 
I  bay,  Port- 
thitlier,  for 
I  could  not 
marshy  wii- 
as  precious, 
lie  men  who 
bis  morning 
ate  without 
hunger  that 

one  of  the 
ished   upon 
small,  that 
fast  that  it 
lich  I  used 
shore  about 
I  for  Port- 
mile  from 
frequently 
■n,  we  now 
to  return, 
js.     Every 
increased, 
to  return, 
ger  of  fall- 
more  than 
1  the  shore 
was  glad 
in  addition 
rown ;  the 
long  the 


DATID  MARKS. 


H 


trees ;  and  as  I  walked  along  the  shore  whore  I  had  not  eren  tie 
privilege  of  entering  the  hottaei  of  $tranger$,  I  wept  bitterly.— 
Falling  on  my  knees,  ]  called  on  the  name  of  the  Lord.  My  soul 
was  soon  happy  and  joyful ;  and  though  I  kn«w  no  way  to  got  off 
the  peninsula,  or  after  g<;tf  ing  off,  to  succeed  among  strangers  with- 
out money,  I  repontod  not  my  htiving  come  into  this  state. 

Soon  we  mot  with  a  man  who  came  to  the  peninsula  in  search 
of  cattle,  and  was  waiting  the  arrival  of  a  vcshcI,  I  gladly  warm- 
ed  my9(!lf  by  the  Are  he  had  kindled ;  and  he  gave  us  some  bread 
and  pork.  In  the  afternoon  we  were  gladdened  by  the  sight  of  a 
vess/il,  coming  from  Portland ;  and  on  its  arrival,  we  solicited  % 
passage.  As  their  business  would  not  permit  them  to  land  us  at 
Portland,  they  took  us  across  the  bay  to  Cedar  Point  Taking 
our  Portmanteau  K  on  our  shoulders,  we  walked  nine  miles  on  the 
beach  of  tho  laki .  before  we  came  to  any  house ;  and  being  very 
thirfity  were  glad  to  drink  some  poor  water.  After  travelling  three 
miles  further  into  Milan,  I  found  brethren,  who  received  me  affec- 
tionately.   Blessed  be  the  Lord  for  all  his  goodness. 

In  this  town,  a  Free-will  Baptist  church  had  been  gathered 
three  years  before  by  Elder  J.  N.  Hinckley ;  and  from  that  time  it 
had  been  visited  by  only  two  or  three  preachers  of  the  Free-will 
Baptist  order ;  yet  they  had  continued  their  meetings,  and  in  a 
good  degree  maintained  a  gospel  walk.  Thursday,  June  20, 1  had 
the  privilege  of  preaching  to  them. 

After  this,  I  attended  meetings  with  some  appearance  of  suocest 
in  the  towns  of  New-London,  Clarksfleld,  and  Danbury.  In  the 
latter,  a  backslider,  at  the  age  of  seventy,  was  called  to  exchange 
worlds.  When  viewing  himself  about  to  go  into  eternity,  he  re- 
marked, that  although  he  did  not  then  enioy  religion,  he  knew  he 
once  had;  and  (hereforr>  it  was  impossible  that  he  should  be  lost; 
for  he  doubted  not,  that  all  who  had  once  experienced  pardoning 
grace,  would  be  saved.  So,  tl  is  quieting  his  mind  in  his  last  mo- 
ments, to  all  human  appearance,  he  left  the  v\  Id  without  concern. 
By  request,  I  preached  the  funeral  sermon.  Soos»  after  the  peo- 
ple had  collected,  two  sons  of  the  deceased  (Mtered  the  house. — 
They  came  to  visit  their  father,  ignorant  of  the  sad  tale.  But  dis- 
appointment and  anguish  filled  their  hearts,  and  their  lamentations 
rendered  the  cene  still  more  solemn  and  affecting.  We  followed 
him  to  the  silent  tomb,  the  house  appointed  for  all  living;  then  each 
went  his  way,  and  the  mourners  returned  to  their  habitation 
weeping. 

Elder  Collins  of  New  York,  and  myself,  appointed  a  general 
meeting  in  Milan  on  the  29th  and  30th  of  June.  Brethren  attend- 
ed from  three  small  churches,  in  Milan,  Greenfield  and  Clarksfleld ; 
which  were  the  only  Free-will  Baptist  churches  in  this  part  of  the 


I 


T« 


MiifoiRt  or 


? 


oonntrj.  On  the  ftrat  daj,  our  number  wm  about  twenty ;  and 
truly,  the  form  of  the  Son  of  God  was  in  our  midst,  to  the  great 
joj  of  our  hearts.  A  quart<Tly  meeting  was  this  day  organized, 
oalled  Ilaroo  quarterly  meeting.  On  the  Sabbath,  about  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  met  in  a  barn.  I  npoke  to  them  from  Isil  83:16, 17 : 
"  Ho  thcdl  dwelt  on  high  :  his  place  of  defence  shall  be  tlie  munitions 
of  rocks,"  ^0.  Doing  requested  io  prcadi  again  in  the  afternoon, 
IspokefVora  Jeremiah  17:11:  "As  the  partridge  sitteth  on  eggs, 
and  hatcbeth  tliem  not ;  so  he  that  gctteth  riches,  and  not  by  rights 
shall  leave  them  in  the  midst  of  his  days,  and  at  his  end  shall  bo  a 
ft>oL"  Elder  Collins  delirered  a  discourse  fVom  Ileb.  4:9 :  "  There 
remaineth  therefore  a  rest  to  the  people  of  God."  We  then  ate 
the  bread,  and  drank  the  ctip  in  remembrance  of  our  Lord's  bodv 
that  was  broken,  and  his  blood  that  was  shed  for  us.  Several  ani- 
mating exhortations  followed,  many  tears  were  shed,  and  many  we 
trust  t^t  the  need  of  salvation  and  went  away  sorrowfUl.  July  2 
and  8, 1  attended  meetings  in  Milan.  The  four  days  following 
were  spent  at  a  Methodist  camp  meeting  in  Florence,  Huron  coun- 
ty, ia  which  I  eiyoyed  the  privilege  of  preaching  once  tMa  the 
stand,  and  of  speaking  several  times  at  prayer  meetings.  During 
tins  period  some  were  hopefully  converted.  Monday,  July  8th,  a 
Methodist  brother  in  Brunswiek,  kindly  lent  me  a  horse  to  go  to 
the  south  part  of  the  state.  I  preached  during  the  week  in  Green- 
field, Plymouth,  Brunswick  and  Fitchville.  In  the  latter  place 
the  power  of  God  was  among  the  people.  Seventeen  engaged,  bv 
giving  me  their  hands,  to  commence  immediately  seeking  the  sal- 
vation of  their  souls.  A  revival  followed  this  meeting,  in  which 
fifteen  or  twenty  were  converted  to  Qod. 

Tuesday,  July  16,  I  preached  in  Greenwich,  after  which  a 
church  was  organized.  In  the  evening,!  spoke  to  a  very  attentive 
assembly  in  Plymouth,  ten  miles  distant ;  and  the  next  evening 
preached  in  the  court  house  at  Mansfield,  thirty  miles  further  south. 
The  congregation  was  large  and  solemn.  Thursday  and  Friday, 
I  travelled  fifty-five  miles  to  Raccoon,  and  there  attended  worship. 
On  Saturday,  I  rode  thirty  miles  to  a  Methodist  camp  meeting. — 
Here,  I  spent  three  days,  and  had  the  privilege  of  preaching  once, 
which  was  at  midnight ;  and  of  exhorting  and  praying  severed  times. 
Resuming  my  journey  I  passed  through  Chilicothe,  thence  down 
the  Sciota  River  to  Portsmouth,  situated  on  the  Ohio  river  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Sciota. 

The  country  through  which  I  passed  was  interesting  to  the  stran- 
ger. For  two  hundred  miles  it  is  level  and  fertile ;  and  by  the 
way,  are  many  large  farms  in  beautiful  order.  At  one  place,  where 
I  called  on  a  farmer,  I  noticed  the  latest  field  of  com  that  I  had 
ever  seen,  and  asked  the  numbw  of  acres  it  contttned ;  he  repUed, 


V 


OATID  If  ARKS. 


»» 


"  one  hundred  and  sixteen ;"  and  remarked  that  ho  had  two  hun- 
dred acres  of  com  then  growing  on  his  farm  ;  and  that  the  year  be- 
fore, he  raised  ten  thousand  bushels.  However,  this  could  hardly 
be  called  a  "  land  of  brooks  and  springs,"  for  in  general  water  was 
both  scarce  and  poor. 

On  this  journey  I  had  an  interview  with  a  minister  of  consider- 
able talents,  belonging  to  a  sect  who  called  themselves  Stparate 
Bapti$t$  f  but  are  denominated  by  some,  Wash  Feet  BapHttt ;  be- 
cause they  believe  washing  the  saints'  feet  to  be  an  ordinance  of 
the  gospel,  and  make  its  omission  a  bar  to  communion.  lie  inform- 
ed me  that  they  held  to  fr0«  ialvationf  the  freedotn  of  the  human 
will,  the  ^nal  peneverance  of  the  saints,  and  what  is  called  close 
communion.  I  understood  there  were  several  churches  of  this 
connection,  perhaps  twenty — several  able  ministers — and  that  they 
formerly  se(4ded  nrom  the  Calvanistic  Baptists. 

At  Portsmouth,  I  found  Elder  Rufus  Cheney,  who  removed 
from  New  York  to  this  place  six  or  seven  years  before.  Hd  in- 
formed me  there  were  no  Free-will  Baptists  in  this  region  at  that 
time ;  and  that  he  lived  several  months,  as  it  were  alone,  frequently 
preaching,  but  with  little  appearance  of  success.  At  length  he 
saw  a  powerful  revival,  in  which  many  learned  to  sing  the  sweet 
songs  of  Zion.  Seven  first  united  to  take  the  Scriptures  for  their 
rule  of  faith  and  practice ;  their  number  increased,  until  it  now 
amounted  to  one  hundred  and  twelve.  I  spent  five  days  among 
them,  preaching  tlie  word  of  the  Lord,  and  enjoyed  some  g^7<^ 
seasons. 

During  my  stay  in  Portsmouth,  I  sent  an  apppointment  \<  rf>s: 
the  Ohio  river,  into  Kentucky;  but  when  the  time  came,  lh<  -h^ 
used  for  crossing  the  river  was  absent.  The  stream,  I  thir  va.*^- 
about  half  a  mile  wide;  and  as  I  was  unwilling  to  disappc  ui  ti.< 
people,  I  began  to  contrive  a  way  to  cross ;  and  going  alone  ^^t^n 
the  river  side,  afler  an  hour's  labor,  I  succeeded  in  getting  an  old  ca- 
noe from  among  the  flood  wood,  that  had  an  opening  in  the  bofr. 
tom,  from  end  to  end,  nearly  an  inch  in  width.  As  the  water  ap^ 
peared  to  be  shallow,  and  the  current  gentle,  I  thought,  with  litUe 
difficulty,  I  should  soon  reach  the  opposite  shore,  and  accordingly 
set  off  my  little  bark.  Taking  a  board  for  a  paddle,  and  placmg 
another  across  the  canoe,  I  seated  myself,  when  my  little  vessel, 
sinking  in  the  water,  filled  within  two  inches  of  the  top.  Thus  I 
ventured  forward ;  but  soon  found  myself  in  deep,  agitated  watery 
and  casting  my  eyes  toward  the  shores,  they  seemed  to  be  in  rapid 
flight  My  little  bark  whirled  round  and  round,  and  I  wished  my- 
self on  the  land.  Resolving,  however,  not  to  despair,  I  endeavored 
to  gain  the  Kentucky  shore.  After  floating  down  the  stream  half 
a  mile,  I  came  within  one  or  two  rods  of  the  bank,  where  the  water 
7* 


MEMOIRS  or 


'i 


waa  verj  deep  an^  the  current  swift.  A  quantity  of  flood  w«od 
was  lodged  a  little  below  me,  and  I  could  see  no  way  to  avoid  fall- 
ing amongst  it ;  but  happily  a  stick,  projecting  from  the  bottom  <if 
the  river,  nearly  to  the  surface  of  the  water  fastened  in  the  bottom  of 
the  canoe,  and  held  it.  Presently  I  caught  a  rail  that  was  floating 
down  the  stream,  and  placing  one  end  of  it  on  the  caiH>e,  and 
the  other  end  upon  a  log,  walked  on  it  to  the  shore.  A  large  num- 
ber, chiefly  people  of  color,  assembled,  and  I  felt  that  Heaven  as- 
sisted me  in  preaching.  Their  tears  flowed  freely,  and  my  soul  re- 
joiced for  the  privilege  of  pointing  Afric's  i]\juFed  ions  toUie  Lamb 
of  God.  Several  apparently  much  affected  came  forward  for  pray- 
er and  promised  to  seek  the  Lord.  Neariy  the  whole  assembly 
kneeled  in  time  of  prayer :  and  I  was  informed  this  was*the  cus- 
tom of  the  country.  It  is  indeed  but  a  re^ectful  custom,  when 
Grod  is  addressed  by  his  creature,  little,  sinful  man.  Duty  demand- 
ing my  immediate  return,  I  obtained  assistance  in  getting  my  canoe 
to  the  shore,  and  in  preparing  a  paddle ;  and  alter  floating  down 
the  stream  another  half  mile,   reached  the  opposite  shore  in  safety. 

Monday,  July  29,  proceeding  twenty-five  miles  up  the  Ohio  river, 
I  held  a  meeting  in  Raccoon.  The  next  day  I  went  twenty-five 
miles  to  Rutland,  and  there  met  brethren  Rothbuim  and  Hatch, 
who  had  been  Free-will  Baptist  preachers  in  New  England  sev- 
eral years  previous  to  this  time.  When  they  came  to  this  section 
of  country,  they  found  Elder  Stedman,  an  influential  preacher  of 
their  own  order,  happily  engaged  in  the  work  of  the  Lord.  Eider 
Stedman  removed  from  New  England  about  the  year  1805,  estab- 
lished several  churches,  and  formed  a  quarterly  meeting ;  which  be- 
came so  large,  that  it  was  cKvidsd  into  two,  aiKl  these  two  organiz- 
led  a  yearly  meeting  Elders  B.  and  H.  became  fellow  laborers 
wkh  Elder  S.  in  the  precious  cause  of  Christ,  till  the  parched  ground 
became  a  pool,  and  the  thirsty  land,  springs  of  water.  The  church 
was  nourished  by  the  dews  of  Heaven,  and  the  wilderness  became 
vocal  with  the  praises  of  Emmanuel.  But  soon  ths  scene  changed. 
The  droumstances  related  to  me  were  as  follows : 

At  a  session  of  their  yearly  meeting,  one  viiio  had  been  con- 
sidered a  f  '  ft  in  Zion,  came  into  the  assembly,  fell  on  his  knees, 
and  to  tibc  surprise  of  all  the  congregation,  c(mfessed  with  bursts 
of  grief  a  crime  of  which  even  his  most  violent  enemies  had  not 
Buspeeted  him  to  he  guilty ;  and  which,  but  for  this  confessioa, 
might  have  remained  a  secret  till  the  Judgment.  The  assembly 
were  astonished;  the  heai'ts  of  his  brethren  were  broken  with 
gnef :  and  even  his  enemies,  who  had  formerly  sought  occasion 
ikgaiast  t»im,  now  wept  profusely,  and  scarcely  a  dry  face  was  to 
^  seen  la  the  whole  assembly.  Deep  soir-w  eat  cm  the  oounte- 
nwice  of  every  friend ;  and  some  of  ths  jmpr^  '  ^rs  wept  the  whole 


DAVm  MABS.8. 


vight.  A  little  before  day,  ihe  penitent  came  to  their  lodgingi, 
Juieeied  at  Uieir  bed-side,  and  afler  weefting  a  while,  he  asked 
them  if  they  could  foi^ve  him.  They  said  they  could  as  to  persMi- 
ti  feelings — ^but  (dill  they  wept  again,  for  llie  occasion  that  had  been 
given  for  the  enemies  of  the  crcms,  to  cpeak  reproach&Uy.  The 
wicked  now  triumphed ;  and  among  the  brethren  there  was  a  divis- 
ion :  some  thought  they  should  foi^ve  him,  and  let  him  retain  his 
eldership ;  others,  Uiough  willing  to  foi^ve,  were  of  <^imon  that 
his  eldership  ought  to  be  taken  away.  Not  hr  from  this  time,  they 
w«re  visited  by  several  talented  preachers  from  Miami  and  Ken- 
"tacky,  belonging  to  the  sect  called  "New  Lights."  The  yearly  meet- 
ing was  in  a  rocking  and  tried  state.  The  preachers  being  mostly 
young,  and  fittle  used  to  such  trials  aa  now  assailed  them,  felt  una- 
J^  to  sustom  ^e  shock.  The  visiting  preachers  pn^sed  a  anioB 
:^nth  t^ir  denomination.  The  parties  held  a  conference  to  learn 
the  existing  difierenc&f^  opinioa ;  and  afler  the  investigation,  conclud- 
ed there  was  sio  essential  difference, — that  they  should  be  one  peo- 
fie, — and  accordingly  they  united.  S<mie  of  the  churches,  howev- 
er, and  many  individuals  in  the  yearly  meeting,  were  much  dissat- 
isfied ;  and  for  several  years  would  not  acknowledge  the  uni(»L 

I  preached  witli  them  once  or  twice ;  and  on  Wednesday,  July 
81)  commenced  my  return  to  New  York.  On  Sunday,  August  4, 
hearing  that  the  New  Lights  held  a  camp  n^ecting  at  Mount  Yer- 
aon,  1  rode  fiiteen  miles  in  the  morning,  and  entered  the  camp  ground, 
a  stranger  to  idl.  My  garments  were  worn  nearly  to  rags — mo(^ 
soiled  by  my  late  travels  in  the  heat  and  dust— land  I  had  no  change ; 
•till  I  b^:lieved  doty  called  me  to  speak  to  this  people.  Having  the 
impression  that  an  introduction  somewhat  singular,  would  in  this 
case  render  the  hearts  of  the  peo|jle  more  accessible,  I  gave  my 
portmanteau  io  the  ifirst  man  I  met,  went  upon  the  stand  uninvited, 
and  took  a  seat  Without  speaking,  or  fixing  my  eyes  on  Miy  one,  till 
the  close  of  a  diseoorse  which  a  preacher  via,s  then  delivering.- — 
Tiien  I  asked  the  privilege  of  addrcssitij  the  assembly,  l^e 
preachers  and  people  looked  at  me  with  apparent  suspicion ;  and 
after  a  little  hesitation,  a  minister  called  for  my  credentials.  As  I 
left  the  stand  to  search  for  my  portmanteau  winch  contained  my  let- 
ters, they  called  me  back,  and  said,  that  after  an  intermission  of 
half  an  hoar,  my  request  should  be  granted.  As  the  "  New 
Lights"  had  been  much  persecuted,  I  understood  some  supposed 
me  to  be  a  wicked  lad,  that  had  been  sent  by  their  enemies  to  im- 
pose on  them ;  bat  they  hoped  my  attempt  to  preach  would  be  in- 
strumental of  my  awakening.  The  whole  assembly  watched  me 
very  closely  till  Ivetired  for  prayer.  When  the  time  of  intermie- 
sion  had  expired,  even  before  the  people  had  assembled,  I  went, 
upon  the  preachen'  stand  alone  and  without  ceremony  fi^Bmg  on 


8D 


MBMOIRS   OF 


i 


my  knees,  began  to  pray.  The  Spirit  made  infensc^'r^ota  and  the 
wmdows  of  heaven  seemed  to  bo  open.  When  I  ar  the  people 
pie,  who  were  in  number  about  one  thousand,  sto '  ^nick  around 
the  stand,  and  many  countenances  were  bathed  in  tears.  I  spoke 
from  Num.  10:29,  "  We  are  journeying  unto  the  place  of  which 
the  Lord saidy  I tdll  give  it  you:  come  t/wu  toith  ttt,  and  we  wiil 
do  thee  good;  for  the  Lord  hath  spoken  good  concerning  Israel."^-- 
In  the  illustration  of  this  passage,  I  noticed  the  analogy,  first,  be- 
tween the  house  of  Jacob  and  the  true  Israel,  or  heirs  according  to 
promise ;  secondly,  between  Moses,  the  leader  of  ancient  Israel, 
and  Christ,  the  leader  of  the  true  Israel ;  thirdly,  between  this 
journey  to  the  promised  land,  and  the  Christian's  journey  to  the 
rest  promised  to  the  true  Israel ;  and  fourthly,  the  analogy  octween 
the  good  promised  by  Moses,  and  that  which  is  offered  i  /  Christ. 
The  Lord  showed  mo  favor,  and  enabled  ipe  to  speak  an  hour  and 
a  half  with  great  freedom.  The  assembly  stood  during  the  whole 
time,  and  many  were  powerfully  wrought  upon  by  the  Spirit ;  saints 
rejoiced,  some  shouted,  and  tears  rolled  down  the  cheeks  of  hun- 
dreds. Some  powerful  exhortations  were  added,  and  the  table  of 
the  lord  was  spread  before  the  assembly.  -c 

Before  the  meeting  closed,  which  was  on  Monday  morning,  sev- 
eral wore  hopefully  converted.  During  this  time,  various  persons 
put  small  pieces  of  money  in  my  hand,  which  amounted  in  all  to 
ten  dollars ;  and  a  merchant  gave  me  cloth  and  trimmings  for  a 
pair  of  pantaloons.  O,  how  kindly  has  the  Lord  provided  for  his 
unprofitable  servant  I 

By  the  request  of  a  gentleman  in  Mu  Vernon  village,  I  called 
at  his  house.  His  wife  met  me  at  the  door  with  her  faced  bathed 
in  tears,  and  giving  me  her  hand  she  affectionately  said,  "  Glory  to 
Gody  Jot  what  I  have  experienced  this  morning.  I  was  bred  in  a 
formal  religion,  and  yesterday  went  to  meeting  an  unbeliever  in  ex- 
perimental religion.  But  while  you  were  speaking  God  sent  an  ar- 
row to  my  heart,  and  from  that  moment  I  have  felt  the  hoiTors  and 
pains  of  hell  till  this  morning ;  and,  bless  the  Lord,  I  have  just 
now  found  peace  that  is  beyond  expression."  Her  husband  was  a 
professor,  and  wo  had  a  season  of  rejoicing.  He  informed  me  that 
several  in  the  village  proposed  making  a  contribution  for  me.  But 
I  felt  rich  and  happy,  and  after  expressing  my  thanks  for  their 
kindness,  told  him  I  had  enough. 

My  next  meeting  was  in  Jefferson,  it  commenced  iii  the  after- 
noon, ijid  continued  till  midnight.  The  power  of  God  was  pres- 
eat,  and  eternity  seemed  unveiled ;  several  were  awakened,  some 
wanderers  confessed  their  backslidings,  and  the  praises  of  three 
happy  converts  crowned  the  interview. 

Wednesday,  Aug.  7,  I  arrived  at  brother  Reynolds'  in  Bruns- 


DAVID  MARKS. 


wick,  Huron  Countj,  and  retarned  bis  horse,  which  I  had  rode 
about  six  hundred  miles.  He  would  take  no  reward.  Pursuing 
my  journey,  I  attended  meetings  in  Brunswick,  Brownson,  Plym- 
outh, Greenwich,  Fitchville,  Clarksfield,  Milan  and  Portland, 
sometimes  called  Sandusky  city.  In  some  of  these  my  soul  was 
givatly  blessed,  and  the  seasons  appeared  to  be  profitable  to  the 
people. 

On  Thursday,  the  15th,  I  crossed  Sandusky  bay  and  visited  a 
small  settlement,  a  few  miles  from  the  light-house,  where  I  was  de- 
tained in  coming  to  this  state.  I  was  informed  there  had  been  no 
preaching  on  the  peninsula  fo^  more  than  a  year  and  a  half.  The 
I/ord  gave  me  freedom,  and  solemnity  reigned  in  our  midst.  After 
sermon,  I  began  speaking  to  individuals ;  and  looking  around  I  per- 
ceived the  greater  part  had  left  me,  and  were  looking  in  at  the 
doors  and  windows,  where  they  could  hear  and  avoid  being  spoken 
to  themselves.  Some  appeared  tender,  others  inflexibly  hard. — 
I  dined  in  the  place,  and,  as  a  friend  afterwards  informed  me,  the 
woman  of  the  house  hurried  the  company  while  I  was  washing 
without,  to  take  seats  at  the  table  lest  I  should  give  thanks. 

Friday,  I  returned  to  Portland,  and  waited  the  arrival  of  a  ves- 
sel to  take  a;  passage  to  Buffalo.  The  steamboat  did  not  arrive  at 
the  expected  hour,  and  word  soon  came  that  it  had  suffered  in  a 
gale  of  wind,  and  was  laid  up  for  repairs.  Information  was  given 
me,  that  several  had  expressed  doubts  as  to  the  correctness  of  a  re- 
mark made  in  my  late  visit,  saying,  that  I  never  preached  written 
sermons.  They  were  suspicious  the  discourse  I  delivered  to  them 
had  been  committed  to  memory ;  and  to  prove  me,  desired  that  I 
would  preach  from  a  tex'  they  should  give  me.  I  told  thcr  they 
might  notify  a  meeting  and  give  me  a  text  as  I  arose  to  speak. — 
Nearly  two  hours  before  the  appointed  time,  Mr.  Marsh,  keeper  of 
the  steamboat  hotel,  sent  a  note,  requesting  me  to  preach  from  the 
following  text ;  Gal.  3:8 ;  "And  the  Scripture,  foreseeing  that  God 
would  justify  the  heathen  through  faith,  preached  before  the  gospel 
unto  Abraham,  saying.  In  thee  shall  all  nations  be  blessed."  I  re- 
tired to  a  grove,  spent  a  few  minutes  in  prayer,  then  returned  and 
anxiously  awaited  the  appointed  hour.  About  all  the  village  as- 
sembled, and  after  reading  my  text  and  making  some  introductory 
remarks,  I  noticed,  first,  the  Scripture  promises  of  the  Messiah  ; 
secondly,  their  fulfillment,  and  the  7nanner  in  which  all  nations  are 
blessed  in  the  seed  •  of  Ahrahnm ,  and  thii-dly,  ihe  faith  through 
which  the  heathen  are  justified.  The  fear  of  maii  was  removed, 
and  my  soul  led  out  into  the  deep  things  of  God.  The  awakening 
influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit  was  manifest  in  the  assembly,  and 
many  faces  were  bedewed  with  tears.  Mr.  Marsh,  with  two  or  three 
others,  made  me  a  present  of  nearly  three  dollars. 


d2 


MEMOIRS    OF 


Aug.  17,  finding  no  opportunity  for  a  passage  on  the  lake,  and 
hearing  that  on  Tuesday  following,  a  vessel  was  to  go  from  Cleve- 
land, a  port  sixty  miles  distant,  I  left  Portland  at  the  setting  of  the 
sun,  with  my  portmanteau  on  my  shoulder,  and  in  a  day  and  a  half 
walked  to  Cleveland,  when  to  my  disappointment  I  fo  and  the  ves- 
sel had  sailed  an  hour  before  my  arrival.  After  walking  thirty- 
seven  miles  from  Portland,  on  the  beach  of  the  lake,  sinking  much 
of  the  way  to  my  ankles  in  the  sand,  a  stranger  overtook  me  who 
said  he  had  heard  me  preach,  and  oflfered  to  carry  my  portmanteau 
to  Cleveland.  It  contained  my  money,  watch),  and  other  artiv  es 
to  the  amouift  of  340.  My  weariness  made  me  glaJly  accept  his 
offer.  During  my  haste  in  the  latter  part  of  this  journey,  I  had 
not  allowed  myself  time  to  eat,  and  the  cravings  of  my  hunger 
were  now  severe.  As  I  could  find  nothing  of  the  man  with  my 
portmanteau,  neither  could  procure  any  thing  to  eat,  I  went  out 
from  the  town  a  little  distance^  sat  down  by  the  way  side  in  the 
rain,  anxiously  watching  for  the  si^ranger.  To  my  joy  he  made 
his  appearance  in  about  two  hours,  and  with  thankfulness  I  sup- 
plied my  wants. 

I  staid  in  Cleveland  one  day,  and  on  August  20th,  set  sail  in  the 
Nicator  for  Buffalo.  We  had  a  fair  wind,  and  a  prosperous  voyage ; 
but  the  company  were  profane  and  wicked.  Thursday,  I  landed 
at  Buffalo,  went  to  Hamburg  where  I  had  left  my  horse,  and  the 
six  days  following  attended  meetings  in  Hamburg,  Eden,  Boston, 
Concord,  and  Ellicottsville.  Some  of  these  seasons  were  refresh- 
ing. Several,  who  had  been  living  without  God  and  without  hope 
in  the  world,  were  made  to  feel  their  poverty,  and  desired  the 
prayers  of  Christians  in  their  behalf.  After  this,  I  visited  Elder 
J.  Folsom  of  Boston,  who  was  nigh  unto  deat^i.  To  me  it  was  an 
impressive  and  memorable  season.  Elder  F  had  been  a  faithful 
and  spiritual  watchman.  I  mourned  in  the  ^-ortain  expectation, 
that  soou  he  would  leave  the  care  of  Zion  ;  and  .;:••  J  looked  upon 
the  companion  of  his  youth,  and  their  numerous  'iV,  all  my 
sympathies  were  awakened.  His  soul  was  happy,  .ad  iu  rejoiced 
in  God.  "With  the  firm  and  blessed  hope  of  meeting  him  in  the 
land  of  immortality  anrt  eternal  bliss,  I  pressed  his  pallid  hand,  and 
bade  him  adieu.* 

From  Boston  I  went  to  Attica,  where  the  second  session  of  the 
Holland  Purcha*  3  yearly  meeting  comir'«'nced  on  the  Slstof  August. 
1822.     Several  discourses  were  deliver  <    and  followed  by  animat- 


f 


*  A  few  months  afle-  this  Elder  Folsom  left  the  world  in  the  triamphs  of 
tltat  faith  he  had  so  ofien  recommended  to  others.  His  ftmeral  sermon  was 
preached  by  EIdc>"  R.  Carey,  one  of  his  spiritual  children.  Ilis  death  was  la- 
mented by  hundreds  of  the  church  of  Christ,  but  they  mourned  not  as  those 
without  hope. 


'i 


DAVID   MAJtKS. 


83 


ma;  enUftrtatione  A  comfortable  semon  wm  enjoyed,  but  nothing 
ifA'da,  Micurred  In  VAden'  //nference,  ^  rtsolve  was  passed,  ad- 
Tieing  our  preachers  and  brethrej)  not  to  connect  with  Masonic 
lodges.  1  did  not  vote  for  this  resofv^'  w'th  the  conference,  be- 
canse  one  of  our  preachers,  whom  I  though'  one  of  the  best,  was  a 
Free-Mason ;  and  I  concluded  if  Masonry  was  not  good  he  would 
come  out  from  it. 

After  the  close  of  the  /early  meeting,  I  continued  my  journey 
toward  Juniut),  and  on  the  way  preached  once  in  Covington,  thrice 
in  Richmond,  once  in  Gorham,  thrice  in  Benton,  twice  in  Milo, 
and  attended  eight  meetings  in  Wayne.  The  Lord  blessed  some 
of  these  seasons  with  his  presence  ;  and  I  tru»t  some  fruits  of  the 
same  will  appear  in  the  day  of  eternity.  In  Milo  many  seemed 
resolved  to  submit  to  Jesus,  and  several  desired  the  prayers  iof 
saints. 

On  Monday,  Sept.  9, 1  arrived  at  my  father's  dwelling,  but  found 
it  empty.    My  father  was  absent  on  a  visit  to  his  relatives  in  Con- 
necticut,  and  my  two  eldest  brothers  were  living  in  an  adjacent 
neighborhood.     I  walked  out  over  the  places  that  had  been  familiar 
to  me,  to  indulge  the  solitude  of  my  feelings,  and  reflect  upon  the 
changing  scenes  of  time.     Here  was  the  place  where  I  mourned 
my  wretched  state,  when  unreconciled  to  God.    There,  beneath 
the  shade  of  that  wood,  I  supplicated  Heaven's  mercy  i  and  there 
despaired,  fearing  my  day  of  grace  was  over,  and  my  state  unalter- 
ably fixed.     But  O  the  change  since  that  distressipg  hour !     Bless 
the  Lord,  that  my  soul  ever  experienced  it.     Here,  when  the  'wo' 
was  laid  on  me  if  I  preached  not  the  gospel,  I  walked  on  the  banks 
01  this  little  rivulet,  and  wept,  saying,  ^'•Lordy  lam  a  child,  hoto 
can  I  go  ?"    There,  while  on  my  knees,  beneath  the  boughs  of  that 
white-\';ood  tree,  I  resolved  to  obey  the  Lord,  and  be  an  exile  and 
a  wanderer  in  the  earth  to  preach  the  gospel  of  Chriit.     Here 
my  mother  gave  the  parting  hand,  while  the  tears  that  rolled  down 
her  cheek,  bespoke  the  parting  severe.     Now  she  is  gone — that 
bosom  is  heaved  by  afHiction  no  more.     As  for  myself,  I  am  an  ex- 
ile ;  still  but  (t  child  of  sixteen — strewing  my  tears  from  place  to 
place — wearing  out  my  life,  and  exposing  myself  to  a  premature 
death  for  the  welfare  of  my  fellow  mortals — who  for  this  often  aim 
the  vile  weapons  of  Hiander  and  detraction.     OAen  I  lack  the  ne- 
cessaries of  life — but  immediately  E.iuething   vhispercd,  "Kusb, 
David.     Shall  mortal  man  complain  ?    Thou  i.ast  received  thy  pen- 
sion, a  hundred  fold  in  this  life,  witli  persecution,  which  is  a  part  of 
thy  salary;  therefore  thou  art  l/^sx^d.     (vast  ^ine  eyes  above, 
there  thou  hast  an  Almighty  Friend ;  there  is  thy  inheritance  and 
thy  treasure.     And  ns  Ihy  ilHy   is.  sh«»ll  thy  strength  be."    Peace 
flowed  into  my  sou),  and  I  exchiirned,   "  Lord  Jesus,  thy  will,  not 


i 


1 » 


i 


i 


i^i. 


hi- 


llj^  MCMOiRS  or  i 

muMf  be  done.  Help  me  in  patience  to  possess  my  soul,  and  make 
m*"  jseful  in  thy  vineyard,  the  little  time  thou  ihidt  allot  to  me  in 
this  vale  of  tears.  When  in  death's  cold  arms  I  fall,  though  it  b« 
in  some  distant  land,  far  from  my  native  soil,  be  thou  my  friend, 
and  accompany  me  Uirough  the  gloomy  vale.  May  my  flesh  rest 
in  hope,  and  in  the  morning  of  the  resurrection,  have  an  entrance 
into  the  celestial  city,  where  thy  soft  hand  shall  wipe  away  all 
tears,  thy  children  be  united  in  one,  and  with  their  hai|MS  all  taned, 
sing  that  song  which  never  ends." 


CHAPTER  IX. 


'■/^■^ 


,•'>.* '(■'>('''.'- 


A  Journey  to  Chnneettcut^— Another  to  Upper  Oanada ;  and  the 
petrtieuhrs  of  my  trwehy  to  the  a^e  of  seventeen  yeart. 

From  the  commencement  of  my  travels  I  had  often  wished  to 
visit  my  relatives  in  Connecticut,  and  according  to  the  grace  gives 
me,  preach  the  gospel  in  that  section  also.  Now  the  long  desired 
opportunity  presented,  and  afler  visiting  my  brothers,  and  preach- 
ing in  Junms,  I  concluded  to  depart  immediatelv.  Saturday  and 
Sabbath,  Sept  14  and  15, 1  attended  three  meetings  in  Galen,  and 
had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  one  that  had  been  awakened  in  my 
last  meeting  in  this  place,  now  rejoicing  in  God.  O,  the  value  of 
one  soul.  The  next  day,  after  riding  forty  miles,  I  preached  a  dull 
sermon.  The  day  following,  I  reached  Brookiield,  and  was  wel- 
comed by  my  friends  with  expressions  of  surprise  and  gladness, — 
for  having  heard  that  I  had  been  assassinatei*;  they  expected  to 
see  my  face  no  more.  I  attended  three  meetings  with  them,  is 
which  we  were  blessed  with  the  smiles  of  the  Savior.  On  Fri" 
day,  I  rode  thirty  miles  through  the  rain  to  Cherry  Valley,  and  ap- 
pointed a  meeting  in  the  evening  at  the  academy.  Many  of  the 
villagers,  excited  by  curiosity,  came  out  to  hear  the  "  litth  stran- 
yer ;"  and  by  the  weeping  of  eome,  and  the  seriousness  of  all  it 
seemed  that  good  was  done.  Saturday,  after  travelling  forty  miles, 
I  again  found  myself  nearly  destitute  of  money.  My  supper  was 
given  me,  and  in  the  morning  I  paid  my  last  money  for  a  night's 
lod^ng,  and  left  a  vest  as  security  for  my  horse-keeping,  till  my 
return.  Proceeding  on  my  way  to  Greenville,  I  saw  a  congrega- 
tion coming  out  of  a  school  house,  and  >'^a8  impressed  to  kneel  on 
the  green  and  pray.    Iliis  I  did,  and  found  aecess  to  the  throne  of 


DATID  M ABK8. 


85 


grace.  The  people  soliciting  an  appointment,  I  stopped  the  after- 
noon, and  preached  to  several  hundreds.  The  Lord  opened  the 
hearts  of  some,  and  they  communicated  about  three  dollars.  Thus 
did  kind  Heaven  again  supply  my  necessities.  Monday,  I  cross- 
ed the  North  river  at  Hudson,  and  preached  at  a  tavern  in  Egre- 
mont,  Mass.  A  young  man  of  the  family  manifested  a  desire  to 
seek  an  interest  in  the  dear  Redeemer.  They  kindly  gave  me  en- 
tertainment, and  in  the  morning,  after  praying  with  them,  I  left 
them  in  tears. 

At  evening  I  came  to  the  dwelling  of  my  grandfather  Marks  in 
Burlington,  Ct.  As  both  he  and  my  uncle  Marks  were  of  the  Epis- 
copal church,  but  myself  a  member  of  a  ditsenting,  consequently 
an  impopidar  ordetj  I  had  prepared  my  mind  for  a  oold  reception. 
But  in  this  I  was  happily  disappointed ;  they  received  me  affec- 
tionately, gave  me  much  good  instruction  and  wise  counsel,  exhort- 
ed me  to  be  humble  and  faithful,  and  'discharge  my  duty  in  the 
fear  of  the  Lord.  I  found  my  grandfather  to  be  a  man  of  expe- 
rience in  the  things  of  God,  and  possessed  of  that  charity  which 
suffereth  long.  He  despised  a  profession  without  experimental  re- 
ligion, a  form  without  the  power  of  godliness,  and  a  ministry 
without  holiness  of  heart  and  communion  with  God.  My  unde 
also  was  a  father  in  the  gospel  to  me,  and  time  passed  pleasantly 
in  the  society  of  his  family.  Ten  years  had  elapsed  since  I  had 
seen  these  kind  relatives,  and  now  the  privilege  of  visiting  them 
and  the  places  of  my  early  childhood,  which  time  had  almost  ob- 
literated from  my  memory,  was  sweet  to  my  soul. 

I  visited  the  grave-yard  in  Plymouth,  and  beginning  to  search 
for  my  brother  Jeremiah's  grave,  soon  espied  his  name  on  a  white 
stone  at  the  head  of  a  little  mound,  and  with  much  emotion,  read 
the  following  lines,  which  the  passing  years  had  erased  from  my 
memory: 

-,,,       into  tbe  bands  of  cruel  deatb."  .v-Um  "^wim 

His  good  advice  and  pious  warnings,  with  his  dying  words,  '^J 

fear David  will  run  a  wicked  race"  were  remembered.     Ah ! 

tL  ought  I,  if  he  were  now  alive  he  would  rejoice  and  be  glad  for 
tie  great  things  the  Lord  has  done  for  me ;  God  has  answered  his 
ftrvent  prayers,  and  converted  my  soul.  I  gazed  upon  his  grave, 
ai  d  almost  cr  veted  his  repose,  saying  in  my  heart,  if  faithful  to  my 
calling,  when  I  have  wandered  a  few  more  days  to  persuade  aia- 
ners  to  be  reconciled  to  God,  my  latter  end,  like  thine  shall  be 
peace ;  like  thee,  I  shall  rest  from  my  labors,  and  my  works  follow. 
Leaving  P  y mouth  I  went  to Middletown  and  visited  Elder  Josiah 
8 


'  Short  was  my  life,  and  sweet  the  date — 
I  called  the  Sayior  at  the  gate ; 
And  sweetly  did  resign  my  breath      -    > 
Into  the  hands  of  cruel  death." 


M 


M1M«IB»  99 


I 


Ir- 


i 


I 


■ 


GhrtATea  He  manned  a  sister  of  mj  mother,  atad  froiM  him  and 
hiB  familj  I  met  with  a  very  aflTectionafte  reeeption. 
r  Blder  Gt^res  had  been  a  member  of  the  Calvinistifl  Baptist 
<sfaareb,  and  a  preacher  of  good  repokt  in  that  denomination  sixteen 
yeari.  Then,  from  a  eriticcU  exa/mnaiioH  of  the  Seripturetj  he 
dianged  his  seaUments,  and  boldly  preached  the  doctrine  of  free 
emheimm  and  free  cotmnunitm.  For  this  he  was  viewed  as  one 
flult  had  departed  %>m  the  faith  of  the  gospel^  and  was  excluded 
from  the  fellowship  of  the  church.  Several  of  its  members  imme- 
diately seceded,  and  with  him  were  orgailized  into  a  church,  catling 
thenlselVes  Free'wUl  Baptists.  Hitherto  they  had  neither  knoWti 
our  denomination  or  sentiments  ;  still  I  foUnd  their  doctrine  and 
practice  were  the  same  that  are  held  by  the  Free-will  Baptists.  I 
enjoyed  the  privilege  of  preaching  with  them,  and  Elder  Gravels 
femariied  he  had  not  before  heard  his  own  sentiments  fully  preadi>- 
ed  l^  another.  I  luid  the  satisfaiction  of  introducing  to  them  our 
niigions  periodical,  [Religious  Informer,]  and  by  (his  medium  they 
heamm  known  to  the  denomination,  and  soonafler  joined  the  Rhode 
Mted  qoarteriy  meeting.  Sunday,  Sept.  39, 1  attended  meetings 
in  Sttothington,  Brrsto),  Plymouth,  and  Buriington,  and  the  dagr  lio^ 
lowing  preached  ait  the  house  of  my  grandfather.  Here  I  ha^  the 
Mrtiafactbn  of  meeting  my  father,  but  enjoyed  only  a  ^ort  inter- 
yii<6\t  with  him,  as  a  chain  of  appointments,  extending  about  three 
iMildrad  miles  to  the  west,  now  made  it  my  doty  to  lebve. 

OK  Thursday  bidding  my  relatires  farewell,  I  proceeded  to  Wia- 
stead,  and  attended  worship  in  the  eveningk  The  next  day^  I  spt^e 
wi&i  mncfa  fireedom  to  a  congregation  in  Egremont,  Mam.,  and  at 
ei*Mning  held  a  me^ii^  near  the  city  of  Hudson.  The  assennhly 
tPM  lai^  and  solemn,  and  by  some,  I  titnt,  this  season  will  he 
^^fauHy  remembered  in  eternity.  The  next  day  T  crossed  the  Hnd- 
aon,  and  preached  at  Greenville.  Here  a  collection  of  fire  6ok- 
lars  was  given  me.  Having  an  appointment  at  ten  o'clock  the 
next  morning,  twenty  miles  distant^  I  took  my  leave  of  the  kind 
people,  after  nine  in  the  evening,  and  walked  the  greater  part  of 
nine  miles.  In  the  morning  I  reached  the  appointment,  and  preach- 
ed feoTO  1  Cor.  13:4 — 8.  The  Spirit  of  God  was  manifested  in  a 
flft^cial  manner.  One  wad  poweifuUy  wrought  upon  and  fell,  upon 
irhfcH  the  people  were  alarmed,  and  brok«  the  order  of  the  mecit- 
jflg«  i  was  obliged  to  leave  them  in  halste,  ad  it  was  but  little  more 
Hiflia  an  hoar  to  my  next  appointment  which  was  ten  miles  distMit 
I  fotfnA  !a  crowded  assembly,  and  felt  that  the  Lord  gave  me  utter- 
iflbe  fii  speaking  to  them.  Many  appeared  to  be  deeply  exeirci»- 
«d  ittld  wept,  but  toihe  publicly  opposed.  AH^r  the  meeting  a 
ir  gave  me  a  dollar  and  wicrtved  me  Oucceas  in  tho  cauae  of 
and  I  left  the  pkiee  rejoiohkg  in  God,  who  had  fave#«d  me 


LAVIO  MABKS.  Wf 

with  much  of  hi»  Holy  Spirit.    At  evening  I  preached  in  Shaven 
to  a  very  )-     ?  asaembly  that  heard  with  attention. 

Monday  1  ode  five  milea,  and  at  sunrise  preached  to  about  'for- 
ty people  in  a  field ;  then  went  to  Springfield  and  spoke  to  aheut 
-two  hundred  in  the  Bi^>tist  meeting  house.  It  was  a  time  of  mnOh 
solemnity.  My  soul  was  happy,  and  I  felt  to  praise  the  Lord  is  the 
congregation.  O,  the  stupidity  of  men  !  who  neglect  to  honor  Qod 
and  call  upon  his  great  name.  Alas  I  how  indifferent  are  tiKMisands ; 
ye:?,  the  greater  part  of  the  world,  notwithstanding  eta*nity  is  de- 
luding on  the  passing  moments.  I  rode  twenty-two  miles  to 
PUiinfield,  and  preached  in  the  evening.  UnUl  this  time,  I  had 
travelled  on  foot  or  on  horseback,  and  often  with  great  weariness. 
A  fKend  here  kindly  ofifeied  to  sell  me  a  light  wagon  for  thirty- 
five  dollars,  provided  I  could  pay  twelve  dollars  now,  and  the  wki- 
ier  following  send  the  r^nainder  by  mail.  I  thanked  the  LerA  ftr 
this  oppfMtunity,  accepted  the  offer,  and  was  enabled  to  meet  oj 
ei^agement  The  next  day  I  attended  meeting  in  the  aftwrneon 
at  the  west  part  of  the  town,  and  another  at  Hamilton  Seminanj ; 
4be  day  following  I  travelled  thirty  miles  and  preached  in  Cazeoo- 
via,  Pompey,  and  Manlius.  Thursday,  I  rode  thirty-five  miles  wad 
Attended  two  meetings  which  were  truly  seasons  of  refreshing, 

Saturday  «nd  Sunday,  Oct.  12  and  13,  the  Benton  quarterly 
meeting  was  held  in  Benton.  We  were  &vored  with  the  Divine 
presence,  and  our  hearte  were  made  glad  in  the  Lord.  In  the  Sl- 
ders'  conference  on  Monday,  mudi  union  existed,  and  the  businem 
^  the  meeting  was  transacted  in  the  fear  of  God. 

On  Tuesday,  I  attended  r^  meeting  in  Phelps,  and  the  Holy 
Spirit  seemed  deeply  to  toucl  the  hearts  of  eome.  After  this  I 
went  ninety  miles  to  Bethany,  wuere  tlie  Bethany  quarterly  meet- 
ing opened  on  the  20th  of  thd  month.  The  weather  was  extreme- 
ly unpleasant,  yet  several  assembled  and  the  preachmg  was  i«  the 
power  and  demonstration  of  the  Spirit.  Our  hearts  were  warmed 
with  heavenly  love,  and  many  went  away  rejoicing  in  the  God  of 
their  salvation.  After  meetir  g  I  (TOSsed  the  Ni^ara  river  into 
Tapper  Canada. 

Friday,  Oct.  25,  I  walked  uwonty-two  miles  to  see  the  catftract 
of  Niagara.  I  descended  a  spird  staircase  of  one  hundred  «tepB ; 
then  casting  my  eyes  upward,  beheld  the  rocks  towering  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  feet  above  my  head,  While  immense  volumes  of  wa- 
ter poured  from  this  height  in  cwful  majesty.  These  circumstan- 
ces, together  with  the  continued  roar  of  the  water  falling  into  the 
tmful  gulf  beneath,  and  then  pMsing  along  in  dreadful  agitation — 
ihe  trembling  of  tiie  earth  around  the  cataract — tLe  rising  spray, 
with  the  attending  rainbow — united  to  form  a  scene  more  sublime 
"and  Hnpressive,  than  anv     bfui  ever  witnessed.     Stupid  must  be 


88 


M1.MOIS8   OF 


I 


the  mine*  .,.\'.  can  view  such  a  wonder  withoi^t  being  led  to  adore 
its  Divine  Author.  On  this  occasion  ray  heart  ■  ^>ted  the  language 
f  the  inspired  penman,  ^^Who  it  like  unto  inve,  O  Lord,  among 
the  god$  !  who  is  like  thee,  glorious  in  holiness,  fearful  in  praises, 
thing  wonders."  "  The  heavens  declare  thy  glory,  and  the  jirma' 
tnent  showeth  thy  handy  work.  Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and 
night  unto  night  showeth  knowledge." 

While  beholding  the  constant  motion  of  the  stream,  I  was  forci- 
bly struck  with  its  analogy  to  man's  voyage  down  the  stream  of 
time.  A  few  miles  above  the  falls,  the  river  glides  gently  and  un- 
disturbed ; — so  the  morning  of  life  passes  smoothly  away.  As  in  a 
little  distance,  the  smooth  surface  of  the  water  is  broken  in  passing 
over  the  rocks,  and  with  inconceivable  swiftness  is  finally  hurried 
down  the  tremendous  precipice ; — so  after  a  few  days,  the  fair  ap- 
pearances of  earthly  prospects  are  broken  on  the  rocks  of  disap- 
pointment, and  every  passing  moment  hastens  the  living  to  that 
dread  precipice,  whence  they  must  launch  into  eternity.  Still, 
while  the  sons  of  vanity  know  this,  they  «port  and  arouse  them- 
selves with  that  which  cannot  profit,  and  that  which  renders  their 
hearts  insensible  to  their  dreadful  danger.  Thus  they  remain  stu- 
pidly ignorant  of  the  horrid  gulf  into  which,  unless  they  soon  awake, 
they  will  as  surely  plunge,  as  the  waters  of  Niagara,  in  their  course, 
plungo  t^uOwn  the  precipice.  Should  we  not  think  people  beside 
then>,i^;c!voi',  were  we  to  see  them  enter  a  vessel  a  few  miles  above 
the  <a^l-V  suffer  it  to  float  ^ith  the  current,  and  in  the  mean  time 
wale  tU.  ir  hours  in  sleep,  or  amuse  themselves  with  frivolous 
readinv  dancing,  card  playing,  decking  themselves  with  orna- 
ments or  gorgeous  and  costly  apparel,  till  they  should  find  their 
bark  leaving  the  gentle  stream,  and  hastening  with  awful  speed 
down  the  irresistible  current  ?  Then  in  vain  they  might  awake, 
see  their  helpless  state,  and  cry  for  assistance ; — ^in  vain  might  they 
attempt  to  escape ; — in  vain  they  might  turn  their  eyes  from  th(^ 
danger ; — ^in  vain  might  they  strive  to  forget  their  condition.  Noth- 
ing now  can  save  them  from  the  sad  and  final  doom !  Should  we 
not  pity  them  ?  Should  we  not,  before  they  are  passed  beyond  the 
reaeh  of  help,  labor  diligently  to  arouse  them  from  their  stupidity ; 
to  warn  them  of  their  dmiger,  and  to  turn  them  from  their  fatal 
course  ?  Humanity  answers,  yes.  And  while  men,  floating  rap- 
idly down  the  stream  of  time,  must  soon  launch  into  eternity — and, 
if  not  aroused  from  their  insensibility  to  spiritual  things,  must  sink 
into  the  burning  lake ;  shall  we  labor  less  diligently  for  their  eter- 
nal welfare — or  be  less  anxious  to  save  them  from  the  far  more 
dreadful  destruction  that  awaits  them  ?  Heaven  says,  no.  Rea- 
son and  revelation  say,  no ;  and  conscience  approves  the  decis- 
ion.   But|OI  how  astonishing  the  mouniful  truth — ^that  men  are 


l>AVff>  ¥^MKS. 


^» 


offended  when  we  seek  their  welfare ;  when  W"  strive  to  awaken 
them  from  fatal  stupidity ;  and  for  this,  (;ount  us  enemies  and  treat 
us  as  foes  I 

In  the  evening  I  held  a  meet'ng  u  the  Vittle  village  of  St.  Da- 
vid%  and  after  its  dose,  several  gontlemen,  as  they  passed  out,  laid 
some  pieces  of  mon>^y  on  t    ;  table  before  me.     The  two  days  fol- 

"tiuurte  '  7  meeting  in  the  iAwnaliip  of 
^y,  aiul  I  used  the  liberlgr. given 


o\m  «eaiiuii.  After  ibe  ^fuar- 
,  *he  evening  at  the  Methodist 
nt;At  day  viaited  and  pta.yed.in 
ili«8  consisted  of  a  widow  and 
tu  eonverse,  the  sons  ^flcdtottiie 


lowing  I  spent  at  a  Method 
Stanford.  Theyrecci  ed 
•me  <in  the  gospel.  Tliis  y  at 
.terly  meeting  olosed  I 
ohapel  in  Lund/s  X<am; 
.several  families.  One  of  ;  ii^ 
ftaro  sons,;  andias«oon jw  J  be 
ham.  I  followed  and  prayed  with  them.  They  appeared  rather 
seriously  exercised)  ^et  angry  at  my  i)evseveranQe  Jn  ^peMuading 
them  to  be  reconciled  to  Gwi.  At  1  o'elock,  P.  M.  1  htild  a  meet- 
ing a  few  miles  west  of  St.  David's.  The  Lord  heard  the  groan- 
ings  of  his  people,  and  his  Spirit  reached  the  hearts  of  sinners. 
Twelve  that  were  awakened,  bowed  for  prayer. 

On  Wednesday,  I  walked  thirteen  miles  throu^  the  mud,  rjid 
attended  meetings  in  Queenston  and  Chippeway :  In  the  latter  I 
Twas  mueh  Aut  up  and  eocceedingly  tempted.  My  trials  were  so 
severe,  that  like  Peter,  I  found  my  faith  weak  and  myself  linking ; 
but  the  promise  that  me  shall  not  '^be  tempted  above  that  we  -are 
able,  but  with  the  temptation  shall  ifind  way  for  escape,"  enconriig- 
ed  me.  I  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  blessed  he  his  name,  he  heard 
my  cry  and  delivered  me  out  of  trouble.  On  Thursday,  1  attend- 
ed two  meetingB ;  in  the  latter,  at  Waterloo,  the  Lord  made  it  a 
season  of  refresliing  to  his  saints,  and  of  tremblii^to  8(»ne  sinners.. 
The  day  following,  I  crossed  the  Niagara  at  Black  Rook,  and 
preached  at  Hambui^  in  the  evening.  On  Saturday,  Ilaboredmi' 
der  mueh  indisposition,  but  was  enabled  to  attend  appointmante  in 
Aurora  and  Wales. 

Sunday,  Nov.  2, 1  held  two  meetings  in  Bennington.  At  the 
close  of  the  latter,  a  daughter  of  a  Presbyterian  minister  came  for- 
ward weeping,  and  asked  me  to  pray  for  her.  I  replied,  you  mast 
pray  for  yourself.  She  said  she  could  not,  and  repeating  the-  Serip- 
ture,  ^'  The  effectual  ferment  prayer  of  the  righteous  man  availeth 
much,"  again  requested  my  prayers  in  her  behalf.  I  asked  ^her  if 
she  was  willing  to  kneeL  She  aaid,  "  Yes;"  and  bowed  theiknee, 
weeping  while  I  prayed  for  her,  as  if  her  heart  was  brok^i.  IBhort- 
ly  after  she  was  brought  to  rejoice  in  the  Redeemer,  and  united 
with  the  Presl^terian  church.  At  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  preached 
again  in  the  east  pari  of  Benningttm,  and  stt  evening  in  the  villi^ 
of  Attica.  These  were  to  me  seasons  of  rejoicing. 
8* 


^„s^ 


^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


A 


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*v 


{./ 


6<f       mJ.ja 


1.0 


I.I 


11.25 


I^IM    12.5 
u^  Uii   122 

Z   1^    12.0 

1 1.4   11.6 


S>7 


^ 


^> 


#^ 


/^ 


7 


HiotDgraphic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WBT  MAIN  STREIT 

WnSTIR.N.Y.  14580 

(716)873-4503 


^■'■^■^■■■■■^""'"^'"^' 


MEMonts  or 


CHAPTER  X. 


3fy  troMh  and  labors  %n  different  placet ;  Revival  in  Baiavia,  ^c, 

Monday,  Nov.  4,  1822,  oompleted  mj  seventeenth  jear.  As 
the  sun  arose  in  splendor,  my  mind  was  filled  with  solemni^,  and 
I  rejoiced  in  God  the  Bock  of  my  salvation,  for  the  great  things  he 
had  done  for  me.  I  said  in  my  heart,  <  hitherto  he  hath  been  my 
hdper,  and  in  all  my  tribulatioD  his  right  hand  hath  upheld  me.' 
*  O,  my  soul,  declare  his  greatness,  and  his  goodness  in  the  congre- 
gBtioa  of  the  living;  and  when  death  shall  call  thee  hence,  shout 
his  praises,  and  speak  of  his  power  in  that  hoar  of  trial ;  for  sure- 
ly, had  not  his  arm  been  strong,  and  his  mercy  great,  ere  .this  tlqfie 
Uiott  hadst  fallen  by  the  hand  of  Saul.' 


'■A 


"  His  worth  if  all  ihe  nati<»M  knew, 
Sore  the  whole  world  would  love  him  too." 


Now  I  covenanted  with  God  to  be  more  futhfiil  in  his  cause, — 
praying  that  I  might  see  a  more  abundant  outpouring  of  his  Spir- 
it, and  more  souls  persuaded  to  turn  and  live.  On  this  day  I  w«nt 
to  my  appointment,  four  miles  north  of  Satavia  village.  Brother 
J.  Barker  received  me  affectionately  ;  and  being  a  stranger,  I  in- 
quired of  him  the  state  of  the  people.  He  decKned  giving  me 
any  information,  and  exhorted  me  to  inquire  of  the  Lord.  I  found 
a  crowded  assembly,  but  had  no  particular  text  In  the  introduc- 
tory prayer,  I  asked  the  Lord  to  direct  me  to  a'  subject ;  and  open- 
ing the  Bible,  the  first  that  met  my  eye  was.  Proverbs  l:24---27. 
^  Because  I  have  called  and  ye  refused ;  I  have  stretched  out  my 
hand,  and  no  man  regarded ;  but  ye  have  set  at  nought  all  my 
counsel,  and  would  none  of  my  reproof;  I  also  will  laugh  at  your 
calamity  I  will  mock  when  your  fear  cometh.  When  your  fear  com- 
eth  as  a  desolation,  and  your  destruction  as  a  whirlwind,  when  dis- 
tress and  anguish  cometh  upon  you."  Believing  the  Lord  had 
given  me  this  for  a  text,  I  commenced  speaking  from  it.  Within  ten 
minutes  an  awful  solemnity  rested  on  the  congregation,  and  every 
ekmd  seemed  to  disappear.  The  place  was  glorious  and  awfid  on 
account  of  the  presence  of  God.  Poor  wanderers  lamented 
their  backslidings,  and  declared  their  determinations  to  return  to 
their  first  love.  Many  sinners  awoke  to  view  their  danger  and 
wickedness  in  forgetting  God.  When  the  meeting  closed,  the 
greater  part  of  the  youth  crowding  around  in  tears  requested  pray- 
er, and  several  kneeled,  while  I  entreated  the  Lord  to  have  mer- 


"^r.*:" 


DATID  MABKS. 


^m 


■:  cj.*    This  vicinity  had  long  been  noted  for  neglect  of  religion, 

>  Mid  though  it  had  been  inhabited  seventeen  years,  no  revival  had 

*  ever  been  in  the  place.    The  faithful  servants  of  God  had  often  , 
visited  the  people  and  preached  repentance,  but  generally  they 

!  complained  of  being  much  closed  in  their  communicati<ms ;  and 

>  sometimes  almost  concluded  the  Lord  **  could  there  do  no  mighty 
.  vforh — because  of  their  unbelief."    But  now  he  unexpectedly  vis- 

-  ited  them  in  meroy.  They  permitted  their  eyes  and  ears  to  be 
opened,  and  many  dared  no  longer  to  bolt  the  Savior  from  their 
hearts,  lest  he  should  unsheath  his  sword  of  vengeance  against 
them,  and  forever  forget  to  be  gracious.    O,  how  fearfully  d«n- 

•  gerous  to  reject  the  calls  of  the  gospel,  and  slight  its  solemn  wam- 
.  ingsl 

My  mind  was  again  brought  into  tnel  in  regard  to  duty.  The 
I4»pearances  of  a  revival  here,  seemed  to  demand  my  stay ;  but  my 
i^pointments  called  me  one  hundred  miles  to  the  east ;  and  having 
purposed  returning  to  Canada,  I  had  also  left  appointments  in  that 

-  province.  Under  these  circumstances,  I  concluded  that  it  was  duty 
to  fulfill  my  engagements.  So  leaving  an  appointment  to  attend 
on  my  return  to  Canada,  I  went  on  my  way,  November  5,  and  at- 
tended meetings  in  Byron,  Ogden,  Fenfield,  Ontario,  WiHiamsen^ 
Sodus  and  Lyons.    Jn  S<>du8,  mauy  tears  were  shed,  several  were 

-  awakened,  two  of  whom  were  soon  after  brought  into  the  liberty  of 
the  gospel. 

Sun^y,  Nov.  10, 1  preached  in  Lyons,  and  the  Lord  gave  me  a 
tongue  of  utterance.  In  the  afternoon  and  evening,  I  held  meet- 
ings iUf  Sodus,  and  the  day  following  walked  seventeen  miles,  and 
attended  a  meeting  one  mile  east  of  Rochester.  Tuesday,  after 
walking  thirteen  miles  to  Ogden,  and  preaching  at  one  o'clock,  I 
found  myself  much  fatigued,  and  unable  to  walk  to  my  next  meet- 
ing, which  was  af  four  o'clock,  F.  M.  I  entreated  my  heavenly 
llnster  to  open  the  heart  of  some  one,  to  lend  me  a  beast  to  ride  as 
far  as  Byron.  Soon  my  desire  was  granted.  I  attended  meeting 
in  Bergen,  then  hastened  to  Byron,  and  there  had  to  leave  my  bor- 
rowed horse  about  the  setting  of  the  sun.  It  was  yet  eight  miles 
to  my  appointment  in  Batavia.  And  feeling  anxious  to  reach  this 
meeting,  particularly  on  account  of  the  encouraging  prospect  that 
appeared  there  on  my  former  visit,  I  endeavored  to  obtain  a  horse. 
But  all  my  efforts  were  ineffectual,  till  night  came  on,  when  I  met 


*  Mr.  J.  Barker  writes  March  16,  1846,  respecting  this  meeting,  "  Yonr 
hoiband  came  to  mj  house  the  day  he  was  seventeen  rears  old,  and  preached 
in  the  evening  with  wonderful  power.  So  great  was  the  effect  on  the  conere- 
gation,  that  his  Tolce  was  oompietoly  drowned  by  the  loud  cries  and  sobs  oFhis 
bearen."    [£0.] 


§2 


joar 


■■m  -Man  inth  A!«pan  of  honea,  ratnnuog  ri«m'lak)r.  After  relating 
rmj  ailuatioD,  I  -anked  iiim  for  «  hone.  He  «e|Aied  that  bis  beants 
hMl  labored  jhaed  4Hid  ionten  :iibtbing  toince  nonun^  and  (Hmi  Afly 
W  me  to  sttem^t  to  wemA  fiateicin  ithat  levemng.  Bat  tiieiap- 
ilieiDted  hourhadtalreaAy^come;  I  coifld  sot  reconcile  «vfsekf  Ho 
'like  thought  of  Afiaohife,  Andofiered  tfive  daXtam  -for  the  use  af  a 
honte.  After  feeing  >lAie  heaat  Judf  ian  iioor  the  man^oonseiilad, 
but  would  take  no  reward.  I  reached  ithe  i^pointnent  at  abant 
half  (paat  Mvea,  and  fbwid  ee«rei»lihundred  people  anziouifyiattt- 
jng.  I«i^ojed/aifiiiwred43oa«Dn  and  tthe  heaven^  idoudHMemed, 
'as  .b^re,  to  haiiig  i>Ter  :them.  After  returning  the  ibeiae  in  tthe 
moming,  1  brarowed  anothrar  w  BatanaaOo  go  to  <3anada.  3Sie 
next  day  I  crossed  the  Niagara  river  at  Lewiston,  attended  a  maet- 
.falg  at  the  Tillage  >of  St  Davkl'e^  and -the  dajfeUowing  preached 
In  llierold,  whcore  the  Lord  >lifi«d  upon  ue  the  light  of  -Ms  ■cenate- 
maee.    The 'kiiid;peoide|^ve  meitwo  doBnvs. 

ftaadftj^  'Nt»r,  17,  hf  request  I  rpreadied  tiiriee  in  'Lewhrtmi. 
tBariag  the^st asanuHi,  I l^e^pedally-  assisted, :!bat  in  ^e^aftar- 
iitoan  laboced  under f much "^riaL  I  had. iwed  to  exercise  fidifa,  and 
ittAre  to  be  fatient  in  tribulation,  knoWiag^tiiatlfaie  Christ  faalb^sip- 
ipokiled  for  our  good.  It  ismo  diflloultihhag  to  r^eice  in  the  light 
afOod's  countenance ;  bat  he<who  ean^n^oice  wfaenthe^IioidAiides 
Jiisrface,  has  oltfained  no  small  srietory  over  ^  world,  andibsiUaass 
in  the  faith.  Yet  it  is  the  duty  and  privilege  of  every  i@hristian 
to  the  so  established,  as  to  be^  umnoved  amidst  the  most  tijii^  sea- 
4ons.  In  the  evening,  I  .preached  at  an  inn  <kept  'by  Jfr.  >H. 
va  the  Ridge  mad.  One  of  his  daughters  then 'lay  «aori»»dq 
die  house.  M\  d  was  dk-eeted  to  Matt  9:16,  ''My  daughter 
is  even  now  dta  at  eome  vuid  lay  fl^  hand  upon  her  andtahe 
shall  live."  I  ex^joyed  «  highly  favored  time ;  ti^e  Spirit  «f<ttie 
Lord  «eemed'  to  touch  many  hearts,  and  tearsfelllikedrc^  of  rahu 
By  request  I  attended  the  fcmeral  at  ten  o^dodc  the  next  morning, 
and  had  reason  to  hope  that  this  meeting,  as  -wdl  as  the  previous 
one,  will  be  joyfully  remembered  in  the  great  day  of  accounts. 
JEr.  H.  with  several  others,  gave  me  five- dollars. 

After  preaching  twice  in  iRoyalton  I  proeeeded  to  my  'appoiat- 
nent  at  Batavia.  A  large  congregation  was  present,  and  -Uad 
Heaven  aided  me  >m  cU^ensing  Uie  word  of  life.  Though  none 
had  as  yet  been  converted,  the  pvospeet  of  revival  was  more  poMU- 
ising  than  ever.  Several  were  heavy  laden  with  a  sense  of  their 
iniquities,  and  anxiously  inquiring  the  way  to  Zion.  A  door  seem> 
ed  to  opdn  so  efiectually  for  preaching  the  word  in  a  place  that  had 
never  before  received  the  Savior,  that  I  thought  it  duty  to  make 
no  more  appointments  at  present,  which  would  infringe  on  fmyjop- 
portunity  for  usefulness  in  this  vicinity.    Wednesday,  Nov.  'SO,  I 


DAYID  MARKS.  ^ 

Tisited  and  prayed  with  fifteen  families,  and  found  Mrenl  among 
the  number  seeking  Jesus  sorrowing.  In  the  evening,  I  held  a 
meeting  at  a  place  called  Sodom,  which  I  understood  was  so  nam- 
ed on  account  of  the  wickedness  of  the  people.  The  next  day  I 
visited  from  house  to  house,  striving  with  tears  to  persuade  the  in- 
habitants to  flee  from  the  storm  of  wrath  that  awaits  the  ungodly, 
and  seek  for  refuge  in  the  "  sinner's  Friend."  In  the  evening  we 
held  a  meeting  on  the  town  line,  and  enjoyed  a  profitable  time. 
Backsliders  took  words  and  returned  to  the  Lord.  At  the  dose 
eight  or  ten  came  forward  and  kneeled,  while  their  tears  and  sighs 
manifested  a  deep  concern  for  their  eternal  welfare. 

On  Friday,  I  visited  several  families,  held  one  meeting  in  Staf- 
fiwrd,  and  another  in  Le  Roy,  where  the  Lord  gave  me  a  tongue  of 
utterance.  Great  solemnity  rested  on  the  people,  and  many  trem- 
Ued  under  the  mighty  power  of  God.  Several  were  awakened, 
and  shortly  after  I  learned  that  fourteen  of  the  number  hadexpe* 
rienced  a  change  of  heart,  and  were  happy  in  the  Kedeemer.  O 
blessed  be  the  Lord,  for  his  wonderftil  wmrks  among  the  children 
«f  men. 

Saturday,  we  met  in  Batavia  for  a  conference.  Several  related 
their  exerdses  of  mind,  some  expressed  their  desires  for  salvation, 
and  entreated  an  interest  in  the  prayers  of  the  saints.  Sunday, 
Novk  24,  early  in  the  morning  the  house  of  worship  was  filled  to 
overflowing.  In  the  former  part  of  the  day  my  mind  was  direct* 
ed  to  2  Kings  7:8,  4,  "  And  there  were  four  leprous  men  at  the 
entering  in  of  the  gate,  and  they  said  one  to  anotiier,  Why  sit  we 
here  until  we  die,  &c  It  was  a  heart-searching  time  am<mg  sin- 
ners, and  attended  with  some  new  cases  of  awakening.  At  even- 
ing I  held  another  meeting  in  the  same  place.  T^e  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  was  powerfully  manifested,  and  the  sighs  of  heavy  laden 
souk  were  heard  in  every  part  of  the  assembly.  The  cries,  "  Lord 
have  mercjfl**  and  "Prof/  for  me.'"  saluted  our  ears  from  s<Hne 
of  the  most  respectable  young  people  in  the  place.  Twenty-five 
came  forward  laad  kneeled  while  prayer  was  offered  in  their  be- 
half. 

On  Tuesday,  in  the  same  place,  I  spoke  with  much  freedom 
nearly  two  hours,  from  1  C!or.  9:16.  "  For  neeesnttf  i$  laid  tqwn 
me  ;  yea,  wo  it  unto  me,  if  I  preach  not  the  gospel  /"  After  ser- 
mon, forty-one  spoke,  twelve  of  whom  were  seeking  the  Lord  sor- 
rowing ;  while  cries  and  sobs  were  heard  in  almost  every  part  of 
the  assembly.  Among  those  who  sp<^e,  were  several  that  had 
never  before  said  anything  publicly  on  the  subject  of  religion. 
Th^  now  freely  confessed  their  sins,  related  the  exercises  of  their 
minds  since  theur  awakening,  and  declared  their  resolutions  to  re- 
form and  turn  to  Jesus.    Several  were  soon  brought  to  rejoice, 


J 


..i 


I 


•4 


lOMOlM  OV 


mod  they  prwied  Ifca  Lord  abad.  At  the  oloie  of  the  meeting 
thirty  CAine  fonvwrd  and  kneeled  for  praj«r.  While  I  beb^d  the 
poroud  youth  weeping  and  crying  to  Qod  for  mercy,  my  heart  wai 
greatly  affected  and  my  feelings  almost  overpowered  me.  Y«A,  I 
njoiced  in  hope  of  ^eir  deliverance  from  sin,  and  soon  was  glad 
to  find  six  happy  converts  united  in  exhorting  their  mourning  as- 
sociates not  to  dei^ir,  bat  to  look  earnestly  to  Uie  Lord  for  salva- 
tion. The  day  following  I  held  a  meeting  on  the  town  line  of  Ba- 
tavia  and  Stafford,  in  which  one  eried  for  mercy,  and  soon -^ttfess- 
ed  to  find  pardon  through  ^le  «  Son  of  the  Blessed."  On  Thurs- 
day I  preached  again  in  the  revival,  after  which  ehovtt  twentv  spdM 
«f  the  goodness  ^  God.  Sunday,  Dee.  1,  w«  met  again  ror  wor- 
ship, and  as  usual,  enj(^od  a  bleraed  season.  Since  oar  last  meet- 
ing another  had  fa«en  converted,  who  now  gave  a  good  testimony. 

fi   On  Monday,  Elder eame  into  the  place.    This  was  the 

fireacber,  whio,  fnrevious  to  my  journey  10(^0,  thougl^  me  not  In 
^e  way  of  iaty,  and  who  toM  me  that  eitftKr  he  or  1  had  not  Ihe 
^Spirit  of  Christ.  {See  page  71.]  Now,  on  hearing  of  the  revi- 
val, he  was  filled  with  great  joy.  For  in  time  past  he  had  %een 
|p!<Mltiy  bomd  in  spirit  whUe  preaelring  to  this  people,  Mid  bad 
viewed  Axm  as  i^bnost  forsaken  of  liie  Lord.  Till  this  time  Iw 
.hod  appeared' onfavorably  di^tesed  toward  nj  ooovse.  Now  when 
die  iritnessed  tbe  graee  of  God,  he  f<^  on  his  knees,  confessed  iSa 
frast'feelingB,4md  thanked  ^e  Lord  for  what  his  «ars  bad  heard. 
He  atffeetionately  bade  me  **  God  qpeed,**  and  to  43iis  ihy  «ur  faearls 
faave  been  like  &m  heart  of  iWid  and  Jonathan.  He  held  a  meet- 
ing wMi  OS  bmmA  eigoyed  «  blessed  season. 

"^    As  I  had  appointDsente  leaiMngwearlytwo  hunAred  miles  east- 
"ward,  I  was  now,  for  a  time,  under  the  necessity  of  leaving.    This 
was  veiy  tiymg  and  painful  to  me ;  for  the  minds  of  many  wore 
mueh  exercised,  and  some  were  almost  in  despair,  and  greaitfy 
needed  «neouragra(ieat.     But  wishing  to  meet  my  engagements, 
I  committed  them  to  the  care  of  the  great  Physician,  and  took  my 
leave.    The  winter  had  now  become  very  cold ;  s^l  I  had  no  over 
garment,  and  my  clothes  being  worn  considerably  thin  I  had  «of- 
tored  much  from  ilie  severity  of  the  weather.     Hweing  fireqwently 
<qM^en  to  crowded  assemblies  till  in  a  state  lOf  profiise  perspiration, 
and  i^en  exposed  myself  to  the  evening  air,  I  had  taken  seveval 
t'^lent  colds  which  had  greatly  impaired  my  healtli.    T*he  Levd 
•BOW  opened  the  heart  of  a  broUier  in  Batavia  to  gi^w  me  a  'great 
ooatj  ^hioh,  ■thoughmore  tium  half  worn,  made  me  -very  ooooibrt- 
«ble.  « 

ISunday,  Dec  8, 1  -preached  in  Lyons ;  my  healtii  faikd  and  ftr- 
Ibade  the  immecHate  perfwrnangeof  my  journey.  liwdyeteev- 
entaen  appcuntaieats ;  and  after  resting  one  ^y  I  mvni  to  Janias, 


fi 


DAKIB)  MAVBtb  W 

hoping  to  be  able  toatitoad  Aem.  Bui  fltidifig.  mjMlf  imble  to 
travel  and  meet  mj  engageonente,  I  ymt  oompdled  to  abandon  ^m 
daaign>  S«me  of  tbem  appointaients  I  withdrew  by  letter ;  itill 
there  remained  a  larger  number  of  eongregations  than  I  had  tvtt 
b^re  duappoiBtod.  I  could  only  pray  that  thej  might  be  fkvor- 
•d  with  the  Divine  prosenee.  Aiier  stoying  a  short  time  till  vaj 
health  would  permit  me  to  travdJ,  I  returned  to  Batavia.  Ify 
feiradt  welcomed  me  afiectkmatefy,  and!  r^ked  to  find  that  dnrv 
iag  my  absence  some  had  obtained  a  hope  in  Jesae,  and  were 
new  happy  in  that  love  that  paseeth  understanding.  From  the 
17th  of  Dec  to  the  dose  of  the  month,  I  continued  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  revival ;  but  aa  my  health  was  not  yet  restored  I  held  bat 
five  meetings  hi  a  we^.  The  work  oMitinued  without  abatement^ 
and  eeme  of  the  aonverts  were  strong  in  the  faith.  Some  wlio 
were  near  a  despairing  stato  when  I  left  the  iteoe»  w^re  nvri  hmft- 
py  in  the  Lord ;  and  by  their  spiritoal  exbortalions  comtribated 
autch  to  the  spread  of  the  wovk.  Our  congregations  were  large ; 
the  Levd  ofttftt  spread  hi»  banner  over  us-~we  sat  under  his  Am^ 
vm  with  great  delight,  and  hie  fruit  was  sweet  to  our  taste.  Op^' 
poaitien^  tad  persecution  showed  tiieir  deformed  heads  at  times,  yet 
aoi  Aere  than  is  usual  when  God  pevra  out  fats  Spirit.  When  i3bm 
JmbA  revives  hia  work,  the  advwsary  rages  ;  and  when  the  sena  ef 
CM  meet  together,  aa  in  the  di^s  of  Job,  aatan  comes  aleo. 

On  the  first  day  of  the  year  182^,  I  preadied  firom  Lev^  25:10. 
Heaven  «niledi  npon  ui^  atad  many  remarked  that  it  was  by  far  tha 
happiest  New  Tear's  day  they  had  ever  seen.  In  the  evening  At 
L«rd  enidded  i&e  to  pi<each  with  mudi  freedom  to  an  asaemUy  in 
Elba;  after  which  seventy-twe  spoke  of  the  exercises  of  tbeitr 
mind^  Aaaeng  thi»  numbw  were  several  converts  who  had  »> 
eaived  tidrots  soliciting  their  attendance  at  a  baU  in  the  village  of 
-Baitovia^  wheiie  the  ^KWghUess  gay  were  to  waato  the  first  evemnf 
of  the  new  year.  Many  covenanted  to  intend  this  year  in  hnmfale 
ebedienoeto  the  Lord  Between  ten  and  eleven  tfie  cxercnes 
doted,,  and  seores  wc^  away  **  rejoidng  mik  jaj  Hn^>eakable  ami 
HRoi  glory ;"  w^e  others  weighed  down  voider  a  sense  of  thdr , 
ktstccmcUtion  wwst  t»  their  homes  in  sadness. 

After  a  few  week»'  absence  in  attendance  iq>on  the  Benton  and 
Bethany  ^pitffteriy  meetings^  I  returned  to  Bataivia,  and  heard  Hw 
ademn  Mings  that  one  of  the  happy  converts,  a  young  woman^  had 
^ene  suddenly  to  her  eternal  home.  She  was  Immght  to  rcgowe 
bat  a  few  days  before  my  departure,  and  at  that  time  enjoyed  health 
and  the  proiq[)eet  (rf*  long  Ufe.  Soon  aftor  the  attack  of  her  diseoai^ 
she  was  sensible  her  days  on  earth  were  nearly  conduded ;  but 
thia  expecta.^  4^  the  Nligion  «he  had  lately  eabtsueed,  baoy- 


f5^r'V'^^*^\tt^'^^^ -*°'>-^^^'-'"'*'*^v' 


**i'  iP:i'*'n  *f*i 


i;y--.<t^ft»(r-.^^ ^Tjapt '■■"-' ■,«>"*^i^iiif^4<*;-  -jifi-'"**'.**"-*. 


• 


mtMOIBS  Of 


ed  up  her  spirit ;  and  when  passing  tliroagh  the  valley  and  shad- 
ow of  death,  she  rejoiced  in  hope  of  immortalitj. 

During  the  two  succeeding  weeks  I  labored  in  the  revivali  and 
held  eight  meetings  in  adjacent  towns. 

During  the  revival  at  Batavio,  an  individual  firom  Riga  who 
was  on  a  visit  to  this  place,  was  touched  by  the  preaching  of  the 
word,  and  after  returning  home  was  soon  converted.  By  this 
means  I  was  invited  to  Riga,  and  sent  an  appointment.  February 
11,  I  attended  two  meetings  in  that  town,  in  which  the  power  of 
the  Lord  was  manifested,  particularly  in  the  last.  Several  appeal^ 
ed  deeply  convicted  of  their  danger  without  an  interest  in  the  S»> 
vior,  and  confessed  their  resolves  to  turn  to  the  Lord.  I  left  them 
in  tears,  believing  that  some  of  them  were  nigh  the  kingdom.  Nor 
was  my  faith  vain,  for  soon  after,  as  I  was  informed,  five  or  six 
found  Jesus  to  be  precious  to  their  souls. 

Feb.  14,  facing  a  tedious  storm,  I  walked  to  Bjnon,  and  tp6kt 
to  a  few  from  Dan.  5:25:  «  Msne,  Mmej  Tekelj  l^kantn."  Sat- 
urday morning  the  snow  having  fallen  nearly  two  feet  in  depth,  a 
friend  kindly  sent  his  son  to  carry  roe  three  miles.  I  then  walked 
ft  mile  and  a  half,  when  my  strength  failed.  It  was  now  die  niid> 
die  of  the  day,  the  road  yet  unbroken ;  and  as  it  was  impossible  to 
reach  my  appointments,  I  remained  over  the  Sabbath  and  attend- 
ed a  meeting.  Monday  I  returned  to  Elba  and  BatAvia  ani 
attended  two  meetings.  In  the  latter,  the  converts  gave  many 
excellent  and  weighty  exhortations,  which  greatly  cheered  my 
heart. 

Feb.  21, 1  went  to  the  south  part  of  Le  Boy,  and  preached  from 
1  Chron.  9:17—19.  The  Spirit  of  God  -was  manifested  in  the 
meeting  with  great  power,  and  weeping  and  lamentation  were  heard 
m  every  part  of  the  assembly.  My  heart  was  made  glad  at  the 
dose,  when  thirty  awakeried  souls  came  forward,  desiring  the  pray- 
ers of  the  saints.    A  revival  followed  this  meeting. 

Sunday,  Feb.  23,  I  preached  again  in  Batavia,  and  at  evening 
held  an  "  open  class  meeting"  Though  we  met  with  some  oppo- 
sition from  the  irreligious,  we  were  encouraged  and  made  strong  by 
the  smiles  of  our  Master.  The  day  following  I  preached  in  Staf- 
ford, and  on  Wednesday  attended  two  meetir-^  in  Le  Boy.  The 
latter  of  these  was  in  the  south  part  of  the  town,  where  on  my 
former  visit,  thirty  came  forward  for  prayer.  The  assembly  was; 
bu^,  attentive  and  solemn ;  twenty  promised  to  seek  the  Lord, 
and  gave  me  their  hands  in  token  of  dieir  covenant  Soon  after  I 
was  informed  that  nearly  all  of  this  aumber,  and  some  othen,  had 
professed  to  pass  from  death  unto  life. 

Friday,  I  went  to  Stafford,  where  I  had  an  appointment ;  but  on 
account  of  illness  was  unable  to  attend  it.    The  next  day,  feeling 


Itkytt  KA»ks. 


9^ 


m  littld  ]bett«r,  I  wdked  to  Batavifl  tUbA  pi^MiEitd  iil  t&e  «tMiitf|. 
Sunday,  March  2,  though  still  laboring;  onder  Infidtl  inflrmH;^  Of 
body,  I  went  to  the  south  part  of  the  town  and  heard  a  VnivefMl* 
isi  preach  on  a  ftineMl  occasion.  This  man  wat  learned  and  elo- 
quent, and  in  nmnj  histances  had  been  succesiftil  inperMiading'tbe 
wicked  that  it  should  be  well  with  ihetn,  even  thoogb  ihey  sfaotOd 
die  by  drunkenness,  by  the  violence  of  thdr  own  hand,  Of  on  Qie 
gallows.  His  text  was,  Eccl.  12:7 :  "  fhdn  shall  the  dust  retard  16 
the  earth  as  it  was ;  and  the  spirit  shall  return  nnto  Gk>d  who  gare 
it"  In  the  latter  part  of  his  discourse,  h«  stated  there  Witt  ifOC  a 
passage  in  the  Bible,  which  said,  after  the  sph  it  had  once  I«ft  the 
body  and  gone  to  God,  that  it  should*  ever  depart.  tJpofi  thii^  the 
query  arose  in  my  mind,  whether  he  would  not  find  himself  tO  be 
one  of  those,  who,  having  taken  from  the  words  of  the  ptdpheey  of 
the  book  of  God,  shall  have  their  part  takon  out  of  the  rook  df 
life.  [See  Rev.  22:19.]  For  says  Christ,  when  fipeakhtg  of  thut 
awfhl  day  in  which  he  shall  gather  all  natiohs  befb^e  him,  "  Th«w" 
fihe  wickedl  *<  shall  go  cnoay  into  everlasting  panishment"  Malt. 
29:46.  «  Depart  fh>m  me,  yo  cursed,  info  evertasting  fir^.*'  If  Ait 
25:41.  Acoordintf  io  Universalism,  the  wicked  shaU  inMdif€ni; 
hut  according  io  Christ,  &i€^  ghatt  depart.  Which  sfadll  We  l«ft- 
"ftve?  OI  howmikny  of  the  nnsuspecting  youth  ate  c£incf|ht  h. 
fatal  snare,  and  ttakt  this  a  suhetitote  vnt  tepenfaxMici  mWBb. 

,  JhrlH  I 

'Sunday,  March  9, 1  preached  in  Bofiklo,  add  fn  ih^  ftuf  ^s 
followhig,  held  ten  meetings  between  Buffak)  and  Batavia.  Sii^dto 
<^  the  assemblicis  were  large  and  attentive.  Between  th<)  14th  ilttd 
25th  of  March,  I  «ttetided  meetings  iA  B^han^,  Attica,  t^fsatMk' 
ton,  and  Alexandc  ^,^d  spent  tho  Mst  of  the  time  in  pifeaehin^  m 
Batavia  and  Elba. 

Mai^h  24,  as  I  awoke.  Elder  Fatmetiteir  said  <o  ^  *I  fair^e 
had  a  dreani,  and  I  believe  it  is  from  the  Lord.  Iti  nxf  cfh^it^  I 
Went  to  the  house  of  Moses  King  in  Grovdand,  aitd  was  asked  if 
I  knew  David  Marks,  the  «  ftny  j^eacher  f  1  answered,  *  Tea ;" 
to  which  they  replied,  "  be  is  near  by  in  a  6Wamp,  cutting  cedtt  io 
Itoifd  a  house ;  and  for  several  days  has  laeen  waiting  vit  yoil  to 
come  and  assist  him  iti  putting  it  up.' "  He  then  said,  if  I  wot^ 
|0  to  Groveland,  he  believed  I  should  there  see  the  woric  of  the 
Lord.  This  town  I  had  never  visited,  and  did  iiot  reoefflect  of  hjSkV- 
ing  heard  even  its  name.  I  felt  rather  itlcHned  to  visit  the  pliiee 
immediately,  but  made  no  ooncltisiorl  till  the  next  itaomhig.  Whcin 
Elder  P.  said  to  me,  "  I  have  dreamed  yet  anothet  dreadir  whidi 
he  related  as  f(^ow<s :  "t  was  at  the  house  of  Wflfiam:Wl&itmanl&i 
^  town  of  Genesee,  three  miles  from  Moses  Kr^^'  ill  Oi^e- 
Auatf,  add  brothef  W.  asked  me  the  itanie  questioii  thaf  wtts  proper. 


98 


mmoiBs  or 


ed  to  me  in  mj  former  dream,  and  received  the  lame  aniwer.  He 
Airther  raid  you  had  just  been  there,  and  was  now  near  br  in  a 
quarrjr,  hewmg  stone  to  build  a  house,  and  for  sometime  had  been 
impatiently  waiting  for  me  to  come  and  help  you  build  it ;  also, 
that  you  had  that  day  remarked,  if  I  did  not  come  you  should 
oome  after  me."  Then  said  I,  the  dreams,  like  those  of  Pharaoh, 
ar<e  **  one  .*"  God  having  shown  to  his  servant  "  vfh(U  he  i$  about  to 
do"  **And  for  that  the  dream  toot  doubled;  it  i$  because  the 
thing  is  e^ahUshed  by  Godj  and  God  will  shortly  bring  it  to  pass.** 
Genesis  41:25 — 32.  This  decided  my  going  to  Groveland ;  for  I 
firmly  believed  the  Lord  would  there  revive  his  work. 

Tuesday,  March  25, 1  preached  in  the  south  part  of  Le  Roy, 
and  again  the  next  morning.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  attended  the 
word,  and  sinners  wept  Ten  individuals  at  each  meeting  spoke  of 
their  lost  condition,  and  declared  their  determination  to  seek  Jesut. 
I  left  them  in  tears,  and  on  my  way  to  Groveland,  held  five  meet- 
ings in  Riga,  which  I  trust,  through  the  blessing  of  God,  were 
profitable.  In  the  last  meeting,  a  man  who  had  lived  nearly  sev- 
enty years  without  an  interef  t  in  Christ,  now,  for  the  first  time,  ez- 
pn»Md  an  anxiety  to  be  prepared  for  the  great  change  he  must 
loon  meet.  I  also  attended  one  meeting  in  Wheatland,  and  ^e 
morning  after,  one  professed  to  receive  the  pardoning  grace  of ' 
at  the  house  where  I  spent  the  night  On  Monday,  March 
attended  a  meeting  in  Caledonia.  Some  appeared  to  be 
others  were  offended.  April  1, 1  arrived  at  the  house  of  bi 
Whitman,  in  Geneseo,  and  was  kindly  received  in  his  family.  I 
told  them  I  expected  immediately  to  see  souls  converted  in  that 
place,  but  they  seemed  slow  of  heart  to  believe.  I  appointed  a 
meeting  at  his  house  in  the  evening,  and  spent  the  afternoon  in  vis- 
iting the  people.  But  few  attended  the  meeting ;  professors  of 
religion  were  generally  in  a  lukewarm  state,  and  the  prospect  seem- 
ed not  so  encouraging  as  I  had  hoped  to  find  it  The  next  day  I 
held  a  meeting  in  Groveland,  and  the  prospect  here  appeared  no 
more  encouraging  than  in  Geneseo.  I  determined,  however,  to 
stay  a  few  days  and  see  whether  the  Lord  would  revive  his  work. 
For  five  days  I  held  meetings  alternately  in  Groveland  and  Gkn- 
eseo,  and  employed  the  leisure  hours  in  conversation  and  prayer 
among  the  people.  The  congregations  increased  in  each  town,  and 
an  increasing  solemnity  was  observed.  Yet  I  had  felt  disappoint- 
ed, fearing  my  labor  would  be  in  vain,  till  in  the  last  of  these  meet- 
ings, the  hearts  of  some  began  to  melt  This  enooura^ng  pros- 
pect appeared  as  "  a  little  cloud  like  a  man's  hand ;"  and,  remem- 
bering the  confidence  I  felt  when  coming  to  the  place,  that  the  Lord 
had  sent  me,  I  doubled  my  diligence,  and  from  the  ftth  to  the  10th 
<^  April,  held  one  meeting  a  day  in  each  town.    The  doud  of 


^  i-:M, 


DATIO  MARKS. 


merey  now  hung  over  the  place,  and  we  heard  the  sound  of  rmin* 
Scores  were  weeping  for  their  sins ;  some  backsliders  returned 
with  tears,  and  met  a  welcome  reception  at  their  Father's  house } 
the  Laodicean  Christians  began  to  do  their  first  work,  and  agidn  to 
enjoy  their  first  love. 

Sunday,  April  18,  we  met  for  worship  at  a  school  house  in  Gen- 
eseo.  A  hundred  people  who  were  unable  to  enter  the  house  stood 
without,  and  all  seemed  to  hear  attentively.  As  the  meeting  com- 
menced many  began  to  weep ;  and  in  the  course  of  the  exerciset 
their  number  increased  till  near  the  close  of  the  sermon,  when 
about  the  whole  assembly  were  melted  into  tenderness.  Several 
vented  their  grief  by  sighs  and  groans,  and  cried  to  God  for  mer- 
cy. This  interesting  interview  continued  about  five  hours,  and  be- 
fore  it  closed  two  or  three  were  hopeftillv  converted.  Some  re* 
turned  weeping,  others  remained  as  though  loth  to  leave  the  place 
till  they  should  find  Jesus.  A  man  over  forty  years  of  age,  who 
was  not  easily  or  often  moved,  wept  and  trembled  on  account  of 
his  tins.  He  said  he  had  sinned  against  the  true  light  in  which  he 
miffht  have  walked,  and  now  feared  there  was  no  mercy  for  him^ 
and  that  he  never  should  have  strength  even  to  leave  the  house. 
Soon,  however,  he  sained  strength  to  go  to  a  neighbor's  house,  and 
in  a  few  days  found  some  comfort ;  yet  he  made  no  public  profes- 
riott  till  abont  three  years  afterward,  when  he  joined  the  church. 
On  Thursday  I  held  a  meeting  in  Groveland ;  nearly  two  hundred 
attended,  and  we  had  a  refreshing  season.  Five  or  six,  who  went 
away  heavy  laden  on  Sunday  evening,  were  now  praising  the  Lord  t 
and  more  than  twenty  came  forward  for  prayers. 

Continuing  my  stay  in  Groveland  and  G^neseo,  we  had  one,  two^ 
or  three  meetings  almost  every  day,  and  usually  some  were  brought 
into  the  liberty  of  the  redeemed. 

In  one  meeting,  shortly  after  it  commenced,  a  young  woman  be- 
gan to  weep  aloud,  as  though  indifferent  to  all  around,  and  contin- 
ued without  cessation  till  the  sermon  closed ;  she  then  arose  and 
said  with  emotions  of  poignant  grief,  '*  O  that  I  had  never  been 
bom  1  Wo  is  me  that  I  have  a  being  I  for  my  sins  cannot  be  for^ 
^ven  I  Would  to  God  that  I  had  died  when  a  child !  and  now  I 
should  have  been  happy  I  O  mothers,  how  can  you  weep  for  your 
children  that  died  in  infancy !"  A  deep  excitement  was  noticed 
through  the  whole  assembly,  and  several  fervent  prayers  were  of- 
fiared  up  to  Gk>d  in  behalf  of  this  young  woman,  and  for  some  oth- 
ers who  were  in  great  grief,  as  though  the  sorrows  of  death  had 
compassed  them  about.    After  the  assembly  was  dismissed,  the 

Jronng  woman  before  named  passed  through  the   street,  weeping 
ike  one  that  now  felt  no  interest  in  what  the  world  might  remBric 
It  was  truly  aSbcting  to  hear  her  lamentations  at  the  cUstance  of  a 


:) 


XQO 


MKMOIBf  or 


quarter  of  a  iDile,  while  not  onlv  thoM  who  attended  the  meeting, 
but  thoae  in  the  houses  and  flelus  of  a  thickly  settled  neighborhood, 
stood  listening  till  her  mournful  accents  receded  and  died  away 
upon  the  ear.  She  went  home,  and  askbg  forgiveness  of  her  pa- 
rents for  neglecting  their  warnings  and  counsel  to  seek  the  Savior, 
she  made  a  solemn  vow  neither  to  eat  nor  sleep  till  she  know  the 
worst  of  her  condition.  Two  davs  and  a  half  bho  passed  thus, 
mostly  alone,  bewailing  her  state  day  and  night.  She  was  sitting 
pensive  by  a  small  stream  in  a  solitary  wood,  when  suddenly  its  in- 
nocent murmur  assumed  a  oleasant  sound.  She  looked  into  the 
water—it  was  beautiful.  She  turned  her  eves  upward — the  leaf- 
less trees  were  bright  and  praised  God.  She  exclMmed,  "  Glory 
to  the  liord !"  and  returning  to  her  parents,  told  them  Jesus  had 
pardoned  her  sins.  She  came  to  the  next  meeting,  and  declared 
what  greftt  things  the  lord  had  done  for  her  soul,  and  her  testhnp- 
ny  was  like  a  sharp  sword. 

Oa  Monday,  May  H,  I  left  Groveland  to  attend  the  Benton  qnuN 
terly  meeting^  which  opened  at  the  Presbyterian  meeting  hMft  In 
Brutus  on  the  10th. 

Previous  to  m^  leaving;,  seiveral  of  the  converts  reqii^iMl .  m 
opportunity  of  bemg  baptized.  They  had  never  seen  mi^  InoMB* 
MOf  nor  had  anv  one  preached  to  them  on  this  subject  aipot  tW  f%^ 
vivaL  I  told  them  that  I  could  not  baptise,  and  as  lihim  lilA  nn 
church  of  Free-will  Buttists  in  this  town,  they  might  d»  Wfil  to 
find  a  home  with  the  Methodists.  Thev  replied  thoy  fwitilfi  nol  d» 
this,  for  some  of  them  had  been  sprinkled,  and  now  Ihsr  Wi^vodi 
it  was  their  duty  to  be  bapUzed.  In  accordance  with  their  reqmi^ 
I  solicited  Elder  Norton,  a  stranger  to  them,  to  coino  and^lM  ibe 
work  and  baptize.  On  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  brv^er  I^bf- 
ton  preached  in  Groveland  much  to  the  satisfaction  of  ^e  pHOj^Os, 
and  six  or  seven  related  their  experience  for  baptism.  We  went 
down  to  Conesus  lake,  about  half  a  mile  distant    The  day  waa 

Eleasant,  the  water  clear  and  beautiful,  and  the  earth  anrajed 
I  all  the  beauties  of  May.  The  converts  in  heavenly  smiles  stood 
on  the  shore,  while  the  spectators  lined  the  bank.  Here  I  felt  the 
warm  breezes  of  heaven  on  my  soul,  and  could  scarcely  refrafai 
from  crying,  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest.'*  When  seven  had 
eome  out  of  the  water  praising  €rod,  a  young  man  of  respectabilii 
ty  came  forward  and  related  his  experience,  and  was  baptized. 

By  request,  Elder  J.  N.  Hinckley  of  Parma  preached  on  the 
Sabbath  following;  seven  more  related  their  experience  and  wi^ 
baptized.  On  Thursday,  I  proposed  to  a  young  lady  in  despflfa^  to 
fiist  two  days,  praying  ten  times  in  ea^h  for  the  salvation  of  liilr 
aouL  To  this  we  both  agreed,  and  I  went  immediately  to  the 
Bethany  quarterly  meeting,  held  on  the  town  line  of  Bi^via  and 


'■♦v 


DATID  MAEKl. 


101 


Elba.  Saturday,  May  24,  my  two  days  of  abstinence  closed.  I 
was  quite  bungrr,  but  had  two  sources  of  satisfaction  ;  one,  that  by 
fasting,  my  mind  was  more  clear,  more  fervent  in  prayer,  approach- 
ing nearer  to  Qod ;  the  other  was  a  witness  that  the  young  woman 
had  been  brought  into  liberty.  On  this  dav  the  quarterly  meeting 
commenced,  and  through  the  whole  we  had  a  comfortable  season. 
On  my  return  to  Geneseo,  I  found  that  the  young  woman  who  had 
covenanted  to  fast,  had  obtained  a  hope  in  the  Savior  several  honrs 
before  the  two  days  expired.  Now  she  was  happy ;  and  looking 
back  to  the  time  when  she  with  a  mournful  heart  made  this  vow, 
and  viewing  the  blessed  contrast  in  her  state,  her  joy  was  full. 

May  81,  1828,  Elders  Parmenter  and  Norton,  with  some  others 
attended  as  a  council  from  the  quarterly  meeting,  and  organised  a 
oburch  of  seventeen  members.    One  was  added  the  same  day,  and 
following  three  were  received  upon  baptism. 
I  attended  a  meeting  in  Livonia,  and  ailer  the  sermon 
leaving  another  appointment.    A  professor  of  religion 
id  stated  to  th^^  assemblv  that  he  once  heard  me  say, 
^ng  publiuly  ot  my  leaving  home,  that  T  had  left  the 
and  flocKB  to  seek  the  welfare  of  souls ;  but  he  had 
that  my  father  was  a  poor  man,  and  had  neither 
He  also  sud  further — "  He  says  he  is  but  seven- 
I  and  I  appeal  to  this  assembly  to  judge  if  he  have 
rears  than  he  states."  After  answering  his  remarks, 
ivitation  of  a  deist  to  dine  with  him  ;  then  walked 
id  crossed  while  it  was  quite  rough,  insomuch  that 
rer  into  the  skiff. 

to  July  9th,  I  labored  in  various  towns  in  the  vi- 
and Cfanandaigua  lakes,  and  eaw  some  persuad- 
sins  and  choose  the  service  of  Christ, 
le  people  seemeJ  barred  against  the  word;  and 

of  certain  why  they  repented  not,  they  replied 

^e  waiting  for  God's  time  to  come ;  and  thus  cast  the 
'o?  their  neglect  upon  the  Lord,  saying  he  had  withhoU .^n 
^Iprace  needful  to  enable  them  to  believe.    My  "  spirit  was  stir- 
up"  within  me,  when  I  saw  nearly  the  whole  neighborhood 
|ven  to  fataHtyf  or  the  doctrine  of  predestination.    I  appointed  a 
leeting  to  examine  publicly  these  excuses,  and  requested  all  the 
jlvocQtes  of  such  doctrine  to  attend.    At  the  appointed  hour  the 
was  filled ;  and  after  entering  the  assembly,  I  desired  some 
pve  me  a  text.    But  none  being  presented,  I  opened  my 
the  words  that  first  met  my  eyes,  were  Ps.  94:20 : 
Jhrone  of  iniquity  have  fellowship  with  thee  f"    I  en- 
jthow  tiiat  the  prince  of  this  world  sits  upon  the  doe- 
ff  aa  upon  a  throne ;  telling  the  wicked  they  ca$t^ 


.^ 


^ 


109 


UEMOIBS  OV 


not  repent  though  God  has  commanded  them  to  repent,  and  thns 
stills  thei:  .xuuciences,  insinuating  that  the  cause  (^  their  living  in 
stn>  is,  that  God  hat  not  given  them  abitiiy  to  turn  to  him.  I  be- 
lieve the  Lord  filled  mj  mouth  with  arguments,  and  many,  I  ob- 
serve, appeared  quite  restless.  After  concluding  my  remarks,  lib- 
erty was  given  for  any  to  confute  the  reasons  that  had  been  urged 
to  prove  the  guilt  of  the  sinner,  and  the  free  grace  of  God.  Af- 
ter a  short  silence,  the  minister  of  the  place  appeared  much  excited, 
and  asked,  "■  What  is  the  difference  between  the  foreknowledge  of 
God  and  his  decreet  V*  I  replied,  "  Decree  is  a  determin<xtion  that 
an  event  thall  be.  Foreknmjoledge  is  simply  acquaintance  with  a 
future  event.  And  while  God  knows  what  vnll  be  the  act  of  a 
free  agent,  he  knows  at  the  same  time,  that  he  mag  act  otherwise, 
because  he  has  given  that  agent  power  to  act  otherwise.  Aim| 
God's  beholding  his  act,  no  more  compels  him  to  act  as 
(ban  mg  beholding  a  man  act,  compels  him  to  the  samok 
hnowhdgey  like  repentance  and  anger,  when  applied  to  God,  f 
adapted  to  our  capacity ;  but  with  God,  strictly  speakin| 
no  foreknoidedgey  because  all  is  with  him  one  ete!mai\ 
day  as  a  thousand  gearsj  and  a  thousand  gears  as  one  ^ 
fore,  with  him  is  no  succession  of  events,  btil  araan^ 
much  present  with  Grod  as  his  birth;  consequently, < 
can  go  no  further  than  afterknowledge  in  proving 
these  principles  I  argued  that  foreknowledge  eottU 
upon  the  actions  of  men.  God  said  to  Jeremtety 
him  with  a  message  to  the  house  of  Judaby  *  If  J 
house  of  Judah  will  hear.'  Jer.  36:3.  The  pro| 
did  not  hear.  God  knew  they  tooidd  not  he 
they  mighi  hear.**  After  the  conclusion  of  my  rec 
er  observed,  that  he  did  not  know  but  he  agreed 
in  this,  that  the  foreknowledge  of  God  has  no 
of  the  creature.    The  meeting  closed,  and  the  peopi 

Thursdky,  July  10,  I  met  a  large  assembly  in  Dana 
word  of  the  Lord  was  quick  and  powerful ;  many  were  toucf 
it,  and  their  hearts  melted.    One,  in  much  distress,  wept  aloui^ 
account  of  sin,  and  solemnly  engaged  to  tura  to  the  Lord, 
next  morning  at  8  o'clock,  I  held  a  meeting  on  Oak  hill, 
solemn  power  of  God  searched  the  assembi^}  and  caused  such 
trembling,  that  in  the  time  of  preaching,  iheir  item  ikopped  pr 
finely ;  aad  one  cried,  ^I  perish !  I  perish !  t  perish!  ^ 

The  ensuing  nine  days  I  labored  in  Geneseo,  York, 
and  Batavia. 

Sabbath,  July  20, 1  spoke  to  a  large  and  serious  assc 
tiea  vi'tRge^  and  in  the  evening  preached  at  Alexander^;^ 
Uessed  me,  and  filled  my  heart  with  gratitude  and  10^^  j 


?rm^gs^^'^ 


DAVID  MARKS. 


ie» 


I  held  a  meeting  in  the  south  part  of  the  town.  Jesus  made  one  in 
our  midst,  and  at  the  close  of  the  interview,  eleven  came  forward 
for  prayer.  On  Tuesday  I  returned  to  Geneseo  to  take  leave  of 
my  friends,  and  bid  them  adieu.  I  had  enjoyed  the  satisfaction  of 
seeing  the  number  of  converts  increased  to  thirty-five.  Twenty- 
eight  of  these  had  been  baptized,  and  the  church  increased  to  thir- 
ty-three. On  Wednesday  I  gave  my  farewell  discourse  in  Gten- 
eseo,  Mid  the  next  day  in  Groveland.  Many,  by  reason  of  the 
crowd,  were  unable  to  enter  the  house  where  we  assembled.  And 
when  the  hour  of  parting  was  come,  we  all  wept  sore.  A  sense 
of  the  changes  thai  a  few  years  would  make,  so  affected  me,  that  I 
could  scarcely  refrain  from  crying  aloud.  Alas  ]  thought  I,  no 
age  of  God's  grace  to  man,  has  passed  without  being  stained  by  the 
bftcksliding  of  some,  who  have  especially  shared  in  his  favor.  I 
looked  upon  the  converts,  who  were  dear  to  my  soul  as  life,  and 
qnerted :  '*  Who  among  these  will  depart  from  the  holy  command- 
Which  of  these  who  now  appear  so  humble  and  happy, 
|4  the  Savior  in  the  house  of  his  friends?*' — ^I  could  not 
that  I  tlKKUght  would.  Still  the  painful  reflection 
'idegrees,  little  by  little,  that  the  unsus- 
iself  in  darkness,  and  at  length  dis- 
captive,  "  Rebellion  is  as  the  sin 
'  that  these  may  ever  shun  its  baleful 
iiion,  I  left  them  and  proceeding  to 
le  me  ling  by  the  way  in  Richmond, 
a  few  days  in  West  Bloomfield  and 


104 


MEMOIRS    08* 


if 


f 


'^::^■ 


_        ,  CHAPTER  XL 

Particulars  of  my  labors  from  Aug.  to  Dee.,  1823. 


Aug.  1823.  About  this  time  my  soul  was  weighed  down  ia 
view  of  the  shelterless  condition  of  the  wicked.  God  led  me  into 
his  sanctuary,  and  I  beheld  their  end,  their  awfvl  end.  Often  in 
my  sleep,  while  imagining  myself  entreating  them  to  turn  and 
live,  I  lifted  my  voice  and  cried  aloud,  frequently  waking  all  in  the 
house  where  I  lodged,  before  my  own  sleep  departed.  Sometimes 
I  would  speak  a  quarter,  or  even  half  an  hour,  before  I  was  suffi- 
ciently awake  to  know  that  I  had  no  assembly.  And  as  by  preach- 
ing from  one  to  three  times  a  day,  I  could  not  free  my  mind,  I  wrote 
an  address  in  my  leisure  hours  to  the  unconverted  of  three  class- 
es, "  the  aged,  the  middle  aged  and  the  yoidh,"  which  was  pubUs^c^ 
in  a  pamphlet  of  twenty-four  pages.  ■M'"'  *  " 

Aug.  9, 1  rode  thirty-three  miles  to  Barrington  by  1  < 
at  wluch  time  the  Benton  quarterly 
place.    In  the  ministers'  conference 
amined  my  views  of  the  character  of  jp 
was  not  sound  in  doctrine.     While  in  ' 
Methodist  brother,  who  was  a  class  Ic 
pointedly  against  the  sentiments  of 
representing  them  to  be  Unitarians  an^ 
and  handed  me  a  pamphlet  containing 
of  Christ,  written  by  one  of  their  leading ! 
inform  me  of  their  sentiments.     On  retiring| 
this  book  with  me  and  read  till  midnight     It 
written  by  a  learne'd  man.     I  was  but  a  yc 
the  doctrines  of  men,  and  erroneously  su| 
God  to  preach  the  gospel,  I  should  be  able 
ment  that  the  sophistry  of  men  might  suggest'l 
doctrine.     I  believed  tlie  Unitarian  doctrine 
confusion,  I  found  myself  unable  to  ansii 
They  were  new  to  me,  and  struck  my  ^ 
Still  fearing  that  the  talents  of  the  aut 
my  knees,  and  prayed  the  Lord  to  k€ 
But  as  I  was  unable  to  answer  the  ar£ 
ed  to  their  force ;  for,  instead  of  imparti{dl^|P|||p|PDgl 
ing  the  Scripture,  with  a  full  reliance  on  its  te8i^K)ny 
the  nature  and  character  of  Christ,  separate  from  all  Al 
of  men,  I  falsely  supposed  that  if  these  Unitarian  viewflN 
sistcnt,  with  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  the  Lord  would  ~^ 


-fr; 


DAVID    MABK8. 


105 


discern  their  fallacy.  And  as  I  could  not  perceive  how  two  persons 
could  be  one  being,  from  this  supposed  difficulty,  the  Unitarian  mode 
of  reasoning,  and  the  Unitarian  views  of  Christ,  gained  the  ascen- 
dency in  my  mind.  This  circumstance  happened  when  I  was  six- 
teen years  old.  My  manner  of  preaching,  however,  continued  the 
same  as  formerly ;  for  I  thought  myself  perfectly  safe  in  using 
Scripture  language  while  speaking  of  the  Savior,  and  I  wished  from 
my  heart  to  believe  and  preach  nothing  less  of  my  Savior  than  was 
wjritten  of  him  in  the  word  of  God.  The  ministers'  conference,  though 
composed  of  those  that  firmly  believed  in  the  real  divinity  of 
Christ,  thought  it  best  to  renew  my  license.  They  did  this,  not  on 
the  principle  that  they  believed  me  sound  in  doctrine,  but  because 
they  believed  the  Lord  had  sent  me  to  preach ;  and  they  believed 
that  the  truth  of  God  would  lead  me  out  of  what  they  called  my 
ohildish  thoughts.  They  gave  me  a  solemn  charge  to  examine  the 
Bible  carefiUTy  and  try  to  find  the  truth.  This  advice  I  accepted 
thankfully.    The  issue  of  my  reflections,  the  sequel  will  show. 

XiCAVing  Barrington,  I  travelled  eastward  some  more  than  one 
IWWitrediSles  to  Brookfield,  and  on  the  way  attended  several  meet- 
kttgn:;-  iENpibi^i  August  17, 1  preached  twice  in  Brookfield,  and  <m 
t^  mmidft;)^.  ^«rd  Lorenzo  Dow  at  Bridgewater.  His  manner  of 
preadliiiig  mui  very  peculiar — ^its  character  is  generally  known.  I 
oould  bat  iipive  Ua  dresB,  as  it  exhibited  studied  convenience  and 
ptiMf  h^VftfilvSia^  vi  the  changeable  fashions  of  this  age  of  su- 
Mfffliib^v  $11  tbe  afternoon  of  the  same  day  I  held  a  meeting  in 
IIkubIM  4«(l  lilQ  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  in  the  midst.  Tuesday 
fMd  Wedtteidiajft  I  went  to  Fabius,  and  again  heard  Lorenzo  preach 
tOivUbfUt  fiv^e  ^usand  people  in  a  wo^.  Fifteen  minutes  after 
loft meeliiig  ckxied,  X  spoke  to  about  seven  hundred  in  the  Scime 
#li%aii(ithe  Lord  fiivored  me  with  a  good  degree  of  his  Spirit. 
ikfAffd  Ap]ieared  much  affected,  and  O !  that  the  good  seed  may 
ipri^imd  gTow»and  bring  forth  fruit  unto  eternal  life.  In  the 
evening  Lorenzo  preached  at  the  Calvinistic  Baptist  meeting  house. 
£Uft  subject  was  the  tree  of  life.  Rev.  22:1,  2.  He  remarked  that 
iitm  tree  was  generally  thought  to  be  Christ ;  but  the  ciraumstan- 
oes  of  its  being  represented  in  the  feminine  gender,  "  yielded  her 
fruit,"  and  of  its  being  watered  by  the  river  from  the  throne  of 
Qod  and  the  Lant^f  and  of  its  being  on  either  side  of  the  river,  gave 
tlw  preference  to  the  eonclusion  that  it  is  the  church.  The  fruit, 
|ie  said,  was  the  various  graces  and  virtues  of  the  Christian ;  and 
^e  leaves  signify  the  prayers  of  the  church  for  the  healing  of  na« 
ttoiud  transgressions.  Li  the  discourse  he  described  the  different 
classes  of  Christians,  and  said,  "Of  the  Baptists,  there  are  two 
kinds;}  the  Ji-ee-willers  and  the  hound-witters  T  then  turning  to  me 
as  I  sat  behind  him  in  the  desk,  be  put  his  face  oloue  to  mine,  and 


i')" 


\ 


106 


MIMOIBB    09 


looking  rae  in  the  eyes,  said ;  "  Do  you  be  careful,  and  never  get 
to  be  a  bound-will  Baptist.**  This  excited  a  smile  from  some,  yet 
he  appeared  to  bo  perfectly  serious.  As  he  sat  down  he  invited  me 
to  speak,  and  accordingly  I  made  a  few  remarks. 

The  next  morning,  hearing  a  wagon  pass  at  break  of  day,  I 
arose  and  looking  out  at  a  window,  saw  Lorenzo,  who  had  lodged 
at  another  house,  hastening  on  his  way  to  TuUy  comer,  seven  miles 
distant,  where  he  had  an  appointment  at  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.  I 
made  ready,  went  to  the  place,  and  called  at  a  public  house.  The 
landlord  met  me  at  the  door,  and  said ;  "  Are  you  the  Lwite  f* 
As  I  queried  concerning  his  meaning,  he  said ;  "•  Mr.  Dow  called 
for  breakfast  for  himself,  his  wife,  and  a  little  Levite,  that  he  said 
would  soon  come."  He  then  led  me  to  the  room  where  Lorenso 
and  his  wife  were  seated  at  a  table.  Lorenzo  said,  "  There  oometsf 
the  Levite."  A  seat,  plate,  &c.  had  already  been  prepared  for  me, 
though  I  had  not  intimated  to  any  one  the  slightest  intention  of 
coming  to  the  place  at  this  hour. 

At  the  appointed  time  he  seated  himself  on  a  horse-block,  and 
named  his  text;  ^Oo  out — and  compel  them  to  come  in.**  After 
his  introduction,  he  said,  "  We  are  not  to  suppose  that  God  Alraigh^ 
tj  will  bring  men  in  by  irresiitikile  power  as  I  pull  this  man  by  the 
collar  of  the  coat."* 

On  the  same  day  Lorenzo  had  a  meeting  at  Otiseo  lake.  About 
fifteen  hundred  people  were  assembled,  and  before  his  sermon  I  hfKl 
the  privilege  of  addressing  them.  His  discourse  was  on  brtijer, 
and  full  of  instruction.  In  the  evening  I  held  a  meeting  in  On- 
andaga,  and  on  Friday  at  2  o'clock,  F.  M.,  in  Skeneateles.  At 
three,  Lorenzo  preached  on  the  green  in  this  place  to  about  two 
thousand  from  a  clause  of  Acts  5:35  :  "  Take  heed  to  yownehet 
what  ye  intend  to  do  as  touching  these  men.**  Aftier  the  doM  of 
his  discourse,  I  gave  notice  that  if  any  were  disposed  to  stay  I 
would  preach  to  them  in  fifteen  minutes.    A  thousand  or  IU«NAi 


*  At  the  same  time,  seizing  my  collar,  he  drew  me  fh)m  my  seat  Thi>eir>< 
cumstance  was  so  singular  and  unexpected,  that  it  made  me  laugh,  till  I  fUt 
ashamed,  and  I  wept  for  having  been  so  much  off  from  my  watch.  This,  and 
several  anecdotes  tnat  he  related,  excited  considerable  laughter  in  the  assem-, 
bly,  and  brought  a  trial  on  my  own  mind.  After  meeting  I  asked  him  what 
his  motive  was  in  being  thus  eccentric ;  and  remarked  that  it  appeared  to  me, 
the  ministration  of  the  word  of  God  ought  to  be  with  much  solemnity :  and 
such  things,  by  exciting  a  trifling  spirit,  would  prevent  the  good  that  other* 
wise  would  be  done.  He  replied,  "There  is  so  much  fatality  in  these  little 
villages,  that  many  sinners  will  not  repent;  and  still  they  vjUI  cast  the  blame  on 
God,  saying  they  cannot  do  otherwise ;  therefore  they  must  be  convinced  of  thdr 
false  doctrine  which  is  leading  them  to  destruction.  My  object  is  to  impress 
truth  on  their  minds,  in  such  a  manner,  and  by  such  circumstances  as  are  in- 
nocent, and  yet  will  not  permit  them  to  forget  it.  And  as  to  their  laughter,  I 
have  nothing  to  do  with  it ;  they  must  see  to  it. 


DAVID   HARKS. 


lOT 


never  get 
lome,  yet 
ivited  me 

of  day,  I 
id  lodged 
ven  miles 
L  M.  I 
ae.  The 
Levitef* 
ow  called 
it  he  said 
I  Lorenso 
)re  comes 
sd  for  me, 
tention  of 

lock,  and 
r  After 
i  Almigh- 
lanbjthe 

).    About 
nonlhiKl 
prayer, 
ig  in  On- 
es.     At 
xrat  two 


doMof 
stay  I 
>r  fifweit 


0 


Thii«bs 
.tiUIiUt 
This,  Hod 
he  assemr, 
!iim  what 
tome, 
itj:  Mid 
oiber- 
lese  litde 
I  blame  on 
lofthak 
impreM 
are  in- 
Laghter,  I 


hundred  remained,  and  listened  attentively  to  the  word.  On  the 
Sabbath  I  heard  Lorenzo  preach  to  six  or  seven  thousand  in  a 
grove  in  Auburn.  The  next  day  I  attended  his  appointment  at 
Waterloo,  and  the  day  following  heard  him  preach  twice  in  Gene- 
Tlu  I  solicited  him  to  attend  the  Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting, 
and  preach  at  least  one  discourse;  but  he  would  give  little  encour- 
agement. At  Rochester  I  heard  him  again,  and  enjoyed  a  pleas- 
ant interview  with  a  preacher  who  had  kindly  encouraged  me,  and 
strengthened  my  hands  in  the  first  of  my  labors.  Friday  I  went 
to  Parma  and  preached  free  salvation ;  soiue  disliked  it,  but  I  trust 
good  was  done. 

Saturday,  Aug.  30,  1823,  the  Holland  Purchase  yearly  meet- 
ing opened  in  Sweden  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.  From  impression 
of  duty,  I  gave  the  first  discourse,  on  1  Thess.  5:19 :  ^  Quench 
not  the  spirit."  At  12  o'clock,  Lorenzo  Dow  unexpectedly  enter- 
ed the  meeting.  Every  eye  was  turned  upon  him,  and  all  wished 
to  hear  him  preach.  Presently  he  named  Songs  6:10:  "Who  is 
she  that  looketh  forth  as  the  morning,  fair  as  the  moon,  clear  as 
tbe  sun,  and  terrible  as  an  army  with  banners  ?"  His  discourse 
was  not  only  full  of  instruction,  but  also  of  the  Spirit.  No  use- 
less nintljiiittii  dsmprd  our  joy,  but  every  heart  seemed  touched, 

for  this  sermon.  I  had  now  heard  from 
'^hich  were  all  quite  instructive,  though 
ipost  powerful. 

was  a  member  of  the  Congregationalist 

dbn^^^flP^^HH^^poher  in  the  place,  observing  that  my  coat 
was  mucliLJlipp^fll^^pl^  on  her  friends  to  make  a  collection ;  to 
f^^Uars,  and  presented  me  a  garment  that 
\lBsanj  thousand  miles,  and  to  preach  to  many 
%  received  it  as  from  the  Lord.  After  attend- 
i.ineetings,  I  went  to  Geneseo  and  Groveland  in  corn- 
Dean,  and  we  held  a  few  meetings  which  were 
It  had  been  said  by  the  unbelieving,  that  as  soon  as 
gone,  the  converts  would  turn  again  to  the  world; 
fl  had  the  satisfaction  of  finding  this  prophecy  false ;  for 
re  all  apparently  well  engaged,  pursuing  the  way  to  heav- 
the  last  me^tiDjg  we  held,  nearly  all  the  converts  were  to- 
iir ;  and  cv^dyri|i^||lgODt  spoke  of  the  loving  kindness  of  the 
J,  and  ^xpnj^^^HHHj^on  to  persevere  in  the  grace  of  God. 
After  this  we  "^iMlH^^HiiChed  in  Naples  and  Foultney,  and 
crossing  GrookedyHBgHj^wveral  meetings  in  Jersey.  Some 
were  awakened,  a^P^PP^n,  as  I  understood,  was  a  physician 
^^  had  been  a  profemed  deist  Next  we  went  to  the  Little  lake, 
Ifllisre,  upon  short  notice,  a  considerable  assembly  came  out  to  hear, 


,^. 


N 


108 


MSKOIBS  09 


BUdsl  of  whom  were  irreligious ;  still  they  were  oumIi  affbcMd  by 
the  word,  and  when  dismissed,  were  loth  to  le&re  the  place. 

Tuesday,  Sept  9,  we  arrived  at  Benten.  I  retired  to  a  grore, 
and  dedicated  myself  anew  to  the  Lord ;  solemnly  covenanting  to 
Hre  nearer  the  fountain  of  goodness,  that  I  miglft  know  the  height 
and  depth  of  perfect  love,  and  be  more  successful  in  whining  souk 
to  Christ.  Returning  to  the  house  of  Elder  Dean,  I  endeavored 
to  persuade  a  young  woman  no  longer  to  procrastinate  repentance. 
She  wept  profusely,  but  would  not  promise  to  turn  and  live.  Alas ! 
how  many,  when  the  Lord  calls,  and  makes  them  sensible  of  the 
awful  danger  of  living  in  sin,  still  harden  their  hearts  and  refVise 
their  best,  thoir  only  eternal  friend  admission,  tilt  sooner  than  they 
are  aware,  they  find  themselves  on  a  bed  of  languishing— on  the 
verge  of  the  eternal  world— ^unprepared  to  meet  the  awful  "swelK 
inmof  Jordtui  I"     O  Savior !  help  me,  teach  me  to  persuade  theiai. 

Wednesday  I  held  a  meeting  in  Benton,  and  the  next  day  preadb- 
ed  at  Jerusalem  on  the  "  Judgment  to  come."  Some  were  tonchod 
by  the  Spirit,  and  wept  under  the  word.  On  Friday,  I  visited  my 
youngest  brother,  then  about  seven  years  old,  who  was  ]ivkkg  with 
a  man  on  Bluff  Point.  I  found  him  in  a  field  but  he  did  not  know 
me.  I  told  him  I  was  his  brother  David, 
nothing.  The  recollection  of  past  chaiige|,j 
lodging  upon  my  little  brother  I  wept, 
to  protect  him  from  the  evils  of  the  wo  _^ 
soul.  Alter  staying  a  few  hours,  I  httH^l 
Dresden.  ''^^' 

In  t^is  village  I  spdke  to  an  asBewSsfyf 
ly  conAised.    During  the  sermon  one  or. 
at  me,  but  did  no  injury,  except  to  witneH^I 
showed  their  enmity  to  God  and  to  their 
from  the  meeting,  some  one  threw  part  of  a  pm\ 
and  not  satisfied  with  this,  threw  stones  tiU  I  ws 
But  as  David  said  nothing  to  Shimei  when  he  Cast  stoi 
I  thought  best  to  pass  in  silence,  yet  groaning  in  spirit, 
ing  on  the  words  of  Christ :   "  O  Jerusalem,  Jerasalemf^^ 
kiUest  the  prophets;  and  stokest  them  which  are  sent 
how  often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  c&|l(ta^.,fdgether,  eti 
hen  gathereth  her  chickens  under  ber  jMMHH|t|^  would 

On  Saturday  13, 1  attended  a  ™<Mitf^^^^Hii^^  ^^  <^^* 
in  Benton,  and  preached  a  short  d^i^^^^^HP^^^  "^^^  breth- 
ren appeared  to  renew  their  sti^^|^^H|^^^^^  through  fh!e 
grace  oi  €rod  to  be  his  faithful  ser^^^j^Pie  next  day  I  hetd 
two  meetings  in  Milo.  Much  solemnly  i((d  weeping  were  in  j^ 
assemblies,  and  I  could  but  hope  some  good  fmit  will  app«iij|| 
eternity.    In  the  evening,  I  preached  at  Benton,  and  it  pleesed^ll^ 


DAVID  MARKS. 


109 


Lord  to  favor  me  with  unusual  liberty.  Monday  was  spent  in  vis- 
iting and  praying  from  house  to  house.  I  delivered  a  discourse  in 
the  evening,  and  the  banner  of  the  Lord  seemed  to  be  over  my 
soul.  The  next  day  I  met  another  congregation  in  Milo,  and  while 
speaking,  the  people  were  clothed  with  much  solemnity. 

Wednesday  I  was  attacked  by  a  fever ;  but  having  an  appoint- 
ment some  miles  distant)  I  thought  it  duty  to  attend.  It  nuned 
considerably,  and  on  reaching  the  place  I  was  very  wet,  and  found 
but  few  collected.  After  preaching  to  them  I  passed  a  very  rest- 
less night  Feeling  some  better  the  next  day,  I  gave  a  discourse  in 
the  west  part  of  Junius.  Friday  I  visited  my  father's  family,  and 
after  a  short  stay  proceeded  to  LycnR  and  preached  in  the  evening. 
Saturday  and  Sunday  I  attended  l  two  days'  meeting  in  Sodus. 
This  was  an  interesting  season,  and  good,  T  believe,  was  done.  O 
that  fruit  may  hereafter  appear. 

During  five  days  following,  I  held  six  meetings  in  Williamson, 
in  which  I  enjoyed  the  free  Spirit,  and  saw  some  good  signs  of  re- 
pentance among  the  people.  From  Sept.  26  to  the  1st  of  Oct.,  I 
held  four  meetings  in  West  Bloomfield,  two  in  East  Bloomfield, 
and  one  in  Mendon.  Some  of  these  were  solemn,  and  a  few  souh 
appeared  to  be  penitent 

Oct  11  and  12, 1  attended  the  Benton  quarterly  meeting,  in  the 
town  of  Galen.  The  weather  was  rainy  and  quite  cold,  still  we 
enjoyed  a  precious  meeting.  On  Monday  and  Tuesday  I  met  at- 
tentive assemblies  in  Junius.  While  addressing  them,  it  pleased 
the  Lord  to  send  his  light  into  my  soul ;  and  I  felt  to  thank  his 
name  for  the  verification  of  his  promise:  "Zo  lam  with  you  at- 
way  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world."  When  dismissed  the  people 
were  not  in  haste  to  depart,  but  remained  as  though  they  were 
still  hungry  for  the  word  of  life.  Wednesday  I  held  a  meeting  in 
Phelps,  and  the  day  following  had  an  appointment  at  Manchester. 
In  the  latter  place  I  was  a  stranger  and  knew  not  the  state  of  the 
people.  As  I  drew  near  I  felt  a  solemn  impression  that  God  would 
immediately  revive  his  work,  insomuch  that  upon  my  arrival,  I 
stated  to  several  my  expectation  of  seeing  the  salvation  of  God 
in  Manchester.  A  large  number  were  convened,  and  I  felt  the 
special  aid  of  Heaven  while  speaking  to  them.  But  nothing  unu- 
sual occurred  till  a  young  woman  cri^  aloud  for  mercy  at  the  con- 
cluding prayer.  As  soon  as  she  had  opportunity  she  addressed  the 
assembly,  told  them  she  was  a  sinner  and  needed  salvation,  and 
gave  an  aflPecting  invitation  to  her  associates  to  go  with  her  to  seek 
Jesus.  Many  were  much  impressed,  wept  bitterly,  and  from  this 
time  began  to  seek  the  Lord.  The  next  morning,  a  little  after  the 
sun  was  risen,  we  had  another  meeting,  in  which  several  were 
wounded  by  the  king's  arrows ;  and  it  was  truly  a  melting  hour. 
10 


\ 


no 


MFJioim  or 


After  preaching  twice  in  Williamson,  I  passed  to  Ontario,  where 
the  Bethany  quarterly  meeting  opened  on  Saturday,  Oct  18,  1828. 
This  day,  though  heavenly  to  many,  was  to  me  dark  and  melan- 
oholly ;  but  in  the  evening,  while  preaching  near  the  ridge,  the 
Lord  comforted  my  soul  and  made  me  happy.  O  how  abundant  is 
his  goodness.  He  satisfieth  the  hungry  with  food.  Sabbath  after- 
noon I  believe  the  Lord  opened  my  mouth  on  Matt.  7:14 :  ^  Because 
strait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow  is  the  way,  which  leadeth  unto  life,  and 
few  there  be  that  find  it."  Not  a  cloud  veiled  my  mind, — I  felt  the 
power  of  the  blessed  Grod  in  my  soul,  and  on  my-  tongue.  This 
quarterly  meeting,  by  the  grace  of  God,  was  made  a  blessing  to 
many,  and  great  solemnity  clothed  the  concluding  scene*  Many 
retired  with  a  desire  to  become  acquainted  with  the  Savior ;  and 
not  long  after,  several  obtained  their  desire.  The  next  day  I  wit- 
nessed a  pleasant  scene — the  baptism  of  six  happy  converts,  who 
were  added  to  the  church  in  Ontario.  On  tl^  evening  of  the  same 
day,  I  held  a  meeting  in  Williamson ;  and  as  the  inquiring  Greeks 
showed  their  solicitude  saying,  ^  Sir,  we  would  see  Jesus,"  (John 
12:21,)  so  eight  or  ten  in  thi^  meeting  manifested  the  same  desire ; 
and  so  deeply  were  some  of  them  affected,  that  they  wept  aloud. 

Tuesday,  I  returned  to  an  appointment  in  Manchester,  and  re- 
joiced to  find  that  some  who  were  in  much  distress  when  I  left  the 
fdace,  had  obtained  deliverance  and  were  now  happy  in  the  Lord. 
The  next  day  we  assembled  again  in  the  same  place :  some  mount- 
ed on  wings  of  love,  while  others  in  the  bitterness  of  Uieir  souls 
eried  aloud  to  the  Lord  for  mercy.  Jn  the  evening  I  enjoyed  a 
good  meeting  at  Williamson,  and  the  next  day,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M., 
«  powerftil  and  awakening  time  was  experienced  in  Ontario:  a 
number,  deeply  impressed,  manifested  a  determination  to  turn  and 
live.  The  day  following  I  preached  to  an  assembly  in  Manchester. 
The  assembly  was  large,  and  our  interview  was  crowned  with 
the  special  presence  of  God,  which  touched  many  hearts,  and  caus- 
ed a  great  weeping  throughout  the  assembly. 

On  Saturday,  there  fell  a  tedious  storm  of  rain  and  mow,  and 
having  an  appointment  the  next  day  in  West  Bloomfield,  I  rode 
twenty-five  miles  and  took  a  cold,  much  to  the  injury  of  my  health. 
Sabbath,  Oct  26,  I  preached  twice  in  the  same  town,  and  was 
much  opposed  by  a  Universalist  On  the  day  foltowing  I  returned 
to  Manchester,  and  spoke  from  Ecd.  8:11  ^— a  few  were  awaken- 
ed. Tuesday  and  Wednesday  I  preached  in  Williamson  and  Maa- 
ehester;  in  the  latter  place  we  were  again  much  blessed.  The 
glory  of  God  filled  the  hearts  of  his  people — ^fifteen  came  forward 
for  prayer,  and  kneeling  we  called  on  Him  who  ^  bath  power  on 
«arth  to  forgive  sins."    I  held  another  meeting  in  thn  {diaoe^  one 


DAVID  MARKS. 


Ill 


in  Livonia,  and  three  in  Groveland, — in  all  of  wfateh  my  blened 
Master  was  with  me  and  gave  rae  freedom. 

Nov.  4,  1828.  This  day  completes  my  eighteenth  year.  And 
while  I  look  on  my  past  life,  and  review  the  afflicting  scenes 
through  which  the  Lord  hath  led  me ;  when  I  contemplate  the 
great  good  that  my  Grod  has  bestowed  on  me  in  childhood,  I  am 
constrained  to  wonder  and  admire.  I  think  my  soul  feels  the  im- 
portance of  improving  the  talent  committed  to  the  charge  of  my 
youth.  The  language  of  my  heart  is,  O  Lord,  help  me  to  liva  t» 
thy  glory,  and  in  aU  that  I  do  have  an  eye  single  to  thy  praise. 
Strengthen  me,  that  if  my  life  be  spared,  I  may  spend  thia,  mj 
nineteenth  year,  in  thy  service,  and  proclaim  salvation  to  a  world 
lying  in  wickedness — ^that  when  my  course  shall  be  conoloded  it 
VBMy  be  fipished  with  joy. 

From  the  4th  to  the  30th  of  Nov.  I  labored  in  various  towna  ly- 
ing in  the  vicinity  of  Canandaigua  lake,  and  saw  several  conver> 
sions.  In  Canandaigua,  I  saw  my  Baptist  friend,  that  nearly  three 
years  before  took  me  from  the  village  to  his  house  when  my  soul 
was  in  affliction,  and  advised  me  to  return  home.  Now,  he  told** 
me  he  had  changed  his  mind,  and  advising  me  to  continue  my  la- 
bors, bid  me  "  God  speed."  In  Middlebury  and  the  east  part  of 
Attica,  a  considerable  number  were  powerfully  awakened,  and  nev- 
er rested  till  they  gave  their  hearts  to  the  Savior.  In  these  places, 
the  children  of  God,  seeing  a  cloud  overshadow  the  church,  were 
filled  wkh  ecrtacy.  O,  what  an  hour  of  joy  it  is,  when  the  Lord 
hears  the  groanings  of  his  children,  and  comes  down  t6  deliver. 

Dee.  2,  1823, 1  preached  in  Bethany,  and  the  next  day  in  Mid* 
dlebury.  At  this  meeting  sevend  weighty  testimonies  were  given 
by  c<mvert8,  who  had  lately  been  brought  into  the  fold  of  Chriit^ 
More  than  twenty  covenanted  to  seek  the  Lord  fnna  this  time,  and 
gave  me  their  huid  as  a  sign  of  their  covenant  Friday  evening 
I  attended  worship  in  the  west  part  of  the  town,  and  eigoyed  r  re* 
freshing  time,  one  not  soon  to  be  forgotten.  Sunday,  Dec  7,  I 
spent  on  the  town  line  of  Batavia.  In  the  forenoon  we  had  an  in- 
teresting season,  and  in  the  afternoon  it  seemed  as  if  the  Holy 
Ghost  descended  and  filled  the  house.  Many  wept,  and  many  re- 
joiced. Bless  the  Lord  for  this  visitation.  In  the  remaining  part 
ot  this  week  I  held  meetings  in  Stafford,  Elba,  Clarkson,  Parma» 
and  Ogden,  and  felt  that  I  was  not  alone.  In  some  of  these  placae 
the  state  of  religion  was  low.  ^^-/iImu  ■  rj 

I  next  spent  six  days  in  Groveluid  and  Geneseo,  and  held  sev- 
eral meetings.  The  Lord  was  in  our  midst,  and  filled  his  childrefi 
with  his  Spirit.  I  felt  to  say  with  the  Psalmist,  '*  One  thing  have 
I  desired  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I  seek  after, — ^that  I  may  dwell  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life,"    At  this  tisae^near- 


us 


miions  or 


^  Ij  a  suit  of  new  clothes  was  given  me  by  several  females,  who 
had  been  converted  in  the  late  revival.    I  felt  to  thank  the  Lord, 
"  and  prav  that  thev  may  provide  for  themselves  "  garments  that  wax 
not  old/' 

Sunday,  Deo.  21, 1  preached  my  last  discourse  in  these  parts  for 
the  present,  and  to  me  it  was  a  solemn  time,  for  the  saints  in  these 
towns  were  particularly  dear  to  my  heart ;  yet  the  joyful  hope  of 
reaching  a  land  where  there  will  be  no  more  parting  was  a  source 
of  great  consolation.  Tuesday  I  preached  a  farewell  sermon  in 
Manchester,  and  enjoyed  a  good  time.    A  collection  was  taken  and 

E'ven  me  at  this  meeting,  to  assist  in  bearing  my  expenses  to  New 
ngland.  Wednesday,  though  very  blustering  and  tedious,  I  rode 
forty  miles  to  Benton,  where  I  enjoyed  a  sweet  refreshing  in  the 
worship  of  G^od.  Friday,  I  returned  to  Junius,  and  fouiid  a  step- 
mother in  the  empty  place  of  the  departed.    v'«o<*^*«»r 


-r., 


,iw-- 


CHAPTER  Xn. 


^•%^ 
%»^'j' 


^J^i^\iti^h>        My  Second  Visit  to  New  England. 

Dec.  28.  The  time  had  now  come  that  called  me  to  attend  a 
Ime  of  appointments  leading  to  New  Hampshire,  which' had  been 
given  oat  more  than  two  years.  Soon  I  expected  to  be  in  a  land 
of  strangers,  where  often  the  secret  places  would  be  preferred  to 
the  cold-hearted  society  of  those  who  neither  know  nor  feel  a 
stranger's  sorrow.  My  heart  was  full,  and  though  I  seldom  at- 
tempted to  sing,  I  gave  vent  to  my  feelings  by  trying  to  sing  the 
following  lines  of  Colby.  ^     ....,,    -a 

'^  O,  if  poor  sitinen  did  bat  know         ''         -' 
What  I  for  them  do  undergo,  •  i^''^f'>f-tm^--''''.^mm 

They  woald  not  treat  me  with  contempt,  r 

Nor  slight  me  when  I  say  repent,"  &c. 

I  retired  alone,  and  entreated  the  Lord  to  reconcile  me  to  my 
lot,  and  bless  my  labors  in  this  journey.  Returning  to  bid  my 
father  farewell,  he  took  me  by  the  hand  and  said,  "  My  son,  it 
is  harder  parting  than  it  ever  was  before."  I  attended  an  appoint- 
ment in  the  evening  in  Galen,  and,  Dec.  31,  arrived  at  Brookfleld 
in  Madison  county.  In  this  town  I  spent  several  days,  preached 
eleven  times,  and  saw  several  awakened  to  feel  their  need  of  an 
interest  in  Christ.  After  this  I  gave  six  discourses  in  Plainfield, 
one  in  Burlington,  and  one  at  the  Free  Communion  Baptist  meeting 


DATID  MABK8. 


Ill 


•■, 


home  in  Winfleld.  Some  of  these  were  attended  with  mndi  to- 
lemnitj,  particularly  the  last  Jan.  16,  1834/1  left  those  parts, 
went  to  Western,  and  met  with  brother  Jacob  W.  Darling,  a  young 
preacher  fhmi  Rhoda  Island.  I  attended  meetings  with  him  on 
the  17th  and  18th  of  the  month.  These  interviews  were  graced  by 
the  presence  of  the  great  Head  of  the  ohardi — -joy  beamed  on  the 
countenance  of  Zion,  and  her  children  made  mention  of  the  name 
of  the  Lord.  On  Monday,  backsliders  confessed  their  wanderings, 
and  returned  Mreeping. 

On  Tuesday  I  preached  in  Floyd,  and  enjoyed  a  sweet  Tisita- 
tion  of  the  Holy  Spirit  Some  were  <  pricked  in  their  heart'  and 
wept  bitterly;  at  the  close  of  the  meeting  a  young  man  came 
trembling,  and.giving  me  his  hand,  entreated  mo  to  pray  the  Lotd 
to  have  mercy  on  him.  After  going  to  Western  and  preaehiig 
twice,  I  went  to  Rome  and  spoke  to  an  attentive  audience  in  the 
court  house;  favorable  impressions  seemed  to  be  made  on  the 
minds  of  some.  Jan.  28, 1  had  an  appointment  at  a  school  house 
in  Floyd,  but  some  opposers  appointed  a  spelling  school  at  the 
same  place,  and  said  they  would  prevent  our  meeting  in  the  honie, 
if  they  had  to  keep  us  out  with  clubs,  and  so  we  repaired  to  the 
Baptist  meeting  house.  This  proved  rather  an  advantage  to  us,  for 
not  half  the  assembly  could  have  entered  the  school  house.  I  spoke 
from  Heb.  12:25  :  '*  See  thai  ye  refuse  not  him  that  epeakethj"  Ac. 
The  Holy  Spirit  rested  on  the  people,  and  many  trembled  at  the 
word  of  the  Lord.  Wednesday,  I  preached  on  Quaker  Hill,  from 
Prov.  ]  6:18,  "  Pride  goeth  before  dettrtuixon^  and  a  haxtghlg  V*^ 
before  a  fall.**  I  spoke  very  pointedly  on  the  destruction  of  the 
wicked ;  yet  a  professed  Universalist  arose  weeping,  and  said  they 
had  heard  the  truth,  and  entreated  the  assembly  to  receive  it 

Pursuing  my  journey  eastward,  I  preached  several  times  in  the 
towns  through  which  I  passed,  and  saw  some  of  the  obdurate  and 
high  minded  weep  for  their  sins,  and  I  trust  persuaded  to  finvake 
them. 

On  Wednesday,  Feb.  9, 1  visited  a  school  in  Canajoharie  for  the 
deaf  and  dumb,  and  enjoyed  much*  satisfaction  in  conversing  with 
the  scholars  by  writing.  They  manifested  much  seriousness  and 
reverence  on  seeing  the  name  of  God,  and  seemed  to  have  solenm 
ideas  of  their  acc(mntability.  Jn  the  evening  I  attended  a  meet- 
ing in  this  town,  and  the  next  day  one  in  Root  Saturday  I  met 
an  assendbly  in  CharlestoVrn,  and  on  the  Sabbath  preached  again 
in  Root  The  Lord  blessed  me  with  freedom.  An  unconverted 
man,  with  whom  I  staid  the  night  previous,  promised  in  tears  to 
seek  and  serve  the  Lord.  One  of  his  fiunily  was  serious  also,  and 
desirad  prayer.  Sabbath  evening  I  spoke  to  a  solemn  andttovv  in 
tlM  north  part  of  Ghailestown.  and  Uie  sezt  day  with  modi  nw^ 
10* 


114 


MBMOIM   or 


dom  in  Charleatown  meeting  house.  On  TuesdAT  I  went  to  Flor- 
idft,  And  preached  to  a  werping  asscmblj ;  and  the  day  following 
addrossod  a  large  congregation  that  seemed  hardened  in  tin.  A 
cloud  hung  over  ut,  and  but  little  light  found  wav  to  the  people. 
Alaa  1  how  '  slow  of  heart'  are  men  to  believe,  and  how  many  wait 
for  conviction,  till  they  are  convicted  by  the  miaeriei  of  a  hapleu 
world  1 

Heiuming  my  journey  a  thaw  commenced  Hr>j  Tg/  t«n  roilei  be- 
fore I  reached  Schenectady  the  ground  M,vh  l>tM-<>4  iru  that  I  wai 
obliged  to  leave  my  Bleigh.  I  was  amor  s'  strvigent,  neither  able 
Id  purohase  a  sJaddle,  to  hire  my  horsu  \  p*  or  to  reach  my  ap* 
pointments  on  foot.  But  loth  to  f&'*  <  *'  them,  j  reached  Ti^oy,  after 
much  fUUgue,  on  tlie  evening  of  i*  .  21,  and  found  the  people 
through  mistake  had  assembled  in  (he  afternoon.  Sabbath  morn- 
ing, Feb.  22,  I  proceeded  tiii-ough  a  cold  sno\v  storm  to  Brunswick, 
r reached  to  an  assembly  at  nine  o'clock,  and  felt  much  comforted, 
succeeded  in  borrowing  an  old  saddle  at  this  place,  and  proceeded 
to  Pittstown.  At  two  o'clock,  P.  M.  I  spoke  to  an  assembly  in  the 
Baptist  meeting  house,  and  some  appeared  to  be  much  affected.  In 
the  evening  I  held  a  meeting  in  Hoosac,  and  the  next  morning  met 
another  assembly  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  Baptist  meeting  house, 
which  was  quite  crowded.  The  Master  of  assemblies  stood  by  me, 
blessed  be  his  name.  The  hearts  of  tlie  people  were  opened,  and 
they  gave  me  about  three  dollars. 

Passing  through  Bennington,  I  hasted  over  the  Green  Mount- 
ains, in  order,  if  possible,  to  reach  my  appointment  in  Wilmington 
at  nine  o'clock  the  next  morning.  The  snow  was  about  eighteen 
inches  deep  on  the  mountain,  and  the  road  little  broken.  Night 
came  on — and  soon  I  entered  the  wood  where  it  was  five  miles  to 
the  next  house.  The  evening  was  cold,  and  my  clothes  thin  for 
travelling  on  horseback.  An  opening  at  length  appeared ;  I  re- 
turned thanks  to  the  Lord,  and  soon  procured  lodgings  at  a  tavern. 
The  next  morning  I  travelled  ten  miles,  and  reached  my  app<»int- 
ment  in  season.  A  considerable  number  met  in  the  Congregation- 
alist  meeting  hoi'  r.  ,)!:mjg  whom  was  a  wcir.  xn  ninety-two  years 
of  age,  who  heil  iviij-  ^■'  .  arly  tw  ules  this  cold  morning  to  at- 
tend the  meet)  '/he  appeared  to  have  a  blessed  time,  und  re- 
joiced that  she  had  come.  I  spoke  to  a  few  in  Marlborough  the 
same  day,  and  the  day  after  met  about  two  hundred  in  Dommer- 
8ton.  Here  was  one  of  the  churches  that  had  separated  from  the 
Galvinistio  Baptists;  and  established  themse' .  es  on  free  principles. 
Some,  solicitous  of  hearing  a  JFree^wiU  Baptitt,  had  come  more 
than  thirty  miles  to  this  meetmg.  I  endeavored  to  giye  i  summa- 
ry of  the  principles  of  Bible  doctrine,  and  enjoyed  much  freedom. 
Considerable  seriousness  was  manifested  in  the  assembly.     The 


DATtD   «A,mKf. 


Ire- 

|ugh  the 

immer- 

om  the 

|nciples. 

more 

bumma- 

eedom. 

The 


Hridge  at  Brattleboro'  having  been  bw(>)>  away,  I  croMed  West 
river,  and  proceeded  to  the  Tonnecticut  river,  expecting  to  croM 
at-  a  ferrv  ;  bin  the  boat  being  bound  in  ice,  I  paMed  up  the  river 
a  few  miles  to  anotlii*r  ftirrj,  and  crossed  at  8  o'clock  in  the  even- 
hig,  with  some  dilftculty  and  danger,  as  (I  v«r  was  full  of  ice 
floating  down  with  the  current.  The  nf*xi  m.  ning,  !  procenled 
early  through  a  storm  >(  snow,  seven  miles  to  <  hcsterfield,  and  at 
nine  o'clock  spoke  U>  an  assembly  of  about  two  h«MMired  people. 
Many  seemed  deeply  affected.  At  iwelv  ••  o'eW  k  I  Marted  for 
Stoddard,  twenty-three  miles  distant,  where  J  had  sm  ap|)oinlmr>nt 
for  the  evening.  A  little  before  sunset,  wher  till  fiX  miles  fi  ita 
the  place,  I  found  the  road  filled  with  <<'  ift<Hl  w,  an'  could  pro- 
oeed  but  slowly.  I  had  to  face  a  piercin  wind,  if  ih  andhall>- 
and  it  waa  soon  so  dark  that  I  could  not  discern 
length  I  found  that  my  beast  waa  wandering  in  n  '> 
not  where  to  go.  Mv  clothes  were  frozen  arom 
had  increased  to  a  ^  ale— and  soon  my  way  watt 
drifts.  But  the  reHet  tion,  that  not  even  a  hair  •> 
fall  without  my  Ileav  only  Father's  notice,  comfv. 
Presently  1  saw  the  glimmering  of  a  distant  light,- 
found  the  road,  and  at  <  ight  o'dock  arrived  at  Stoddi 
the  assembly  had  disper^,  I  put  up  at  an  inn,  and  v 

Ey  in  the  reflection  that  my  blessed  Mastr-r  had  pre)') 
ome,  where  through  grace  I  hoped  soon  to  rest  for< 
arduous  toils  of  a  travelling  life. 

Friday,  on  my  way  to  1  Bradford,  I  found  the  road  ag&i  i  obstruct- 
ed by  drifts.  I  took  dowi  the  fence  and  went  in  the  neld  till  I 
came  to  a  stone  wall,  then  passed  into  the  road  and  led  n>v  horse. 
After  passing  such  difficulti*  !4  in  a  number  of  places,  I  n     ited  an 

atpointment  at  two  o'clock,  and  in  the  evening  met  another  oasem- 
y  in  the  north  part  of  the  town.  During  the  six  days  following, 
I  met  eight  appointments  in  lifferent  towns  between  Bradford  and 
Enfield.  From  these  labor  I  expect  to  meet  some  fruits  in 
eternity. 

Friday,  March  5,  having  been  inclined  to  go  to  the  south,  I 
hoped  that  somewhere  in  that  direction,  the  Lord  would  grant  un- 
to me  to  see  his  salvation.  Accordingly  I  went  about  thirty-five 
miles,  and  held  a  meeting  in  Bradford.  This  was  a  solemn,  awak- 
ening time,  and  it  was  impressed  on  my  mind,  that  the  Lord  had 
a  work  for  me  to  do  in  this  plac  e.  A  woman  that  was  an  opposer 
of  religion,  and  had  not  attended  a  meeting  for  several  years,  was 
excited  by  curiosity  to  come  and  hear  the  youth.  It  pleased  God 
to  send  conviction  to  her  heart ;  she  became  much  distressed,  ask- 
ed forgiveness  of  those  whom  she  had  persecuted  for  righteousness' 
sake,  and  sought  the  Lord  night  and  day,  till  she  pr  ' 


>  hi     -oad.     At 

1,  .>iid  I  knew 

f« — the  wind 

in   li4^dgcd  by 

head  should 

ed  my  spirit. 

uided  by  it,  I 

Finding 

^  very  hap- 

d  for  me  a 

-1-  from  tlie 


Sua 


\ 


^ 


IIG 


MKHOTRS    or 


i> 


comfort.  I  held  meetings  in  Bradford  generally  every  dasf,  and 
sometimefl  two  or  three  times  a  day.  The  **true  light"  shone  upon 
the  people,  and  in  almost  every  meeting  come  were  awakened. 
Soon  the  songs  of  redeemed  souls  gladdened  the  church  militant, 
and  doubtless  made  the  angels  rejoice.  As  is  usual  in  revivals  our 
meetings  were  crowded,  and  the  hearts  of  many  were  seriously  isa.- 
pressed  by  the  word  of  the  Lord.  Sometimes  the  spiritual  testi- 
monies of  the  c(Hiverts  added  much  to  the  interest  of  the  meetings. 
Some  backsliders  were  reclaimed,  and  took  away  the  stumblmg 
blocks  they  had  laid — ^many  lukewarm  professors  were  awakened — 
and  almost  every  day  some  requested  th,e  prayers  of  saints,  and 
kneeled,  seeking  the  mercy  of  Godw 

On  one  occasion  I  had  quite  a  severe  trial.  Meeting  a  consid- 
erable assembly  in  the  south-east  part  of  the  town  one  ailemoon,  I 
opened  the  meeting  by  prayer,  and  named  a  text  as  usuaL  Afier 
speaking  about  five  minutes,  a  dadi  cloud  veiled  my  mind.  With 
much  difficulty  I  uttered  a  few  words — then  all  was  closed  up,  and 
finding  nothing  to  say  I  took  my  seat  After  weeping  a  few  min- 
ute, I  told  the  people  God  had  given  me  no  message  to  them,  and 
therefore  I  could  not  preach.  In  half  an  hour  they  dispersed,  and 
I  started  for  Fishersfield.  But  the  trial  I  now  endured  no  tongue 
can  tell,  no  pen  describe.  Egyptian  darkness  covered  my  mind, 
and  I  was  loth  any  one  that  attended  the  meeting  should  see  my 
face.  It  seemed  as  if  the  Lord  had  forsaken  me,  and  all  comfort 
had  fled  from  my  bosom.  My  life  appeared  as  a  vapor-^like  a 
solitary  shadow,  a  worthless  thing, — and  once  I  dismounted,  and 
turned  aside  to  pray  the  Lord  to  take  me  out  of  the  world.  Bat 
a  monitor  within  whispering,  '<  This  will  be  sin,"  I  again  mounted 
my  horse,  and  as  I  passed  along,  strewed  my  tears  by  the  way  for 
nine  miles.  I  arrived  at  the  house  of  Deacon  Morse,  where  an 
appointment  had  been  given  out  for  me  on  that  evening,  yet  my 
spirit  had  found  no  rest,  and  I  desired  a  place  in  the  wildei-ness  to 
bemoan  my  sorrow.  Soon  I  found  myself  about  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  distant,  lying  upon  the  snow  in  a  wood,  and  pouring  out  my 
anguish  in  sighs,  groans  and  tears.  I  thought  it  had  been  good  for 
me  if  I  "had  never  been  born."  The  devil  tempted  me  with 
deism  and  atheism ;  my  mind  was  thrown  into  much  confusion,  and 
I  often  cried,  "  Lord,  have  mercy  on  me ;"  yet  I  found  no  relief. 
Night  came  on.  I  returned  to  my  appointment,  as  the  people  were 
collecting.  I  thought  they  would  be  disappointed ;  for  I  had  con- 
cluded not  to  preach  without  a  change  of  feeling,  and  this  I  did  not 
expect  But  just  as  the  people  were  seated  ready  to  hear,  it  seem- 
ed as  though  die  dear  Redeemer  came  and  touched  me ;  in  an  in- 
stant- all  my  doubts  fled  away.  He  unveiled  the  beantiei  of  his 
face,  and  the  very  room  and  assemUv  anneftred  to  shas&  with  the 


issf,  and 
)ne  upon 
vakened. 
militant, 
ivals  onr 
onslj  iso.- 
kual  testi- 
neetings. 
itumbliag 
ikened — 
ints^  and 

A  consid- 
smoon,  I 
I    After 
I.     With 
iup,  and 
few  min- 
hem,  and 
iraed,  and 
ao  tongue 
my  mind, 
[i  Bee  mj 
I  comfort 
r— like  a 
nted,  and 
•Id.     Bnt 
mounted 
way  for 
vhere  an 
,yet  my 
eicness  to 
iler  of  a 
I  out  my 
good  for 
me  with 
sion,  and 
no  relief, 
fple  were 
lad  con- 
I  did  not 
itseem- 
lin  an  in- 
of  hM 

uitlt     «h^ 


DAVID  MASKS. 


117 


glory  of  God.  I  arose  and  spoke  with  much  freedom,  and  bless- 
ings were  poured  upon  the  assembly.  Thus  the  Lord  brought  me 
through  a  fiery  trial;  and  although  while  enduring  it,  I  could  see 
no  good  that  could  arise  from  it,  my  heart  now  felt  to  bless  Grod 
even  for  this  visitation, — for  it  had  increased  my  faith,  and  taught 
me  more  efiectually  my  entire  dependence  on  God.  On  my  return 
to  Bradford,  I  was  told  that  a  professor  of  religion  had  said  o(  ^  le : 
"  TheLordhm  not  sent  him  to  preach,  for  if  he  had^  his  mouth  ^.jld 
not  have  been  closed."  One  that  was  not  a  professor  replied,  "  ff 
he  has  come  without  being  sent  by  God,  Ishotdd  suppose  that  he  coum 
preach  as  well  at  one  time  as  cU  another."  I  understood  that  aa 
aged  sinner  who  attended  the  meeting,  went  home  much  afiectedi 
sayings  "We  are  so  wicked  that  God  will  give  his  servant  no  mes- 
sage to  U8." 

Soon  after  Ihis,  a  deist  came  to  my  appointment,  and  while  the 
people  were  gathering,  he  thought  to  embarrass  me  by  his  argu- 
ments. In  a  little  time  he  affected  to  be  disgusted  by  my  talk,  and 
left,  the  assembly.  I  understood  that  he  returned  home  and  took 
his  bed,  saying  he  was  sick,  but  would  not  have  a  physician  or  re- 
ceive any  food  for  nearly  three  days,  when  he  exclaimed,  "  My  sick- 
ness is  not  of  the  body,  but  of  the  soul  I  O,  what  have  I  been 
about  these  forty  years  1"  Then  he  sent  to  a  Christian  friend  to  come 
and  pray  for  hun.  This  was  the  first  time  he  had  ever  permitted 
prayer  in  his  house.  In  a  short  time  he  professed  to  be  converted, 
and  expressed  great  astonishment  that  he  could  have  neglected  the 
Savior  and  his  own  sou}  so  long  as  he  had.  As  he  had  been  a  great 
opposer  of  Christianity,  this  change  in  him  touched  the  hearts  of 
several.  The  work  now  revived  afresh,  and  assumed  an  aspect 
still  more  promising.  In  a  short  time  others  professed  to  come  to 
the  knowledge  of  the  truth. 

During  my  stay  in  Bradford,  which  was  six  or  seven  weeks, 
twelve  or  fifteen  named  Christ.  ■  Several  of  them  were  baptized 
by  Elder  Rowe,  who  resided  in  the  place,  and  were  added  to  the 
Ji'ree-will  Baptist  church.  Many  others  were  awakened,  but  did 
not  at  this  time  give  their  hearts  to  Grod.  I  also  visited  and  preach- 
ed in  many  other  towns.  In  a  few  of  these  places  I  held  five  or 
six  meetings  each  and  they  were  blessed  to  the  awakening  of  some. 
Saturday  and  Sabbath,  May  8  and  9, 1824, 1  attended  the  Rhode 
Island  quarterly  meeting,  at  Taunton,  Mass.  The  assembly  was 
large,  and  the  preaching  interesting.  I  had  the  privilege  of  deliv- 
ering two  discourses  at  this  meeting,  and  in  one  the  Lord  gave  me 
freedom.  After  the  quarterly  meeting  I  preached  in  Rehoboth, 
Attleborough,  and  in  some  other  towns  in  Massachusetts.  Some 
were  seriously  affected,  and  in  one  meeting  the  cries  of  anxious  sin- 
ners were  heard.    I  next  went  to   Rhode  Island,  and  attended  a 


118 


MKBfOIRS   OV 


ineoting  with  Kldor  Greene  in  North  Frovidonce,  wliere  a  revival 
liad  just  commenced.  The  Lord  was  in  the  midst,  and  a  great 
weeping  wam  in  the  anflembly.  Several  cried  with  carnoAtnem, 
**  Lordi  liave  moroy  I  Lord,  have  mercy !"  At  the  clone,  ton  Icneol- 
ed  for  prayer. 

I  ataid  sixteen  days  in  liliorlu  Ifllnnd,  and  each  <luy  held  meot- 
ingfl  in  different  townn,  among  wlitch  were  Cranston,  Johnston, 
Smithfleld,  Bitrrillville,  and  Gloucester.      Havipg  read  Colby's 

{'ournal  of  his  labors  in  some  of  these  towns,  when  the  Lord  visited 
lis  people,  and  made  Zion  like  a  fruitful  field,  I  expected  to  And 
the  brethren  engaged  in  holy  humility  and  fervent  devotion.  But 
not  oonsidering  the  changes  that  are  made  by  time,  I  felt  some  dis- 
appointed. AJ:.  :.?**•  ?l,,s  ■i.fvf  !'- 

In  Uio  latter  part  of  May,  I  visited  my  relatives  in  Burlington, 
Conn.  My  grandfather  and  ancle  welcomed  me  affectionately.  A 
revival  in  this  place  had  lately  gladdened  Zion,  in  which  about  one 
hundred  had  professed  to  experience  regenerating  grace.  Some 
of  :  >.y  relativea  were  among  the  converts.  I  held  one  meeting  with 
them,  and  it  wai  a  weeping  time. 

On  Monday,  taking  leave  of  my  kind  relatives,  I  went  to  Ilart- 
fiMrd,  and  the  next  day,  June  1,  1824,  to  Tolland,  where  an  Indian 
mulatto  was  to  be  executed  for  taking  the  life  of  his  wife.  Thit 
deed  was  done  when  he  was  intoxicated.  As  I  drew  near  the  place 
of  execution,  and  saw  thousands  running  to  the  field  of  death,  great 
solemnity  filled  my  mind.  And  on  rismg  a  hill  the  fatal  gallows, 
rarrounded  by  a  vast  multitude  of  people,  met  my  sight,  and  re* 
minded  me  of  the  judgment  of  the  great  day,  when  the  nations 
shall  assemble  before  Jehovah  to  receive  their  sentence  according 
to  the  deeds  done  in  the  body.  Alns  I  then  will  the  ungodly  have 
their  sentence,  to  bo  cast  into  the  burning  lake,  executed  on  them, 
and  none  will  deliver  them.  I  stood  near  the  scaffold,  and  at  a 
little  distance  beheld  the  gloomy  prison  which  confined  the  unhappy 
criminal.  Soon  he  was  taken  from  his  dreary  cell  and  seated  in  a 
wagon  on  his  coffin.  Enclosed  by  the  officers  and  guard,  and  sur* 
rounded  by  the  multitude,  the  criminal  advanced  slowly — the  sound 
of  the  *d«atA  march*  now  fell  on  the  ear  with  more  awful  solemni- 
ty than  any  music  I  ever  heanl.  They  came  to  the  fatal  spot — the 
convict  alighted — walked  to  the  stairs,  and  ascended  the  scaffold 
•apparently  with  indifference.  I  was  told  that  he  had  no  hope  in 
God !  yet  he  appeared  to  be  senseless  of  the  awful  change  of  this 
hour,  and  exhibited  a  striking  instance  of  the  obduracy  of  the  hu> 
man  heart,  when  inured  to  crime,  and  its  feelings  destroyed  by 
stronff  drink.  He  looked  acrutinizingly  at  the  gallows,  scaffold,  and 
all  tlie  preparations  for  his  exit ;  and  api>eared  anxious  that  the 
rope  should  be  placed  easily  on  his  neck.     This  being  done,  he 


DAVID   MARKS. 


119 


>IA 


stood  erect — the  plank  fell — and  he  was  silent  in  death.  I  looked 
upon  the  people,  many  wore  in  tears,  and  some  had  fainted.  Then, 
thought  I,  this  man  suffers  justly  for  his  crime,  receiving  his  due 
reward :  yet  how  many  tender  sympathies  are  awakened  for  him, 
and  how  many  tender  females  are  weeping  at  his  fate.  But  when 
the  Savior  of  the  world  suffered,  what  a  difference  1  He  walked 
to  the  place  of  execution,  "  bearing  his  croia"  while  on  him  was 
"  laid  the  iniquity  of  tu  nil  /"  His  disciples  had  forsaken  him  and 
fled  1  ho  was  surrounded  by  the  persecuting  Jews,  and  the  unfeel- 
ing Romans.  He  suffered  not  a  momentary  pam  by  a  rope,  but 
hung  three  dreadful  hours  nailed  upon  the  cross,  notwithstanding 
he  hud  already  "  sweat  a$  it  were  great  drops  of  blood"  in  Gethsem- 
ane.  But  who  was  there  to  sympathize  anc^wecp  when  Jesus  suf- 
fered ?  True,  the  beloved  disciple,  with  three  or  four  holy  women, 
whose  affection  had  summoned  more  courage  than  the  apostles  had, 
stood  by  the  cross  of  their  dying  Lord,  and  were  melted  by  the 
sight.  But  though  so  small  a  number  in  this  world  felt  and  wept 
when  Christ  was  crucified — yet,  one  that  never  wept  before,  then 
veiled  his  face — the  suu  could  not  endure  the  sight — "  and  there 
was  darkness  over  all  the  earth."  The  rocks,  too,  felt,  and  rent 
asunder — and  the  slumber  of  the  dead  was  broken. 

I  retired  from  the  scene  with  a  heart  full  of  feding,  and  return- 
ed to  Rhode  Island,  preaching  by  the  way. 

On  Thursday,  I  journeyed  forty  miles  to  Littleton,  Mass.,  where 
I  had  an  appointment.  This  was  made  in  the  street,  as  it  was  dif- 
ficult in  these  parts,  to  find  an  open  door  for  a  dissenter  fropi  what 
is  esteemed  orthodoxy.  Having  mistook  as  to  the  distance,  I  ar- 
rived at  the  place  one  day  before  the  appointment,  and  calling  at  a 
tavern  I  desired  that  my  horse  might  be  taken  care  of.  The  land- 
lord, knowing  that  I -had  given  the  appointment,  said,  "No."  I 
asked  the  reason,  as  he  kept  a  public  house.  He  said  he  would 
not  encourage  me  by  entertaining  me.  I  asked  him  if  my  money 
was  not  as  valuable  as  that  of  another.  He  then  changed  his  tone, 
saying,  "  O  yes,  if  you  will  pay  me,  I  will  willingly  entertain  you." 
The  time  passed  away  very  slowly,  and  was  principally  spent  in  a 
field,  fasting.  The  next  morning  a  neighbor  that  came  in,  aaked 
if  I  was  the  one  that  appointed  the  meeting,  and  whether  I  had 
credentials.  I  handed  them  to  him ;  he  read  them,  and  said,  **  Ah, 
then  you  belong  to  the  Free-will  Baptists  ?  Well,  what  do  the 
Free-will  Baptists  believe  ?"  I  named  free  agency  as  one  of  their 
sentiments.  He  began  to  argue  against  it,  and  condemned  it  as  not 
orthodox.  I  said,  tliey  believe  that  "  Christ  tasted  death  for  every 
man."  He  treated  this  sentiment  in  the  same  manner  that  he  did 
the  other.  And  thus  he  disputed  every  principle  that  did  not  ac- 
cord with  his  aiwa  views,  insomuch  that  I  could  not  find  opportsisi- 


Ot 


120 


'^^iteMOIRS  OF 


^ 


ty  to  answer  his  question.  After  disputing  the  doctrine  that  I  had 
advanced  for  some  hours,  he  invited  me  to  his  house,  and  there  I 
could  have  very  little  conversation  except  controversy.  At  length 
he  gave  an  invitation  for  the  meeting  to  be  held  at  his  house.  I 
enjoyed  much  freedom,  and  many  were  melted  into  tears ;  among 
them  was  the  man  who  opened  his  house  for  the  assembly.  After 
meeting,  I  paid  my  bill  at  the  tavern,  and  left  the  town  happy  in 
God.  I  met  a  crowded  assembly  at  Mount  Yemon,  and  many 
showed  signs  of  contrition.  After  meeting  closed,  I  was  repri- 
manded for  preaching //-M  salvation,  free  agency,  &c. ;  but  as  this 
doctrine  had  just  been  powerful  in  touching  the  hearts  of  sinners,  I 
was  the  more  confirmed  that  it  was  the  doctrine  of  Christ. 

Saturday,  June  12,^1824, 1  attended  the  New  Hampshire  year- 
ly meeting  at  Weare.  The  day  was  principally  occupied  in  hear- 
ing reports  of  revivals  in  different  parts  of  the  yearly  meeting,  and 
the  testimonies  and  exhortations  of  the  saints.  Accounts  were  also 
given  of  some  glorious  revivals  in  the  state  of  Maine.  Sabbath 
forenoon.  Elder  John  Buzzell  spoke  about  two  hours.  Though 
aged,  his  eye  seemed  not  dim,  nor  the  patience  of  the  people  wea- 
ried. In  the  afternoon,  the  ^lleries  being  much  crowded,  began 
to  give  way ;  many  were  frightened,  and  some  confusion  ensued. 
Several  left  them,  and  soon  the  assembly  was  composed.  Elder 
Enoch  Place  then  preached  a  long  and  affecting  sermon — ^many 
hearts  were  touched,  and  the  meeting  closed  with  signs  of  good. 
On  Monday,  I  attended  the  Ministers'  conference,  which  was  inter- 
esting and  conducted  with  much  harmony. 

Tuesday  and  Wednesday  I  went  seventy  miles  to  Sandwich,  in 
the  easterly  part  of  New  Hampshire.  At  this  time  there  was  some 
revival  in  the  place,  principally  under  the  labors  of  brother  David 
Moody,  a  youth  of  nineteen  years.  I  spent  nine  days  laboring 
with  them,  and  preached  thirteen  sermons.  It  pleased  the  Lord  to 
give  us  heavenly  seasons.  We  saw  several  new  instances  of  con- 
viction— ^heard  the  cries  of  the  penitent,  and  sometimes  the  songs 
of  the  delivered.  At  one  meeting,  within  the  space  of  twenty 
minutes,  four  were  brought  into  liberty,  and  praised  God  for  salva- 
tion, "  Glory  to  the  Lord  for  all  his  mercies."  Some  articles  of 
clothing  were  given  me,  which  were  thankfully  received.  When  I 
left  the  place,  about  twenty  had  been  hopefully  converted,  and  it 
was  thought  the  good  work  had  but  just  begun. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  month,  I  visited  several  towns  in  the 
state  of  Maine,  and  enjoyed  some  blessed  seasons  in  preaching 
Christ  I  held  a  meeting  in  Parsonsfield,  and  was  affectionately 
received  by  Elder  John  Buzzell,  a  faithful  minister  of  the  gospel. 
He  was  contemporary  with  Randall,  and  had  spent  the  greater 
part  of  his  life  in  preaching  Christ.    I  attended  thrSe  or  four  meet- 


DAVID  MABKS. 


121 


in  the 


ings  in  Porter,  and  saw  some  powerfully  convicted ;  and  a  few  who 
had  forsaken  the  right  way,  confessed  their  wanderings,  saying, 
they  were  resolved  to  turn  again  and  live.  I  received  inforn^on 
afterward  that  a  revival  followed  these  good  signs.  «  ^ffk 

Returning  to  New  Hampshire,  I  met  an  assembly  in  Effingham, 
and  the  Lord  enabled  me  to  speak  in  the  power  of  the  gospel.  In 
the  meantime  a  dark  cloud  overspread  the  sky,  and  vivid  lightnings 
with  heavy  thunder,  increased  the  solemnity  of  the  meeting.  I 
said  to  the  sinner,  "  You  have  no  security  while  living  in  sin,  and 
for  aught  you  know  the  next  thunderbolt  may  hurl  you  into  the 
eternal  world."  I  had  scarcely  spoken  these  words  when  a  sud- 
den peal  of  thunder  shook  the  house,  and  almost  stunned  the  assem- 
bly. A  blazing  tree,  but  a  few  rods-  before  the  door,  discovered 
to  us  that  the  shafts  of  death  had  passed  just  by  us.  This  seem- 
ed to  alarm  many,  and  they  wept  for  their  sins.  Some  desired 
prayer,  kneeled  with  us,  and  covenanted  to  seek  the  Lord.  A  re- 
vival followed  the  meeting,  and  thirty  or  forty  professed  to  be  con- 
verted. 

In  the  early  part  of  July,  1824, 1  returned  to  Weare,  and  found 
that  brother  Abel  Thornton,  who  had  agreed  to  accompany  me  to 
New  York,  was  laboring  successfully  among  the  people.  As  he 
had  appointments  given  out  for  a  few  days,  I  staid  and  attended 
several  very  interesting  meetings  with  him.  i4>  ?  anjfei  kV 

Monday  morning,  July  12,  brother  Thornton  and  myself  left 
Weare,  and  proceeding  on  our  journey  we  passed  through  Brattle- 
boro,'  Vt,  crossed  the  Green  Mountains,  held  one  meeting  by  the 
way,  and  on  the  16th  of  the  month  arrived  at  Ballstown,  New 
York.  We  preached  a  few  times  in  this  town,  and  found  friends. 
Wd  visited  the  celebrated  mineral  springs,  and  drank  of  the  water. 
But  these  waters,  thought  I,  can  bear  but  little  comparison  with  the 
water  of  life.  Large  numbers  come  to  these  springs,  from  all 
parts  of  the  country,  for  the  recovery  of  their  health ;  yet  how 
many  fail  of  their  desired  object — return  home — and  die.  But 
whosoever  "drinketh  of  the  waten^  that  Christ  shall  give,  "shall 
never  die.  Yet,  what  vast  multitudes  refuse  to  come  to  die  "  water 
of  life,"  though  it  is  free,  "  without  money  and  without  price," — 
and  though,  unless  they  come,  they  know  they  must  endure  the 
pains  of  eternal  death. 

Leaving  Ballstown,  we  crossed  the  Mohawk  and  continued  our 
journey  to  Canajohanie,  where  we  spent  a  few  days,  and  preach- 
ed often,  but  saw  little  fruit  of  our  labor.  Yet,  as  "  the  husband- 
man waiteth  for  the  precious  fruit  of  the  earth,  and  hath  long  pa- 
tience," so  we  hoped  that  some  fruit  might  yet  appear.  From  the 
25th  of  July  to  the  20th  of  August,  we  visited  and  preached  in 
Flainfield,  Winfield,  Brookfield,  Paris,  Brothertown,  Westmore- 


lA 


in 


MBXOUtS  OP 


land,  Verona,  and  Rome.  In  these  meetings  we  witnee«ed  good 
aeaaons.  Some  were  awakened,  and  a  few  l»oneht  into  the  liberty 
of  ^^gOspeL  In  Brookfield,  Brothertown  and  Verona,  glorious 
re^ldpa  had  lately  gladdened  the  hearts  of  hundreds.  We  ei^oyed 
som^  refreshing  interviewd  with  the  converts. 

In  the  latter  part  of  August  I  arrived  at  taj  father's  in  Junias. 
I  had  been  absent  about  eight  months,  and  was  received  with  un- 
nsual  gladne9s,-^for  my  friends  having  heard  that  I  was  sick  nigh 
ttBto  death,  little  expected  to  meet  me  again  in  this  world. 

On  Wednesday,  25th,  we  held  a  meeting  in  Benton,  and  afler 
this  proceeded  fifty  miles  to  Qroveland.  In  this  place  the  yearly 
meeting  opened  in  a  grove^  on  the  28th  of  August,  1824.  The 
reports  from  the  different  parts  of  the  yearly  meeting  brought  good 
ticUngs  of  the  prosperity  of  Zion  in  several  churches.  On  Monday, 
we  had  a  Ministers'  conference,  in  which  we  knew  by  happy  expe- 
rience, that  it  is  good  for  brethren  to  dwell  in  unity. 

I  lab<M«d  with  brother  Thornton  several  days  in  Vienna,  Ver- 
ona, and  Westmoreland,  with  some  success.  As  he  decided  to 
preach  for  a  little  season  in  these  towns.  Sept  11, 1  bade  him  fare- 
weU.  To  me  it  was  a  painful  parting.  I  had  eiyoyed  many  hap> 
py  hours  with  him.  He  was  humble,  grave,  holy  in  conversation 
and  deportment ;  his  fervent  love  to  Zion,  his  many  tears,  and  un- 
wearied labors  for  sinners,  had  greatly  endeared  him  to  my  soul. 

I  Aow  thought  it  my  duty  to  visit  several  churches  in  the  Hol- 
land Purchase  yearly  meeting,  and  to  make  preparations  to  travel 
fiftr  into  the  western  country,  to  preach  the  kingdom  of  Qod  to  the 
destitute  people  in  the  wilderness.  Taking  a  passage  on  the  canal, 
I  went  to  Junius,  staid  at  home  some  days,  and  held  several  very 
solemn  meetings.  The  seriousness  was  increased  by  the  death  of 
a  near  neighbcnr  of  my  father,  who  was  drowned.  In  one  of  these 
meetii^  two  spoke  for  the  first  time.  I  visited  Groveland  again 
and  held  five  meetings.  In  one  we  witnessed  the  outpouring  of 
the  Spirit,  much  to  the  comfort  of  the  saints.  Next  I  attended  a 
meeting  in  Bristol,  and  four  in  Middlesex.  In  two  of  these  the 
LtntI  greatly  blessed  me  while  speaking,  and  so  filled  my  soul  with 
ys  glory,  that  there  seemed  but  one  step  between  me  and  heaven. 
Blessed  be  the  Lord ;  I  believe  he  gave  me  the  word,  and  the  peo- 
ple received  it  as  from  him.  I  held  a  meeting  in  Jerusalem,  and 
found  Wm.  Van  Tuyl,  a  young  man  who  was  awakened  in  my  last 
visit)  now  ht^py  in  the  Lord.  Leaving  Jerusalem,  I  went  to  Dres- 
den) and  while  crossing  the  Seneca  lake  to  Ovid,  there  was  a  great 
oalm,  BO  that  we  were  four  hours  in  going  five  miles.  In  thie  time, 
ail  a  shower  came  upon  us,  I  took  an  umbrella  and  seated  myself 
in  my  gig.  Instantly  the  carriage  turned  over  backward,  and  my 
head  just  hit  die  side  plank  in  such  a  manner,  that  had  I  failsa  an 


DATID  IfABKS. 


Its 


inch  or  two  further  back,  doubtless  I  should  have  finished  my 
course.  I  felt  thankful  to  Qod  for  his  preser? ing  care,  and  saM 
with  myself  in  the  language  <^  Dr.  Watts : 

"  Bangers  stand  thick  through  all  the  grpund, 

7t*>  'i.  v.;  To  push  OS  to  the  tomb." 

Wednesday,  Oct.  6,  1824, 1  enjoyed  an  interview  with  my  sistor 
at  Ithica,  whom  I  had  not  seen  for  nearly  three  years.  She  lired 
in  a  religious  family,  yet  I  could  but  think  of  the  time  when  sh^ 
had  a  mother  9  care.  Oct.  9th  and  10th,  I  attended  the  Benton 
quarterly  meeting  at  Sodus,  where  unexpectedly  I  had  another  in- 
terview with  brother  Thornton.  The  opportunity  was  sweet  to  my 
souL  His  preaching  was  spiritual,  and  gave  much  satisfaction. 
Monday,  we  took  the  parting  hand,  and  dropped  the  parting  teair. 
I  was  bidding  him  farewell,  to  meet  no  more  in  this  world.  Tet 
the  blessed  hope  of  rejoining  each  Qther  in  our  H^^v^oly  Fa^fjr'A 
kingdom  comforted  our  hearts. 


-Wt^t  ^.4if..c^ 


iV'Vf 


c^sl^Li''  -i 


r^ 


t>n^; 


JVijJtJfcSi  ;>* 


CHAPTER  XHt 
M]/  Secmd  Journey  to  (UUo, 


7..  i. 

•I  ' 

-i  V'-" 

['^ 

■^    IvUiJ 

'"M 

• 

.^^^^• 

'■'-■- 

-m- 

..jfl 


taven. 

peo- 

and 

last 

Dree- 

;reat 

time, 

lyself 

'  my 

1  an 


On  Wednesday,  Oct  18, 1  bade  my  father  and  his  family  adieu, 
intending  if  it  should  be  the  will  of  the  Lord,  to  go  as  far  west  m 
fte  Mississippi  river,  and  publish  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to 
the  needy  in  that  section.  I  had  only  sixty-nine  cents  to  bear  my 
expenses  a  journey  of  one  thousand  miles,  nine  hundred  of  which 
were  amtrng  strangers.  But  feeling  constrained  to  go,  my  trant 
was  in  Him  who  said,  **  Zo  Jam  with  you  always  even  unto  the  end 
of  the  world.*'  He  had  shown  me  great  care,  and  I  believed  he 
would  still  {«t>tect  me. 

Pursuing  my  jiiMirney  westward  to  Hamburg,  neaar  BtxffaSe,  I 
preached  in  most  of  the  towns  through  Which  I  passed.  In  Far- 
ma,  where  a  revival  had  commenced,  a  Wge  number  came  forwacd 
for  prayer.  I  stopped  two  days  with  my  faithful  friend,  Eld.  Hinek- 
1^,  who  gave  me  mud\  good  counsel,  and  Resented  me  six  or  sev- 
en dollars.  In  Alexander,  several  careless  sinners  were  awakened 
fioid  prayed  f<H'  mercy. 

Thursday,  Nov.  4, 1824.  Another  year  has  fled  forever~-<«ad 
iMiill  I  live.  I  remember  that  a  year  ago  ic^vj  the  query  arose, 
*  Shall  I  live  io  see  asii^tisr  ysmf    Tins  is  decided.     But  O,  how 


124 


MBMOIRS   or 


many  have  left  this  world,  and  are  now  conversant  with  eternal 
scenes  I  Heaven  has  spared  me  till  nineteen  years  of  my  life  are 
passed.  And  whv  is  this  ?  Is  it  that  I  may  be  useful  to  Zion,  and 
glorify  God  ?  Alas !  how  little  successful  have  I  been  the  past 
year  in  winning  souls  to  Christ.  How  many  thousands  have  heard 
me  preach — yet  how  few  of  them  have  been  persuaded  to  turn  and 
live  I  Had  I  lived  nearer  the  Lord,  I  should  have  been  more  suc- 
cessful— and  many  to  whom  I  shall  never  speak  again,  might  have 
been  saved  from  death.  But  these  opportunities  are  gone  forever 
—till  the  heavens  be  no  more.  Then  I  must  meet  them,  and  give 
account  to  God  of  what  I  have  preached,  and  how  I  have  preach- 
ed. 0  Lord,  forgive  oil  the  unfaithfulness  of  thy  unprofU<mo  ser- 
vant, and  enahh  me  henceforth  to  have  no  will  hut  thine — no  object, 
hu  thy  glory — and  no  work  hut  what  thou  shalt  assign  me.  But 
whether  I  shall  live  to  see  another  year  or  not,  is  known  only  to 
Him  with  whom  all  things  are  present.  Therefore,  may  I  live 
each  day  as  humble  as  though  it  were  my  last ;  and  preach  every 
sermon  as  faithfully  as  though  it  were  my  last ;  so  that  should  my 
time  come  "  as  a  thief  in  the  night,"  I  may  be  prepared.  ''  £ven 
so  let  it  be,  Lord  Jesus.** 

I  spent  the  three  following  days  in  Boston,  and  held  five  meet- 
ings. Some  heard  with  tears,  and  a  few  promised  to  seek  the 
Lord.  Saturday  I  held  a  meeting  at  Hanover,  but  ei\joyed  little 
freedom.  On  the  Sabbath,  preaching  again  at  Hanover,  the  gra- 
cious  Redeemer  freed  my  spirit,  and  made  my  soul  to  mount  up  as 
with  wings.  At  the  close,  fourteen  kneeled,  while  prayer  was 
made  for  their  salvation.  Continuing  my  journey,  I  preached  in 
several  towns  in  New  York  and  Pennsylvania. 

Tuesday,  Nov.  23,  I  entered  the  state  of  Ohio,  and  spoke  with 
freedom  to  a  solemn  assembly  in  Conneaut.  Here  a  glorious  re- 
vival was  gladdening  Zion,  under  the  labors  of  Elder  Asa  Morri- 
son. About  two  hundred  had  professed  to  find  the  "  pearl  of  great 
price."  On  Thursday  I  attended  Elder  Morrison's  appointment  to 
preach  a  funeral  discourse.  He  read  I  Pet.  1:24,  25,  for  a  text, 
spoke  about  ten  minutes,  then  told  the  people  he  cuu!d  not  preach ; 
and  after  addressing  ihe  mourners  about  five  minutes,  he  took  his 
seat,  apparently  much  depressed  in  spirit.  Feeling  an  impression 
of  duty,  I  arose  immediately,  and  spoke  from  the  same  Scripture. 
It  pleased  the  Lord  to  give  me  much  liberty.  Blessed  be  his  name. 
Thursday,  Nov.  25,  had  been  appointed  by  the  governor  of  the 
state  for  a  day  of  public  thanksgiving.  I  met  an  assembly  in  the 
evening  at  the  centre  of  the  town,  and  many  I  believe  felt  that 
thankfulness  which  makes  the  soul  happy.  The  next  day  I  preach- 
ed in  Monroe,  and  the  word  appeared  to  touch  the  hearts  of  some. 
Sabbath  I  addressed  an  assembly  at  Conneaut  centre,  from  Jere- 


^ATID  MABKS. 


tS6 


some. 
Jere- 


miah 6:16.  Through  the  whole  there  was  much  golcmnity ;  and  at 
the  close,  nearly  twenty  mourners  came  forward  ibr  prayer.  In 
this  place,  fire  dollars  were  given  me,  for  which  I  returned  thanks 
to  my  Master.    In  the  evening  I  preached  at  Kingsville. 

On  Monday  evening,  I  preached  a  few  miles  west  of  Ashtabida, 

from  Gen.  1:8.    After  meeting,  Mr. invited  me  to  stay  witfi 

him  the  night  I  accepted  his  invitaition ;  he  asked  me  to  eat  no 
supper — gave  me  no  breakfast — and  charged  me  for  keeping  my 
Jborse.  I  paid  my  biU,  bade  him  adieu,  and  rode  twenty  milee  to 
Perry.  Being  requested  to  hold  a  meeting  in  this  place,  I  com- 
plied, and  was  kindly  received  by  the  people.  The  nesct  day  I 
preached  in  the  Baptist  meeting  house  at  Euclid,  twenty-five  mUes 
from  Perry.  A  precious  season  was  enjoyed,  and  many  entreatted 
me  to  stay  awhile.  But  believing  that  duty  forbade,  I  proceeded 
the  next  morning  at  dawn  of  day,  and  on  Friday  arrived  in  MUm, 
Huron  county.  Having  preached  in  this  town  considerably  in  my 
former  visit  to  this  state,  I  now  found  acquaintances,  and  was  affdo- 
tionately  received.  I  spent  nearly  a  week  in  this  town,  preachiog 
daily. 

Saturday,  Dec  11,  I  spoke  to  an  assembly  in  Bloomingville, 
from  Rom.  10:10.  In  this  discourse  I  preached  a  full  atonement*— 
and  that  the  Savior  is  willing  to  save  all  men,  if  ihey  will  repent 
and  believe  according  to  the  grace  given  them  in  the  gospel. 
When  I  closed  my  remarks,  a  man  arose  and  objected  to  the  doe- 
trine  :  he  said  it  represented  God  as  superfluous  in  his  work ;  "  For 
instance,  like  a  man  who  intends  to  build  a  house  twenty  feet  by 
twenty f  but  digs  a  cellar  forty  feet  by  twenty."  "  Therefore,"  said 
he,  ''  as  one  half  of  this  work  would  be  superfluous,  so  would  a 
general  atonement  be,  unless  God  designed  to  save  all  men."  To 
this  I  replied,  that  the  Lord  sends  the  rain  and  snow  on  the  barren 
wastes  unoccupied  by  man,  also  upon  the  fields  of  the  slothful. 
Likewise  he  makes  the  sun  to  shine,  whore  seemingly  there  is  no 
need  of  light  Yet  this  does  not 'prove  that  the  great  Creator  ift 
superfluous  in  his  works.  No  more  can  a  general  atonement, 
whereby  all  men  may  have  scUvation,  be  a  superfluous  work.  For 
by  it  alone  the  equality  of  God's  ways  to  his  creatures  is  manifest- 
ed, and  the  sinner's  personal  guilt  made  to  appear,  and  to  fall  upon 
his  own  soul  in  such  a  manner  as  to  leave  him  without  excuse. 
This  will  make  him  speechless  in  the  great  day  of  retribution. 

On  the  Sabbath,  I  gave  two  discourses  in  York.  After  the 
dose,  several  young  men  who  were  mourning  for  their  sins,  kneel' 
ed  in  the  time  of  prayer.  My  horse  having  met  with  an  accid^it, 
prevented  me  from  pursuing  my  journey.  I  endeavored  to  im- 
prove my  detention  in  labors  to  save  souls  in  the  vickiity  where  I 
was  staying.  During  the  remainder  of  December  I  labored  ac- 
11* 


126 


MKMOIRS   OF 


cording  to  the  grace  given  me,  in  various  towns  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  York. 

In  Green  Greek,  I  visited  a  man  named  Abraham  Marks,  who 
was  at  the  point  of  death.  At  this  time,  he  was  vomiting  a  black 
substance,  which,  as  his  physician  afterwards  stated,  was  his  vital 
parts.  Still  he  was  free  from  pain,  and  seemed  to  be  almost  with- 
out concern.  He  knew  not  that  death  was  nigh ;  but  in  a  few  min- 
utes his  spirit  took  its  flight.  The  day  after,  I  attended  the  funer- 
al and  preached  from  Eccl.  7:2.  "  It  i$  better  to  go  to  the  house  of 
mourning  than  to  go  to  the  house  of  feasting :  for  that  is  the  end  of 
all  men,  and  the  living  will  lay  it  to  his  heart."  It  was  a  time  of 
much  weeping.  While  on  our  way  to  the  grave,  which  was  in  the 
edge  of  a  forest,  the  sun  went  down,  and  the  solemnities  of  the 
burial  were  much  incrsadcd  by  their  being  performed  by  moon- 
light. 

January  1,1825,  I  addressed  a  solemn  assembly  in  York,  and 
started  again  on  my  journey,  but  had  gone  only  five  miles,  when 
my  horse  became  so  lame  that  I  was  unable  to  proceed.  So  I  re- 
turned to  York,  and  held  a  few  meetings.  As  my  beast  remained 
unfit  for  use,  and  as  no  prospect  appeared  of  a  change  for  the  bet- 
ter, I  concluded  to  teach  a  school  hi  this  town  and  preach  with  the 
people.  Accoi'dingly  I  engaged  one  for  three  months  at  ten  dollars 
per  nonth,  toping  by  this  to  be  enabled  to  supply  my  wants,  and 
free  myself  i^xm  embarrassment.  From  the  commencement  of  my 
travels,  I  had  endeavored  to  employ  all  my  leisure  time  in  study, 
and  by  this  course  had  improved  my  education.  Still  I  was  poorly 
qualified  for  the  business ;  but  the  school  being  backward,  I  thought 
by  diligence  and  perseverance  I  might  get  along.  This  was  my 
first  engagement  in  any  worldly  employment. for  ipur  years.  I  now 
made  stated  appointments  twice  a  week  in  York,  and  twice  in  Green 
Creek,  five  miles  from  my  school.  I  generally  walked  to  the  latter 
place  after  the  close  of  my  school,  frequently  without  having  taken 
any  food  after  breakfast,  except  a  piece  with  my  scholars;  and  often 
arrived  at  the  meeting  too  late  to  partake  of  any  refreshment  till 
after  the  exercises.  Sometimes,  in  order  to  meet  my  engagements, 
I  would  leave  Green  Creek  without  breakfast,  and  arriving  only 
in  season  to  commence  my  school,  I  would  have  no  Opportunity  to 

!;et  a  regular  meal  till  night.  Three  or  four  miles  of  this  distance 
ay  through  woods,  and  having  no  guide  except  marked  trees,  twice 
I  lost  my  way,  and  wandered  for  some  time.  These  toils  and  pri- 
vations I  endured  joyftilly,  that  I  might  warn  the  wicked  and  win 
souls  to  Christ.  Sometimes  the  Lord  gave  me  freedom,  led  my 
soul  into  the  deep  waters,  and  comforted  me  with  the  cheering  light 
at}m  countenance. 


DAVID    MA1IE8. 


127 


eighbor- 

lu,  who 
:  a  block 
his  vital 
Mt  with- 
few  min- 
le  funer- 
houte  of 
\e  end  of 
i  time  of 
18  in  the 
B  of  the 
>y  moon- 

ork,  and 
es,  when 
Solre- 
'emained 
the  bet- 
with  the 
n  dollars 
ants,  and 
mt  of  my 
in  studj, 
IS  poorly 
L  thought 
was  my 
I  now 
in  Green 
le  latter 
ng  taken 
ind  oflen 
ment  till 
gements, 
ing  only 
tunity  to 
distance 
es,  twice 
and  pri- 
and  win 
led  my 
ing  light 


In  York,  a  few  believed  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  latter  part  of 
January,  a  church  of  twelve  or  fourteen  members  waa  organized 
by  Elders  J.  Mugg  and  Samuel  Bradford.  This  month  I  attend- 
ed the  Huron  quarterly  meeting,  which  was  a  quickening,  refresh- 
ing time  to  Zion.  In  Green  Creek,  we  had  some  good  seasons. 
A  small  number  professed  to  find  Jesus,  and  many  others  were 
much  impressed,  but  shrinking  at  the  cross  they  found  no  salvation. 
Still  I  sowed  with  the  hope,  that  the  good  seed  of  the  kingdom 
would  yet  spring  up  and  bear  fruit.  I  visited  other  towns  at  the 
distance  of  ten,  twenty,  or  thirty  miles,  and  preached  according  to 
the  grace  given  me.  At  some  of  these  meetings,  there  were  good 
signs ;  at  others,  my  spirit  was  cast  down,  and  the  solitary  places 
were  witness  to  my  groans  for  the  salvation  of  sinners.  Generally, 
however,  I  ei\joyed  peace  of  mind,  which  was  sweeter  than  any- 
thing this  earth  can  afford. 

About  two  months  after  the  commencement  of  my  «chool,  sick- 
ness began  to  prevail,  and  a  number  of  my  scholars  were  taken  ill. 
This  so  reduced  the  school,  that  after  obtaining  the  consent  of  my 
employers,  I  disndssed  it  By  faithful  care,  my  horse  had  become 
fit  for  use,  and  I  made  preparations  to  go  my  way. 

March  18, 1  crossed  the  Indian  reservation,  twelve  miles  through 
the  wilderness,  and  the  day  following  attended  a  meeting  at  the 
Methodist  missionary  station  at  Upper  Sandusky.  March  20,  I 
proceeded  to  Big  Island  in  Marion  county,  where  I  found  an  as- 
sembly collected  to  hear  Elder  David  Dudley,  who  was  a  Free- 
will Baptist.  Many  more  were  present  than  could  enter  the  house. 
Being  a  sti'anger,  I  took  a  seat  without,  till  the  discourse  was  clos- 
ed. Then,  going  to  the  door,  I  looked  in  and  said,  ^<  There  is  in 
this  town  a  certain  son,  who  has  received  of  his  father  a  rich  inher- 
itance, with  every  kindness  a  parent's  love  can  bestow.  The  father 
has  visited  the  son  several  times ; — but,  without  cause,  the  son  has 
absolutely  refused  even  to  receive  him  into  his  house !  The  father 
has  reasoned  the  case,  and  affectionately  entreated  the  son  again 
and  again, — ^reminding  him  of  his  liberality  and  uniform  kindness. 
Still,  this  son,  though  he  did  not  pretend  to  dispute  the  kindness  of 
his  father,  nor  assign  a  single  reason  for  his  own  conduct,  has  ob- 
stinately persisted  in  refusing  to  give  his  father  admission  into  his 
habitation."  Inquisitive  countenances,  surprise  and  disgust,  with  a 
breathless  silence,  immediately  ensued.  Afler  a  pause,  I  said, 
"  This  son  is  now  present."  The  anxious  inquiry,  "  Who  can  it 
be  ?"  seemed  heightened,  and  the  people  looked  on  one  another  with 
astonishment  Then  said  I,  "  Sinner,  thou  art  this  rebellious  son  ! 
God,  thy  Father  by  creation,  has  given  thee  all  the  good  thou  hast 
ever  enjoyed.  Often  he  hath  visited  thee  in  mercy,  add  knocked 
at  the  door  of  thy  heart — ^but  by  unbelief  thou  haat  obstinately  bolt- . 


118 


MSMOiRs  or 


ed  him  outT    The  Sfwrit  of  God  set  tihis  home  to  the  aatembly— 
and  many  wept.    A  justice  of  the  peace,  that  was  present,  felt  this 

2 plied  to  him  as  though  a  Toioe  from  heaven  had  said,  **  Thou  an 
1  man"     He  felt  that  he  was  the  rebellious  son,  and  mourned  for 
his  sins  till  God  spoke  poaoe  to  his  soul, 

Here  my  acquaintance  with  Elder  Dudley  commenced.  He  re> 
moved  to  this  t«ywn  about  two  years  previous,  and  gathered  a  small 
church,  but  tltey  had  labored  under  many  trials.  Elder  D.  had  of- 
ten wept  for  the  unbelief  of  the  people,  and  the  low  state  of  Zion. 
The  Lord  had  iately  answered  his  prayers,  and  revived  IITs  work. 
He  was  witnessing  a  revival  in  the  place  of  bis  residence,  and  in 
an  a4jacent  town.  A.  large  number  had  already  been  converted, 
and  the  church  inoreased  to  forty^five  or  fifty  members,  all  happily 
united  in  the  service  of  God.  I  found  many  open  doors  for  preach- 
ing ;  and  my  health  being  poor,  and  the  time  so  far  passed,  I  gave 
up  the  idea  of  going  to  the  Mississippi ;  and  for  a  time  labored  in 
Big  Island,  SaU^rodc,  and  at  Marion  county  Heat.  The  Lord  favor- 
ed  me  with  some  good  iRsasons. 

About  this  time,  I  visaed  Grand  township,  which  joins  Salt-rock, 
and  preached  in  a  neighborhood  situated  on  the  line  of  these  towns. 
Being  strongly  solidted  by  several  brethren  to  teach  a  school  in 
this  vicinity,  1  engaged  one  for  three  month?,  thinking  that  still  I 
might  preach  as  much  as  my  health  would  admit  I  made  started 
f4>pointment8  three  times  a  week  at  my  school  house,  and  once  a 
week  about  fire  miles  distant.  In  the  vicinity  of  the  last  appoint- 
ment the  people  appeared  to  have  as  little  idea  of  repentance,  of 
regeneration,  and  the  nature  of  the  gospel,  as  any  people  to  whom 
I  ever  preached.  I  attended  my  appointments  with  them  a  few 
weeks,  and  sometimes  spoke  with  much  freedom ;  but  the  effect 
seemed  no  more  than  beating  upon  an  adamant.  At  length,  de- 
spairing of  seeing  any  success,  I  withdrew  my  appointments.  In 
the  vicinity  of  my  school,  I  found  it  hard  preaching,  as  the  people 
generally  had  little  faith  in  the  gospel,  or  little  understanding  even 
of  its  theory.  Their  views  of  the  way  to  heaven  seemed  to  be 
these : — to  cease  from  immoralities — ^to  do  good — join  the  church, 
and  attend  meetings  and  prayers  regularly.  Once  I  remarked 
in  a  discourse,  't^  a  man  may  be  strictly  moral — ^may  be  a 
member  of  the  church, — attend  family  prayer, — ^and  still  die  in 
his  sins,  and  go  to  hell.'  This  remark  was  much  spoken  of  as  a 
presumptuous  saying.  But  few  week«  passed,  however,  before 
I  felt  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  "  like  a  fire  shut  up  in  my  bones ;" 
and  the  power  of  God  attended  the  word  to  the  hearts  of  the 
people. 

Sabbath,  April  ^4, 1  spoke  in  the  forenoon  from  Luke  9:26  : — 
**  For  What  is  a  man  advantaged,  if  he  gain  the  whole  world,  tmd 


DATID  MAnKB.  Mi 

kwe  himself,  or  be  cast  away  ?"  In  the  aAernoon,  I  spoke  from 
verse  23,  of  the  same  chapter :  "  If  any  man  will  come  after  mej 
let  him  deny  himself,"  dbc.  Several  were  pricked  in  the  heart  and 
cried  to  the  Lord  for  mercy.  In  the  evening  we  had  another  meet- 
ing, and  were  still  more  favored  of  the  I»rd.  Four  anxious  souls 
were  brought  into  liberty  and  praised  God.  Col.  G.  of  this  place, 
arose  weeping,  and  said,  *'  Christian  friends,  do  pray  for  me  ;"  then 
he  fell  upon  his  knees  and  wept  exceedingly.  In  about  a  week  he 
found  peace  in  believing,  and  publicly  confessed  Christ.  His  con- 
version was  instrumental  of  the  conviction  of  his  wife,  who  iko 
soon  found  Jesus.  •■"■■' 

May  16,  1825.  While  dining  with  a  family  near  the  school 
liouse,  I  heard  a  sudden  sound,  like  the  coming  of  a  mighty  whirl- 
wind. A  breathless  silence  ensued,  and  in  an  instant  we  left  the 
house.  Apprised  of  what  was  at  hand,  I  thought  of  my  scholars, 
and  petitioned  Heaven  to  protect  them  from  danger.  About  twen- 
ty-five were  in  the  school  house,  which  was  situated  in  a  grove  of 
large  oaks.  On  coming  into  the  open  air,  such  a  scene  was  pre- 
sented as  I  had  never  witnessed.  The  trees  of  the  adjacent  forest 
seemed  to  bow  before  a  dreadful  hurricane,  like  grass  before  the 
mower's  scythe.  Large  branches  of  trees  were  flying  in  the  air 
over  the  fields  like  huus,  the  earth  trembled  at  the  sound,  and  all 
around  seemed  as  if  the  judgment  day  had  come.  We  clung  to  the 
body  of  a  log-house  that  had  just  been  rolled  up,  to  keep  from  be- 
ing driven  away.  In  about  two  minutes,  this  seeming  agitation  of 
all  nature  a  little  subsided.  On  looking  around,  we  saw  an  oak 
four  or  five  feet  in  diameter,  which  had  fallen  within  two  rods  of  us, 
but  such  had  been  the  noise,  that  till  now  we  had  not  perceived  it. 
We  were  yet  more  astonished  on  finding  that  the  wind  had  blown 
very  little,  within  perhaps  twenty-five  rods  of  the  school  house — 
and  though  the  trees  fell  in  great  numbers  each  side  of  it,  not  one 
fell  within  this  distance.  AJler  the  tempest,  many  pine  shingles 
were  found  in  the  neighborhood ;  and  as  there  were  none  in  these 
towns,  the  people  concluded  they  must  have  been  brought  from  the 
west,  over  a  fifly  mile  forest  which  joined  the  neighborhood  in  that 
direction.  We  understood  that  in  the  western  settlements,  the  tor- 
nado leveled  almost  every  house  in  its  course,  till  it  came  to  thib 
forest.  We  also  learned  from  the  public  papers,  that  after  it  left 
the  county  of  Marion,  its  violence  much  increased  as  it  moved  east- 
ward, till  it  came  to  the  east  and  west  forks  of  Licking.  Then  it 
swept  every  thing  in  its  course,  leveled  nearly  every  house  and 
barn,  carried  many  large  trees  in  the  air,  throwing  them  end  over 
end  like  the  stalks  of  com  when  carried  by  a  fierce  wind.  The 
destruction  of  property  was  great,  and  several  lives  were  lost.  It 
was  stated  that  one  man  who  fled  from  a  large  brick  house  into  an 


r- 


ISO 


MKK0IR8    OF 


orchard,  had  his  forains  dashed  out  by  a  stick  twelve  inches  in 
length  and  one  and  a  half  in  diameter,  that  was  driven  bj  the  wind. 
The  house  from  which  he  fled  was  leveled,  and  the  family  escaped 
by  taking  refuge  in  the  cellar.  We  were  also  informed,  that  two 
men  on  a  plain,  seeing  a  cloud  rising  in  the  west,  watched  it,  till 
they  discovered  that  it  was  a  cloud  of  trees,  branches,  &c.  brought 
by  the  wind.  One  hid  himself  under  a  fallen  tree ;  the  other  was 
carried  by  the  wind  half  a  mile,  but  by  clinging  to  brushes  that 
were  flying  in  the  air,  he  finally  escaped  with  his  life  and  sustained 
little  injury.  This  whirlwind  was  thought  to  exceed  in  its  vio- 
lence any  that  had  ever  visited  this  country.  I  thought,  Ah«  I 
what  wiU  sinners  do,  when  the  ^  whirlwind  of  the  Lord  ffoeth 
forth  with  fttry,  a  continuing  whirlwind:  it  shall  fall  with  pain 
upon  the  head  of  the  tcickedf"  "  and  they  shall  not  escape."  Jer. 
d0:23 ;  Jch,  11:20.  Let  him  that  is  wise  seek  a  hiding  place  from 
that  awful  storm  i^  wrath,  which  will  so<m  be  poured  out  upon  Uie 
ungodly. 

The  rerival  oontinued  to  progress  in  die  townships  of  Grand 
aad  Salt-rock,  till  twelve  or  fifteen  professed  to  experience  sidv*- 
tion.  Elder  Dudley  preached  with  us  twke,  and  baptized  eleven 
of  the  converts,  among  whom  were  Col.  G.  and  ^^mi^.  H.  The  lat- 
ter was  the  uidividual  awakened  at  the  time  I  addressed  the  sinner 
imder  the  character  of  the  rebellious  son.  ThesA  united  with  llie 
4^urcfa  at  Big  Island.  In  the  meantime,  Mr.  J.  Dixon,  a  circuit 
preaclier  of  the  Methodists,  came  into  the  vicinity  of  tiie  revival 
md  gathered  a  society  of  abmit  twenty-five  members.  Of  these,  I 
understood  that  only  four  or  five  professed  to  enjoy  religion.  He 
urged  the  anxious  forward,  saying  to  them,  if  they  would  take  ttp 
the  cross  and  join  the  society,  perhaps  they  would  immediately  find 
salvation.  Accordingly  they  complied,  but  sad  was  the  apparent 
e£fect ;  for  from  this  time,  as  they  were  within  the  pales  of  the 
church,  they  seemed  to  £eel  measurably  secure,  and  soon,  to  ap- 
pearfmce,  their  concern  and  anxiety  for  salvation  died  aifay.  I 
think,  of  the  twenty  anxious  souls  that  united  with  the  society,  there 
was  not  one,  or  at  least  not  more  than  one,  that  professed  to  ex- 
perience a  saving  change  of  heart.  Thus  the  revival  stopped.  O, 
how  this  pained  my  soul.  I  wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Dixon,  and  en- 
deavored to  convince  him  that  his  course  had  been  unscriptural, 
fffid  stated  the  effect,  which,  to  appearance,  it  had  on  the  minds  of 
the  anxious.  He  returned  me  an  answer,  in  which  he  justified  his 
practice  of  buildii^  churches  or  societies  of  unc(mverted  persons. 
To  the  answer  he  added  a  lengthy  poetic  satire.  In  this  he  called 
me  "  Felly's  eldest  son  ;" — tmd  made  an  epitaph  accordingly,  to 
be  put  on  ny  tombdtono.  As  he  was  a  professed  minister  of  the 
t>68k  and  lowly  Jesos,  it  deeply  wounded   my  soifl.     With  an 


DAVID  MASKS. 


131 


lies  in 
I  wind. 
Ksaped 
at  two 
it,tiU 
irought 
er  WM 
es  that 
stained 
its  vio- 
,  Alas  I 
:>  goeth 
Ih  pain 
»    J«r. 
ce  from 
pon  the 

Grand 
3  sairar 
,  eleyen 
Thelat- 
le  sinner 
vidi  the 
t  circuit 


Bfsons. 

Le  called 

[ngly,  to 

of  tbe 

rith  an 


aching  heart)  I  laid  it  before  the  Lord,  and  concluded  to  let  it  rest 
till  I  should  meet  him  at  that  trilmnal  from  which  there  will  be 
no  appeal.  I  was  informed  that  some  of  the  Methodist  brethr^ 
were  grieved  with  him  for  this  satire,  and  talked  of  reporting  him 
to  the  Conference.  O  that  he  may  repent  and  find  meroy  in  the 
day  of  the  Lord. 

During  my  school,  I  frequently  preached  in  other  neighbor^ 
hoods,  particularly  in  Big  Island,  and  at  Marion  county  seat.  In 
the  former  place  the  revival  under  the  labors  of  Elder  Dudley 
continued,  and  the  church  in  his  care  walked  in  great  liberty.  A 
more  happy  and  engaged  people,  I  think  I  had  never  seen.  Such 
power  and  glory  were  frequently  manifested  in  their  meet- 
ings, that  tiiey  were  indeed  awful  on  account  of  the  presence  of 
the  Lord. 

I  was  present  on  a  baptismal  occasion,  that  was  remarkably  in- 
teresting.   The  day  was  beautiful,  and  baptism  was  performed  in 
the  river  Sciota,  in  the  midst  of  the  great  prairie  between  Big  Is- 
land and  Marion.     Scarcely  a  tree  or  shrub  obstructed  the  sight 
for  several  square  miles.    The  grass  that  was  now  four  or  five  feet 
in  height,  bended  gently  before  a  breeze,  while  the  assembly  form- 
ed a  procession  between  one  and  two  miles  in  length.    They  came 
to  the  river  about  the  centre  of  the  prairie  where  tbey  had  been 
wonf  to  baptize,  and  there  met  another  company  of  people  from 
Mtirion  county  seat    A  large  proportion  of  this  assembly  were 
holy  Christians  and  happy  converts.     They  began  to  sing  one  of 
the  songs  of  Zion,  and  were  filled  with  joy  someidiat  like  that  which 
gladdened  the  heart  of  the  disciples,  when,  as  their  blessed  Master 
was  riding  into  Jerusalem,  they  cried  "  ffo$a$ma  to  the  San  of  Do- 
vid/"    We  kneeled  on  the  grass  while  prayer  was  made  to  God; 
then  Elder  Dudley  led  five  happy  converts  into  the  stream  who 
oame  out  rejoicing.     Much  solemnity  pervaded  the  assembly  and 
many  wept    At  the  conclusion  of  this  interesting  season,  the 
church,  joining  hands,  formed  a  ring,  in  which  those  just  baptized 
united,  and  thus  received  the  right  hand  of  fellowship.    Then  all 
kneeled  and  prayer  was  made  for  them,  for  the  anxious  that  were 
present,  for  the  assembly,  and  for  the  whole  world.    They  united 
again  in  a  song  of  praise,  that  with  heavenly  melody  rang  over  the 
plain.    Shortly  after  the  singing  commenced,  they  began  to  shake 
hands  with  each  other,  and  before  the  hymn  closed,  this  salutation 
was  exchanged  by  nearly  the  whole  assembly ;  and  many  seemed 
almost  "  caught  away  by  the  Spirit."    While  the  congregation  was 
dispersing,  I  watched  the  different  companies  as  they  followed  the 
winding  paths  through  the  waving  grass,  and  from  some  I  heard 
the  voice  of  singing  and  gladness  till  they  were  lost  from  sight  in 
the  distant  oak  ^ves  that  surrounded  the  prairie  of  Sciota.    My 


f^*»:v?."''''-'^'-"'>:>.=^v^' 


l'~^^^^.T:^:^T.TUl|^J^l(JJ^^y-p■u■ 


182 


HBMOIBS  OP 


soul  was  melted  by  the  sublimitj  of  the  scene ;  and  as  I  retired,  I 
wept  for  joy.  This  day  I  remember  as  one  of  the  most  interesting 
of  my  life. 

My  school  closed  on  the  2dth  of  June,  1825.  I  uniformly  began 
and  closed  the  exercises  of  the  day  with  prayer ;  and  frequently 
made  addresses  to  the  scholars,  which  seemed  to  gain  place  in 
their  hearts,  and  they  often  listened  with  tears.  They  had  treated 
me  with  much  affection,  and  I  found  the  thoughts  of  parting  with 
them  quite  painful.  I  had  enjoyed  peace  of  mind,  auu  did  not  feel 
that  I  had  erred  in  past  engagements ;  for  I  had  opportunities  of 
preaching  often,  and  the  Lord  had  blessed  the  word  to  the  salva- 
tion of  some.  I  had  also  enjoyed  an  advantage  that  I  did  not  an- 
ticipate. I  found  that  instructing  others  had  contributed  to  my  own 
improvement.  At  the  commencement  of  my  school  in  York,  I  be- 
gan the  study  of  figures  without  an  instructor.  As  I  boarded  with 
my  employers,  and  preached  five  or  six  times  in  a  week,  I  had  lit- 
tle leisure  for  study,  till  after  others  retired  to  rest  By  continu- 
ing my  studies  till  midnight,  and  sometimes  till  two  or  three  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  I  succeeded,  with  two  or  three  exceptions,  in  work- 
ing all  the  sums  in  Adams'  Arithmetic,  before  the  close  of  my  sec- 
ond school. 

July  1,  1825, 1  engaged  to  teach  the  same  school  another  term  of 
three  months.  Soon  I  felt  impressions  that  the  harvest  time  with 
{tinners  in  this  place  had  passed,  that  several  who  had  been  awak- 
ened to  seek  G<)d,  had  grieved  his  Spirit,  and  that  now  the  Lord 
had  said  of  them  as  he  did  of  Ephraim.  Theif  are  "joined  to  idols ; 
let  them  alone."  I  told  these  impressions  in  public,  and  at  the 
same  time  felt  a  deep  sense  of  the  awful  justice  of  the  great  God. 
I  felt  that  }*  was  a  sealing  time,  and  these  presentiments  proved 
true ;  for  not  one  soul,  during  my  stay,  afterwards  professed  to  find 
salvation.  Still  I  continued  preaching  with  great  freedom,  and 
much  peace  of  mind.  My  discourses,  however,  were  principally 
directed  to  comfort  and  strengthen  the  saints.  I  observed  some 
seriousness  in  my  school,  and  hoped  that  at  some  future  period,  the 
good  seed  that  had  been  sown  with  many  tears,  would  spring  up 
and  bear  fruit.  These  hopes  were  not  unfounded.  One  or  two 
years  after  I  left  Ohio,  I  received  a  letter  from  a  friend,  stating  that 
several  of  these  children  had  been  converted,  and  often  reflected  on 
the  serious  impressions  they  received  in  this  school. 

About  this  time,  I  began  to  have  forebodings  that  sickness  await- 
ed me,  and  perhaps  death.  I  spoke  of  these  several  times  to  my 
friends,  particularly  to  brother  Bates,  formerly  from  Montpelier, 
VL  He  had  been  in  the  holy  war  forty-six  years.  The  Lord  had 
blessed  him  with  a  convenient  dwelling,  and  the  good  things  of  this 
life ;  auu  he  kiuuly  invited  me,  if  I  should  be  iU,  to  come  to  his 


DAYID  MARKS. 


183 


tired,  I 
eresting 

y began 
jquently 
)lace  in 
I  treated 
ing  -with 
.  not  feel 
nitiea  of 
\ie  salva- 
L  not  an- 
( my  own 
>rk,  I  be- 
•ded  with 
I  had  lit- 

continn- 
ee  o'clock 

in  work- 
f  my  sec- 

er  term  of 
time  with 
jen  awak- 
the  Lord 
I  to  idols ; 
Qd  at  the 
;reat  God. 
its  proved 
jed  to  find 
idom,  and 
)rincipally 
*vcd  some 
)eriod,  the 

spring  up 
toe  or  two 

tating  that 
eflected  on 

Qesa  await- 
nes  to  my 
/lontpelier, 
Lord  had 
ngs  of  this 
>me  to  his 


house,  where  he  assured  me  I  should  have  every  kindness  in  their 
power  to  bestow.     On  the  10th  of  August,  I  began  to  feel  unwell, 
but  continued  my  school.    The  next  day  my  indisposition  increas- 
ed, and  with  considerable  effort  I  passed  through  the  duties  of  the 
school,  then  told  my  scholars  that  I  was  ill,  and  they  need  not 
come  again  till  they  heard  from  me.    A  shower  was  now  rising, 
and  as  I  felt  anxious  to  reach  brother  Bates',  a  distance  of  three 
miles,  I  rode  very  fast ;  but  being  overtaken  by  the  rain,  when 
within  half  a  mile  of  his  house,  I  called  on  a  friend,  took  a  bed,  and 
staid  the  night.    The  next  morning,  I  was  only  able  to  ride  to 
brother  Bates',  where  I  was  affectionately  received,  and  went  im- 
mediately to  bed.    A  fever  had  fastened  upon  my  system,  and  as 
the  climate  was  unfavorable  to  my  constitution,  it  was  thought  my 
illness  would  be  severe.    This  I  expected ;  but  as  it  increased, 
clouds  veiled  my  mind,  and  I  enjoyed  little  comfort    I  tried  to 
pray,  but  my  prayers  seemed  like  a  chattering  noise.    Occasional 
flashes  o£  light,  only  kept  me  from  sinking.    I  bad  oflen  thought,  if 
laid  on  a  bed  of  sickness  in  a  land  far  from  home,  the  smiles  of 
Him  in  whom  I  had  put  my*trust  would  render  even  this  situation 
pleasant,  and  chase  my  woes  away.    But  now  as  my  distress  in- 
creased, and  the  light  of  God's  countenance  was  withdirawn,  my 
trials  seemed  greater  than  I  could  bear.    I  felt  that  my  soul  was 
wading  through  a  furnace  of  affliction ;  I  sought  the  cause,  but 
found  it  not.    I  knew  not  that  I  had  neglected  any  particular 
duty,  or  committed  any  particular  sin,  for  which  I  was  thus  forsa- 
ken of  the  Lord.    In  consequence  of  my  gloomy  state,  sceptical 
suggestions  troubled  me ;  and  satan  tempted  me  to  doubt  the  reali- 
ty of  reli^on,  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  and  even  the  existence  of 
God.    But  the  many  evidences  of  the  divine  authenticity  of  the 
Scriptures,  with  my  own  experience,  wherein  my  soul  had  been 
made  exceeding  joyful  in  circumstances,  temporally,  very  afflictive, 
prevented  these  evil  suggestions  from  taking  any  root  in  my  mind. 
Again,  I  reflected,  that  this  state  is  one  of  trial,  and  in  the  inti- 
mate connection  of  soul  and  body,  it  would  be  strange  indeed,  if  the 
state  of  one  should  not  in  some  measure  affect  the  condition  of  the 
other.    If  sorrow  of  mind  causes  the  body  to  waste  away,  is  it  in- 
credible that  disorder  of  body  should  affect  the  mind  ?    From  these 
reflections,  I  resolved  that  a  happy  state  of  feeling  should  not  be 
the  basis  of  my  hope ;  that  though  my  sight  was  dim,  I  would  still 
walk  by  faith.     Yea,  I  said  in  ray  heart,  "  Though  he  slay  mey  yet 
will  I  trust  in  him" 

In  a  little  time  afler  my  confinement,  I  became  very  sick,  and 

lost  to  myself.    Afler  midnight,  brother  Bates  went  several  miles 

for  a  physician,  and  soon  another  was  called.    They  were  both  men 

of  skill,  and  very  attentive..    In  about  ten  days  they  succeeded  in 

12 


1S4 


HXKOIBS  OV  I 


Cheeking  the  fever,  and  I  began  to  amend.  The  family  seemed  to 
know  no  weariness  in  the  abundant  care  and  kindness  thej  be- 
stowed upon  me ;  and  to  this  day  the  remembrance  of  it  mehs 
my  heart 

In  the  latter  part  of  August,  a  quarterly  meeting  was  to  be  or- 
ganised  in  Norton,  twenty-five  mUes  distant.  Feeling  anxious  to 
attend,  I  ventured  to  ride  five  or  ten  miles  in  a  day  till  I  reached 
the  place.  Four  churches  united  and  formed  the  Marion  quarter- 
ly meeting.  Three  of  these  were  in  Big  Island,  Marion,  and  Nor- 
ton. The  quarterly  meeting  contained  two  Elders,  David  Dudley 
and  Samuel  Bradford,  and  about  one  hundred  members.  My  heart 
was  glad  for  the  good  work  of  the  Lord  in  this  wilderness.  But 
my  short  journey  had  been  too  much  for  my  strength,  and  my  fe- 
ver returned  ;  so  that  during  the  meeting,  I  did  not  stay  in  the  as- 
sembly more  than  two  hours.  In  this  time  I  sat  in  a  chair,  and 
preached  about  an  hour  with  some  freedom.  I  retired  immediate- 
Ij  from  the  bam  where  the  meeting  was  held,  went  into  a  chamber, 
and  lay  down  on  a  sheet  expanded  on  a  frame,  to  prevent  the  in- 
oonvenience  of  the  heat  •  Here  I  continued,  mostly  alone,  passing 
the  time  in  much  restlessness  and  weeping,  till  the  quarterly  meet- 
ing closed.  Then  I  returned  s^wly  to  Marion  county  seat ;  and 
when  I  arrived,  my  strength  was  so  exhausted,  that  I  thought  I 
should  fisdl  from  my  horse.  Col.  H.  Gorton,  a  brother  and  friend, 
seeing  my  situation,  met  me  a  few  rods  from  his  door,  and  helped 
me  into  his  house,  and  on  to  a  bed.  In  a  fbw  minutes  a  chill  struck 
aae,  my  mouth  and  tongue  became  cold  and  numb,  and  for  a  little 
time  I  was  unable  to  speak.  After  this  I  was  confined  by  what  is 
<ialled  a  cMll  feoer^  a  complaint  frequent  in  Ohio,  and  which  often 
proves  fatal.  I  endured  much  pain,  and  frequently  had  turns  of 
derangement ;  but  at  the  close  of  the  second  week,  through  the 
blessing  of  GU)d,  my  health  was  measurably  restored.  The  kind- 
ness I  received  at  this  time  will  long  be  remembered.    *  iv»<.»  ?skx: 

About  the  middle  of  September,  I  was  able  to  move  slowly  IW»i^ 
place  to  place,  and  hold  a  few  meetings.  I  called  to  see  my  phy- 
fieians,  and  though  they  did  not  profess  religion,  they  declined  re- 
ceiving any  reward  for  their  services,  and  seemed  to  take  satisfac- 
tion in  showing  me  these  favors.  O  that  it  may  be  said  to  them  in 
a  coming  day,  *^  Twos  tick  and  ye  vitited  me."  After  this  I  re- 
turned to  QrMid  township,  again  commenced  my  school,  and  con- 
Unued  it  two  weeks. 

In  the  early  part  of  October,  1825,  I  attended  the  organization 
of  Aft  Ohio  yearly  meeting,  in  Centre,  a  township  joining  Big  Is- 
land. Elders  David  Dudley,  Moses  Dudley,  Marcus  Kilboum, 
Samuel  Bradford,  and  two  or  three  other  preachers  were  present 


•mm  v^'  •  >     <Mk«^« 


ft««\^W%/ 


DAVID  MABK8. 


185 


I  think  there  were  ten  ordained  preachers,  and  thirteen  small 
churches.  The  number  of  members  was  not  ascertained,  but  prob- 
ably did  not  exceed  three  hundred.  We  enjoyed  some  refreshings 
through  a  part  of  the  meeting ;  but  on  the  Sabbath  it  appeared  to 
be  a  time  of  mourning,  especially  among  the  preachers.  In  the 
latter  part  of  the  day,  however,  the  free  Spirit  dispersed  the  gloom 
in  some  measure,  and  several  weighty  exhortations  excited  a  de^ 
gree  of  feeling  in  the  assembly.  As  the  meeting  was  about  to 
close,  a  great  solemnity  filled  my  souL  By  faith,  I  saw  the  ^Plani 
ofrenowrC*  spreading  its  tender  branches  over  the  wilderness  of  the 
west  and  south.  It  seemed  as  though  the  future  prosperity  moA 
glory  of  the  chuz-ch  were  instantly  presented  before  my  eyes.  I 
beheld  the  little  praying  bands  scattered  amid  the  plains  and  for^ 
ests  of  Ohio  from  Lake  Erie  to  Ohio  river,  and  west  into  the  de«> 
erts  of  Indiana,  and  saw  them  worship  in  their  log  cottages.  AnA 
the  period  seemed  near,  when  this  little  company,  now  assembled 
in  a  barn  to  hold  the  first  yearly  meeting,  should  become  a  great 
people.  I  thought  with  myself,  O  what  will  the  Loi  d  do  for  them 
in  twenty  yean  I  Surely  we  have  reason  to  believe  he  will  work 
wonders,  p,  if  Randall  and  Colby  could  have  been  here  to-dav, 
and  have  seen  the  white  fields  ready  for  the  harrest,  how  would 
they  have  wept  for  joy.  Twenty  years  from  this  time,  if  the  brefb> 
ren  remain  steadfast,  and  the  Ohio  yearly  meeting  assemble,  what 
wonders,  what  glorious  revivals  and  additions  can  they  speak  of  to 
the  praise  of  their  Redeemer.  The  meeting  closed  with  much  so- 
lemnity, and  many  I  believe  went  away  comforted. 

I  had  labored  under  constant  depression  of  mind  since  the  time 
of  my  oonfinement ;  and  only  at  intervals,  and  even  then  but  for  a 
few  minutes,  was  I  happy.  At  this  meeting,  the  Lord  granted 
some  comfort  to  my  soul ;  but  to  my  sorrow,  I  found  that  my  yay 
departed  immediately  after.  My  days  were  again  solitary,  and. 
spent  in  mourning ;  and  my  prayers  seemed  an  empty  sound.  I 
felt  that  I  had  little  more  work  to  do  for  the  Lord  in  this  part  of 
His  vineyard.  A  constant  gloom  continued  to  veil  my  mind,  my 
labors  seemed  more  worthless  than  the  dust,  and  I  could  see  no 
prospect  of  their  being  useful.  One  month  of  the  term  for  which 
I  had  engaged  to  teach  was  yet  to  come,  and  I  concluded  to  ask  a 
dismission,  that  I  might  return  to  New  York.  This  was  granted ; 
and  in  two  days,  all  my  employers,  with  one  or  two  email  excep- 
tions, paid  what  was  due  on  the  schpol  bills.  I  attended  a  few 
meetings  in  the  vicinity  of  my  school,  and  in  neighboring  towns. 
Thick  darkness  seemed  to  cover  me,  and  I  deeply  sighed  for  barren- 
ness of  soul.  Could  the  trees  on  the  plains  of  Marion  county 
speak,  they  might  tell  the  solitary  hours  I  there  spent  in  sighs  snd 
groans.      .  -   .-  '.    ■.-  ..-.-.  -■■   ~.    ..-..  /^:  .i.^, ..  ,._...;.•,, 


136 


MEMOIBS     OF 


About  the  10th  of  October,  1825,  I  bade  my  brethren  and 
friends  farewell.  It  was  a  solemn  parting — and  to  me  a  gloomy 
time.  My  health  was*  still  poor,  and  I  was  very  feeble.  A  jour- 
ney of  nearly  five  hundred  miles  lay  before  me,  to  travel  principal- 
ly on  horseback,  amid  the  winds  and  rains  of  autumn.  But  this 
was  nothing  compared  with  the  cheerless  winter  that  chilled  my 
poor  soul.  Sometimes  I  would  try  to  apply  to  my  case  the  words 
of  David :  "  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  0  my  soul  ?  and  why  art  thou 
disquieted  within  me  ?  Hope  thou  in  God;  for  I  shall  yet  praise 
him,  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance,  and  my  God"  Still  this 
could  not  bring  the  life-giving  presence  of  my  Savior ;  nor  recall 
the  happiness  of  former  days.  I  proceeded  on  my  journey  to 
Green  Creek  and  York  townships,  a  distance  of  about  fifty  miles. 
After  resting  some  days  and  holding  a  few  meetings,  I  continued 
my  journey  to  Wayne,  preaching  occasionally  by  the  way.  I  ar- 
rived at  this  town  the  first  day  of  November,  gave  notice  for  a 
meeting  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Morse,  and  a  considerable  room  was 
soon  filled.  A  revival  had  lately  gladdened  Zion,  and  if  I  was  cor- 
rectly informed,  all  in  the  assembly,  except  three,  professed  relig- 
ion. Of  this  I  was  ignorant  at  the  time,  and  my  mind^was  led  to 
direct  my  discourse  to  the  unconverted.  I  spoke  from  Frov.  28: 
23 :  "  Buy  the  truth  and  sell  it  not"  From  an  impression,  I  turn- 
ed and  addressed  a  stranger  who  stood  by  my  side,  in  the  following 
.  manner :  "  Young  man,  remember  though  thou  art  now  in  time,  to- 
morrow thou  mayest  be  in  eternity ;  though  to-day  thou  art  with 
us  in  the  body,  to-morrow  thou  mayest  be  conversant  with  disem- 
bodied spirits  in  the  eternal  world."  This  man  was  the  only  male 
in  the  assembly  that  had  no  hope  in  Christ  I  was  informed  that 
he  went  home  quite  serious,  and  made  some  remarks  on  the  youth 
of  the  preacher,  and  the  sermon  he  had  heard,  that  indicated  bis 
heart  had  been  touched.  The  next  morning  he  arose  in  like  man- 
ner solemn,  but  soon  commenced  singing  a  song,  apparently  to 
drown  reflection.  This  had  been  his  usual  manner  when  convict- 
ed, according  to  his  frequent  confessions.  One  of  his  associates 
coming  in  while  he  was  singing,  said  to  him,  "  You  feel  quite  mer- 
ly  this  morning  ?"  He  repli^,  "  Tes — what  is  the  use  if  on^s 
dying  before  his  tims  comes  f"  Soon  he  went  to  the  rolling  up  of  a 
log  building— continued  cheerful  through  the  day,  and  occasionally 
sung  songs ;  but  a  little  before  sunset,  a  log  on  which  he  sat  at  the 
top  of  the  building,  began  to  roll.  He  saw  that  he  must  fall,  yet 
being  strong  and  active,  seemed  to  think  he  should  escape  dan- 
ger, and  cried  with  his  usual  cheerfulness,  "  Take  care  boys.** 
These  were  his  last  words ;  for  as  soon  as  he  reached  the  ground 
the  log  fell  on  his  head.  He  could  neither  speak  nor  move, 
but  looked  wishfully   on  his  friends,  and  died  in   fifteen  minutes. 


D^ITID  MARKS. 


1»7 


Thus  he  found  that  his  time  had  come  "m  a  thiqf  in  the  night." 
When  leaving  home  in  the  morning,  he  stopped  a  little  distanoe 
from  the  door,  in  which  his  wife  was  standing  with  their  onl  j 
child,  looked  at  them  a  minute  in  silence,  then  returning,  kissed 
the  child,  and  left  his  little  family  forever!  But,  ah!  how  little 
did  he  think  he  had  heard  his  last  sermon — that  the  last  day  of  his 
life  had  come,  and  the  Judge  was  standing  at  the  door  I  May 
this  be  a  warning  to  the  ungodly.  I  visited  the  fatal  spot  immedi- 
ately, and  guided  by  a  bloody  path,  followed  the  body  of  this  unfor- 
tunate youth  to  a  neighboring  dwelling,  where  with  keen  sympa^ 
thies  I  witnessed  the  agonies  of  his  companion  and  numerous  rela- 
tives, who  wept  as  though  they  had  no  remaining  eomfort.  Then 
I  said,  **  Man  i$Ulketo  vmiitjf:  hia  dojffoire  w  a  ^adoto  thatpaa- 

Nov.  4,  1825,  closed  twenty  years  of  my  life,  and  it  waa  a  day 
of  much  reflection  and  solemnity.  As  it  was  the  wish  of  the 
relatives,  I  preached  the  funeral  sermon  of  the  young  man  that 
had  been  called  away  so  suddenly.  A  numerous  congregation 
attended  and  about  thirty  mourners  wept  at  the  grave  of  their 
deceased  friend ;  while  the  multitude  that  stood  around  drtqyped 
many  a  tear.  I  never  was  present  on  a  more  impressive  oocasion. 
"■  Blessed  is  the  man  that  'is  keadt:'  "  for  ^man  knjweth  not 
hie  time.*' 

>  After  this  I  attended  a  few  meetings  in  these  parts,  and  foiwed 
some  acquaintance  with  several  breUuren  of  the  Wayne  quarterly 
meeting,  which  had  been  just  oi^anized.  The  number  of  members 
was  small,  yet  there  appeared  to  be  some  humble,  faithful  souls 
among  them.  I  enjoyed  some  interesting  seasons,  yet  generally  my 
spirit  continued  in  bondage,  and  my  labors  still  seemed  to  be  almost 
useless.  But  as  I  was  confident  my  commission  had  been  received 
from  the  Lord,  I  dared  not  forbear  to  warn  the  wicked.  I  contiiK 
ued  my  journey  to  New  York,  and  held  several  meetings  by  the 
way,  still  laboring  under  trials,  and  doubting  whether  I  should  ev- 
er again  enjoy  the  settled  peace  that  once  blessed  my  soul.  Yet  the 
oath  that  I  made  on  the  day  of  my  espousal,  was  engraven  on  my 
heart,  and  I  felt  no  inclination  to  violate  it;  but  when  tempted  to 
give  up  my  hope,  I  would  say  in  the  language  of  Peter :  "  Lord,  to 
whom  shall  I  go  ?  thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life."  At  Hano- 
ver, N.  Y.,  I  took  my  gig  which  I  left  there  when  going  to  Ohio, 
and  proceeding  on  my  way  homeward,  held  a  few  meetings  in  the 
western  part  <H  the  state.  H^lii  iUd 

About  the  first  of  December,  1825,  I  arrived  at  my  father's  in 
Junius  having  been  absent  about  fourteen  months.  ■ 

12*  --^eVJ  '75^'!lte3fe1aff♦■ 


i«"t^/.»     -»4l«.KB;.li. 


y-j/'ir-K ' 


.<t\.i:.mmm-'f^!i-  mm-^'-'Mn^ 


'\:"'' """" 


f!"'.y 


'I 


188 


MEM0IB8   or 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


■d  -if* 


m  ^Mi< 


Mi>  Triab  and  Lahort  for  seven  montht  after  my  return  from 

'•"  My  soul  continued  in  a  furnace  of  affliction.  My  hours  passed 
in  gloom,  and  my  days  were  numbered  in  much  sorrow.  I  attend- 
ed one  or  two  meetings  in  adjacent  towns,  but  such  heaviness  op- 
pressed me,  that  I  felt  confident  my  labor  was  in  vfun.  My  de- 
pression increased,  and  I  dreaded  to  visit  my  brethren,  expecting 
they  would  be  greatly  disappointed  in  me — and  their  disappoint- 
ment I  thought  would  fill  me  with  anguish.  Believing  my  life  was 
of  little  use  to  the  church  or  to  the  world,  and  thinking  it  mattered 
little  where  I  spent  my  time,  I  engaged  a  school  in  my  father's 
neighborhood,  and  commenced  teacling  about  the  10th  of  Decem- 
ber. I  made  stated  appointments  twice  a  week  in  this  vicinity, 
and  once  a  week  in  an  adjacent  neighborhood,  and  occasionally 
preached  in  other  places,  particularly  in  Galen.  Great  darknese 
covered  the  people: — Often  I  went  to  my  appointments  ^vith  a 
heavy  heart,  and  returned  with  the  burden  stUl  increased.  I  en- 
joyed the  society  of  my  father's  family,  and  my  three  brothers  at- 
tended the  school.  These  were  pleasant  temporal  privileges,  but 
they  could  not  make  me  happy  while  my  Savior  hid  his  face,  and 
I  could  not  see  sinners  turning  to  God.  In  solitary  places  I  wept, 
and  prayed  the  Lord  once  more  to  dispel  my  darkness  and  shine 
into  my  heart ;  but  still  I  found  no  answer  to  my  petitions.  I  read 
the  Lunentations  of  the  prophet  Jeremiah,  and  applied  such  pas- 
sages as  these  to  my  case :  '^  I  am  the  man  that  hath  seen  affliction 
by  the  rod  of  his  wrath.  He  hath  led  me  and  brought  me  into 
darkness  but  not  into  light.  Surely  against  me  is  he  turned ;  he 
turneth  his  hand  against  me  all  the  day.  He  hath  set  me  in  dark 
places  as  they  that  be  dead  of  old.  He  hath  hedged  me  about 
that  I  cannot  get  out :  He  hath  made  my  chain  heavy.  Also 
when  I  cry  and  shout  he  shutteth  out  my  prayer.  And  I  said.  My 
strength  and  my  hope  is  penshed  from  the  Lord.^'  Lam.  3:1 — 8, 
18.  Still,  in  this  state  of  affliction,  I  knew  God  was  just  in  all  his 
ways,  and  that  he  would  be  just,  if  for  my  unfaithfulness  and  my 
sins,  he  should  hide  his  face  forever.  Yet  the  Lord  strengthened 
me,  so  that  I  felt  no  mclination  to  abandon  the  cause  of  Christ,  or 
jrield  lay  hope  in  the  promises  of  God :  but  I  did  seriously  think 
of  retiring  from,  a  public  life ;  for  all  my  preaching  seemed  like 
''sounding  brass,  or  a  tinkling  cymbal."  I  reviewed  my  experi- 
ence and  evidences  of  acceptance  with  Grod.    I  eonld  not  reject 


I   I 


.4 


DAVID  MABK8. 


139 


op- 
de- 


them.  Again  I  examined  my  evidences  of  having  been  called  to 
preach  the  gospel.  I  could  not  disbelieve.  And  now  what  could 
I  do  ?  This  commission  was  not  a  "  light  thing"  that  I  might  lay 
aside  by  my  own  will;  and  as  the  mandate,  '*  Go  ye— and 'preach 
the  gotpd^*  had  not  been  repealed,  I  dared  make  no  other  conclu- 
sion than  this ;  that  I  would  preach  according  to  my  ability,  and 
leave  the  event  with  God.  I  tried  to  content  myself  by  reflecting 
on  the  Scripture  that  saith :  "  No  chastening  for  the  present  seem- 
eth  to  be  joyous  but  grievous :  nevertheless,  aflerward  it  y ieldeth  the 
peaceable  fruit  of  righteousness  unto  them  which  are  exercised  there- 
by." And  though  no  animation  or  joy  should  ever  again  cheer  my 
countenance,  I  resolved  to  live  at  the  feet  of  my  Savior,  and  I  said 
with  the  Psalmist:  "  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  out  theef  and  the*e 
x$  none  upon  earth  that  Idenre  besides  thee" 

In  January,  1826, 1  left  my  school  to  attend  the  Benton  quar- 
terly meeting,  held  at  Flint  Greek,  in  Middlesex.  During  my  visit 
to  Ohio,  there  had  been  a  great  revival  in  this  vicinity,  anf^  nearly 
one  hundred  had  been  baptized  in  the  town  by  Elder  Wire.  I  ex- 
pected that  converts  would  be  generally  present ;  and  that  should 
I  speak  in  the  meeting,  my  testimony  would  be  cold  and  useless. 
So  I  concluded  to  be  a  disconsolate  spectator,  and  entered  the  crowd- 
ed assembly,  hoping  to  find  li  seat  in  some  comer,  and  pass  unob- 
served. But  immediately  every  eye  was  fixed  a^  me,  and  the 
countenances  of  all  seemed  to  tell,  that  they  haoiieard  of  "tAe 
boy  preacher"  in  the  days  of  his  gladness ;  and  that  now  they  ex- 
pected to  hear  for  themselves.  I  thought  within  myself,  "  Alas ! 
you  will  be  disappointed — and  this  assembly  will  spy  out  my  bar- 
renness." The  preacher  who  was  addressing  Ihe  people,  stopped 
and  invited  me  to  take  a  seat  with  the  ministers.  I  was  filled  with 
confusion,  hid  my  face,  and  wept  on  account  of  the  poverty  of  my 
aoul.  After  becoming  a  little  composed,  I  looked  around  on  the 
assembly,  and  saw  perhaps  one  hundred  happy  converts.  They 
were  singing  one  of  the  songs  of  Zion — heaven  seemed  to  shine  in 
their  counuinance»— and  for  a  few  minutes,  my  soul  was  melted 
and  charmed  with  the  beautiful  sight.  After  this  they  spoke  in 
quick  succession  and  with  much  power  ;  but  it  reminded  me  of  a 
touching  contrast — ^the  difference  between  their  state  and  mine. 
Again  my  poverty  pressed  upon  me,  as  a  burden  that  was  insup- 
portable, and  I  wept  as  though  my  tears  were  a  fountain.  At 
length  I  arose  and  began  to  speak ; — my  heart  broke — and, "  Glo- 
ry to  God,"  in  this  very  hour  the  winds  of  Heaven  began  to  blow 
on  my  soul.  The  clouds  that  had  covered  me  five  months,  now 
fied  away.  The  glory  of  God  beamed  upon  me,  and  again  I  tasted 
the  happiness  that  had  formerly  gladdened  my  spirit.    O,  how 


speak  the  word  of  tlie  Lord. 


A  lew  nours  atter  cms, 


140 


MBMOIBS     or 


I  willingly  accepted  an  invitation  to  preach.  It  seemed  as  though 
all  I  had  to  do  was  to  receive  the  word  immediately  from  God,  and 
•peak  it  to  the  people.  The  aaaembly  was  greatly  molted,  and  I 
felt  myself  exceedingly  abased  and  humbl^  berore  God.  His 
presence  was  glorious  and  awful.  AfVer  this,  many  spoke,  and  we 
ei^oyed  a  refreshing  time.  Now  it  seemed  as  though  I  was  in  a 
new  world ;  and  my  joy  for  thb  deliverance  was  inexpressible. 

Why  I  had  been  thui  forsaken  of  the  Lord  had  been  a  query 
which  I  was  unable  to  solve.  But  now  it  appeared  to  me  that 
Qod  had  especially  designed  this  visitation  for  the  trial  of  my  faith, 
and  to  strengtlien  others.  As  Whitfield  says,  "  Ministers  should 
be  tempted  in  all  things  like  unto  their  brethren,  that  they  may  be 
able  experimentally  to  succor  those  that  are  tempted."  Again,  I 
found  that  this  affliction  had  worked  for  my  good,  in  that  it  had 
weaned  me  from  the  world,  tau^t  me  to  fed  my  dependence  on 
G«d,  and  had  humbled  my  pride. 

On  the  Sabbath,  meeting  was  appointed  in  two  places,  but  the 
heart  of  the  people  was  together,  and  they  crowded  into  one  assem- 
bly. This  was  a  day  of  Emmamiel's  power,  and  a  time  of  great 
joy.  Again  it  fell  to  my  lot  to  speak  to  the  people,  and  I  feared 
that  my  clouds  would  return  ;  but  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  give  me 
as  much  freedom  as  I  enjoyed  the  day  before,  and  again,  in  my 
own  sight,  I  ^jdc  down  as  nothing  before  the  liOrd.  O  blessed  be 
his  name,  for  mis  great  mercy  to  an  unworthy  child.  After  meet- 
ing, I  returned  to  my  school  happy  in  God.  Now  I  regretted  that 
I  had  engaged  the  school,  for  the  Lord's  harvest  appeared  inviting, 
and  I  wished  to  bo  laboring  therein.  In  my  public  communications, 
however,  the  Spirit  gave  me  freedom,  and  I  enjoyed  much  peace 
in  opening  and  closing  my  school  by  prayer,  and  in  frequently 
speaking  to  my  scholars. 

In  the  early  part  of  March,  I  was  called  to  sit  on  a  council  of 
business  in  Sodus,  appointed  by  the  Benton  quarterly  meeting. 
The  council  proposed  to  set  me  apart  to  the  work  whereunto  the 
Lord  had  called  me.  This  was  unexpected.  Considering  my 
youth,  and  that  the  request  had  not  been  presented  by  the  church 
of  which  I  was  a  member,  I  was  doubtful  respecting  my  duty. 
But  afler  making  supplication  to  God  for  direction,  the  minister  of 
the  church  in  Junius  being  present,  I  consented  to  their  proposal 
on  the  5th  of  Mareh,  1826.  After  my  return  to  Junius,  the  church 
accepted  my  new  credentials  and  gave  me  a  letter  accordingly. 
Sliortly  aflerward,  on  the  day  appointed  for  c<»umunion  in  Ju- 
nius, it  unexpectedly  fell  to  my  lot  to  break  bread  to  the  church. 
This  being  a  duty  Uiaf.  had  not  before  devolved  on  me,  the  croes 
was  considerable,  and  I  cried  to  the  Lord  for  asnatance.  Lan- 
■  guage  cannot  describe  how  unworthy  I  feU  to  <rffiioiate  in  the  ocdi- 


DATID   MARKS. 


141 


cross 
I  ordi- 


nances of  God's  house,  particularly  in  the  holy  supper.  With  a 
trembling  hand  I  moved  forward  to  handle  the  symbols  of  my  dear 
Savior's  broken  body,  and  in  doing  this  my  soul  wus  strengthened 
and  blessed.  Grod's  presence  was  in  the  meeting,  and  we  had  the 
witness  that  our  fellowship  was  with  the  Father,  and  with  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ 

About  the  f  5th  of  March,  I  closed  my  school,  and  to  some  of 
my  scholars,  as  well  as  myself,  it  was  a  solemn  day.  I  looked  on 
the  children  that  had  been  three  months  under  my  care,  and  re- 
j9ected  on  the  change  that  twenty  years  would  make.  How  many 
would  then  be  in  the  tomb— and  how  many  of  those  who  should 
survive  would  be  scattered.  I  prayed  that  they  might  be  prepar- 
ed for  the  scenes  of  the  future.  Solemn  was  the  thought,  that  my 
words  and  examples  had  made  impressions,  that  would  be  remem- 
bered by  them  long  after  I  should  be  laid  in  the  grave.  So,  I 
prayed  that  wherein  I  had  erred,  the  Lord  would  forgive  ;  and  that 
those  deeds  which  I  had  wrought  in  the  light  of  God,  might  be  en- 
graven on  their  hearts,  and  instrumental  of  good  to  their  souls. 
Two  of  my  scholars  had  for  some  time  appeared  serious,  and  though 
they  did  not  as  yet  submit  to  the  cross,  I  hoped  these  impressions 
would  terminate  in  their  reconciliation  to  God. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  month,  I  went  to  Ontario,  Penfield,  and 
Perinton,  and  enjoyed  some  refreshing  meetings  with  the  churches 
in  these  towns.  In  some  instances  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shone 
round  about  us.  We  witnessed  a  few  cases  of  awakening,  and  con- 
viction followed  a  small  number  till  they  were  converted.  While 
I  was  in  these  towns  several  communicated  liberally  to  my  tempo- 
ral necessities.  After  holding  meetings  in  several  other  towns,  I 
returned  to  Junius,  preached  a  few  times,  and  then,  in  company 
with  my  eldest  brother,  visited  my  sister  in  Ithica. 

After  preaching  at  Ithica,  I  visited  several  other  towns  within 
the  limits  of  the  Owego  quarterly  meeting,  preached  the  word  to 
many  congregations,  and  enjoyed  the  witness  that  my  labor  was  not 
in  vain  in  the  Lord.  I  held  two  meetings  in  the  town  of  Ithica,  at 
the  house  of  Esq.  Dean,  about  three  miles  from  the  village.  A 
revival  had  just  gladdened  the  hearts  of  many  in  this  vicinity,  and 
these  meetings  were  blessed  with  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  One  de- 
sired baptism.  This  ordinance  I  had  never  yet  administered.  A . 
meeting  for  the  purpose  was  appointed  on  the  9th  of  May,  1826. 
The  day  was  pleasant  and  the  earth  was  arrayed  in  all  the  loveli- 
ness of  spring.  Previous  to  the  hour  appointed,  I  retired  to  a 
beautiful  pine  gix)ve,  and  spent  a  little  time  entreating  the  Lord  to 
stand  by  me  this  day  and  strengthen  me  for  the  solemn  work  be- 
fore me.  I  received  much  comfort,  and  went  to  the  meeting  very 
Imppy.     The  Lord  enabled  me  to  speak  with  much  boldness,  and 


142 


MKMOIRt    or 


caused  his  Spirit  to  move  on  the  Maembly.  The  candidate  related 
her  experience,  and  received  the  approbation  of  the  brethren  ; 
tlien  we  walked  to  the  water,  and  with  feelings  of  det^p  self* 
abasement,  I  administered  the  ordinance,  and  was  groiUly  bloaned. 
From  Ithica  I  passed  between  the  Cuyugn  and  Soneai  lukca, 
crossed  the  latter  from  Ovid  to  Milo,  and  after  holding  several 
meetings  in  ditferent  towns  I  attended  the  Benton  qtarterly  meet- 
ing in  Middlesex,  on  the  12th  and  13th  of  May,  1826.  The  aa- 
sembly  was  large  ;  many  brethren  and  converts  wore  present,  and 
we  were  favored  with  a  heavenly  season.  At  this  meeting,  I  aa- 
siated  in  ordaining  a  brother  to  the  work  of  an  evangelist.  After 
this  I  visited  the  brethren  in  Orovcland  and  Genesco,  and  held  a 
few  meetings;  then  attended  the  Bethany  quarterly  meeting  at 
Ladd's  comer  in  Clarkson,  May  20  and  21.  I  tliink  twelve  preoeh- 
era  attended ;  a  large  number  of  brethren  were  present,  and  a  con* 
gregation  of  about  one  thousand  people.  The  preaching  was  in* 
teresUng,  and  the  season  profitable ;  but  to  me  it  waaa  time  of  triaL 
Thinking  it  my  duty  to  address  the  people,  I  named  a  text  and 

{iroceeded  for  a  time  with  some  embarrassment.  Presently  a  con- 
iision  in  the  Bi<ieting,  and  the  circumstance  of  several  leaving  the 
assembly,  incre>;9ed  my  diflUculty ;  the  enemy  took  advantage,  and 
I  feared  that  I  had  mistaken  duty.  From  the  restless  state  of  the 
congregation,  I  supposed  the  people  did  not  wish  to  hear  me — my 
spirit  sunk,  and  before  my  discoune  was  half  finished  I  took  my 
seat  The  information  was  given  me,  that  the  confusion  in  the  as- 
sembly had  been  occadioned  by  a  man  who  was  intoxicated ;  yet 
my  conflict  became  great.  I  doubted  whether  the  Lord  had  ever 
called  me  to  preach — and  my  trial  seemed  greater  than  I  could  bear. 
As  I  wei-t  from  the  meeting,  I  vented  my  grief  in  bitter  weeping, 
yet  Ibis  did  not  assuage  the  sorrow  that  filled  my  bosom.  Elder 
Jenkins  tried  to  comfort  me,  but  I  replied, "  Such  is  my  barrenn^^ss 
that  I  cannot  preach :  I  would  be  willing  to  preach,  if  ray  lalxwrs 
could  be  uistrumental  of  the  conversion  of  any  souls,  or  of  any 
good  to  Zion ;  but  they  are  cheaper  than  the  dust,  and  I  cannot 
think  it  is  my  duty  to  attempt  to  preach,  while  so  little  good  at* 
tends  my  efforts."  He  replied,  "  Brother  Marks,  you  do  not 
know  what  good  may  arise  from  your  labors,  though  now  you  may 
aee  no  fruits.  God  has  commanded  you  to  preach,  and  you  mutt 
preach  or  be  damned"  His  remark  had  no  effect  to  relieve  me  of 
my  burden.  I  went  to  a  wood  and  laid  myself  on  the  ground  far 
from  the  hearing  of  any,  and  there  for  a  long  time,  gave  vent  to 
my  anguish.  My  life  appeared  to  me  useless,  and  I  thought  I 
^hould  hardly  again  desire  to  see  the  face  of  man.  But  afVer  con* 
sidering  the  subject,  and  not  being  able  to  persuade  myself  that 
Grod  had  not  called  me  to  labor  in  his  vineyard,  I  thought  if  the 


DAVID  MARKS. 


148 


any 


Lord  would  hide  DM  in  the  grave,  thin  would  bo  plennant.  Yet  m 
I  saw  no  alternative,  I  resolved  to  cast  my  care  on  Jesus,  and  sub- 
mit to  my  duty  amid  all  my  poverty  of  soul.  When  the  dews  of 
the  evening  begnn  to  fall,  1  rutumcd  pensive  to  the  house  of  a 
fHend,  where  some  dear  brethren  endeavored  to  persuade  me  that 
this  flery  trial  would  only  purify  me,  and  fit  me  for  greater  enjoy- 
ment and  usefulness.  A  faint  hope  that  this  might  be  the  effect, 
(WUBod  my  sorrow  gradually  to  subside.  I  had  an  appointment 
next  morning  in  a  neighborhood  called  Cook's  settlement,  and  there 
preached  the  remaining  part  of  nay  discourse  that  was  left  unAn- 
iahed  at  the  quarterly  meeting.  The  Lord  unveiled  the  beauties 
of  his  face,  gave  me  his  free  Spirit,  and  accompanied  the  word  to 
the  heart  of  the  hearers.  My  late  trials  vanished  like  dew  before 
the  sun,  and  my  peace  became  like  the  flowing  of  a  gentle  riv- 
er. 

Leaving  Clarkson,  I  preached  a  few  times  in  Groveland,  and 
about  the  last  of  May  held  several  meetings  in  North  Penfleld. 
In  some  of  these,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  manifested  gloriously, 
the  children  of  the  King  were  made  happy,  and  some  of  them 
shouted  for  joy.  On  the  fourth  of  June,  after  meeting,  we  resort- 
9d  to  a  beautinil  beach  on  the  shore  of  lake  Ontario,  to  attend  the 
ordinance  of  baptism.  After  prayer  the  brethren  sang  a  hymn, 
and  were  greatly  animated  by  the  good  Spirit.  I  then  led  the 
convert  into  very  clear  water,  and  my  soul  enjoyed  a  great  bless- 
ing in  the  performance  of  this  duty.  As  we  "  came  up  out  of 
the  water,**  the  candidate  was  very  happy  and  praised  the  Lord 
aloud.  After  this,  some  were  awakened  in  our  meetings  to  seek 
the  Lord,  and  a  small  number  professed  to  find  the  "  pearl  of  great 
price." 

Near  the  middle  of  June,  I  attended  a  general  meeting  of  the 
Christian  onler  in  Mendon.  Here  I  heard  Elder  Capron  preach, 
that  the  destruction  with  which  the  wicked  shall  be  punished,  will 
effect  an  end  of  their  being.  Another  minister,  who  had  come 
from  the  south,  preached,  that  "  wo  are  not  to  be  forgiven  for 
Christ's  sak<  '  1  was  attached  to  this  denomination,  because  I  be- 
lieved them  to  be  an  humble.  Christian  people,  whom  the  Lord  had 
blessed  to  the  conversion  of  many.  They  had  ever  treated  me 
with  Christian  affection,  and  I  ha^l  expected  to  find  food  to  my  soal 
in  this  meeting.  But  by  hearing  these  doctrines  preached  and  ar- 
gued without  contradiction,  my  mind  was  brought  into  trial.  I 
conversed  with  some  of  the  preachers,  and  objected  to  these  ideas, 
supposing  they  were  not  generally  approved  by  the  denomination ; 
and  remarked,  that  I  had  expected  some  of  the  preachers  would 
publicly  <^po8e  them.  One  of  them  replied,  "  Brother  Marks,  I 
will   tell  you  plainly,  that  /  do   ml  ieliAfe    God  will,  fr^  #*- 


'^f^r 


^■^"■.r-;^s»'"^f'\ """  I'T.. •;•;;'-'  •■   ■  ■  ■ 


144 


MEMOIRS  OF 


wicked  eternallif  in  heW    I  was  shocked  by  ihe  expression,  and 
this  representation  of  the  Bible  doctrine,  that  the  wicked  "  shall  be 
coat  into  the  lake  of  fire!*    I  asked  him  whether  he  believed  the 
doctrine  of  annihilation  or  of  restoration  ?    He  declined  giving 
me  any  answer,  except  saying,  that  he  believed  all  the  Bible  taught 
on  this  subject     Some  of  the  preachers  that  were  present,  how- 
ever, disapproved  of   these  tentiments.    But  what  created  the 
greatest  trial,  was,  the  remark  that  we  were  not  to  be  forgiven  for 
Christ's  sake,  together  with  the  arguments  that  accompanied  it     If 
I  understood  the  doctrine  of  this  sermon,  it  was,  that  nothing  had 
been  merited  by  the  sufferings  of  Christ  in  behalf  of  sinners — and 
that  God,  the  Father,  pardons  men,  not  by  virtue  of  any  atone- 
ment made  by  Christ — but  merely  because  the  sinner  repents  and 
Crod  is  good.    By  this  doctrine.  It  appeared  that  Christ  had  acted 
only  by  a  delegated  power,  and  that  he  had  done  nothing  more  for 
the  ssJvation  of  men,  than  any  other  prophet,  ext    ;  *:  that  he  was 
the  mediator  of  a  greater  dispensation.     From  thes   ideas,  the  fol- 
lowing queries  were  suggested :   "  If  Jesus  be  not  the  true  Crod, 
why  should  we  worship  him  ?    Why  should  the  angels  worship 
him?     Why  should  Grodgive  directions  that  any  other  being  than 
himself  should  be  worshipped  ?    Why  should  4he  Father  require 
that  Jesus  should  be  worshipped  because  God  hath  worked  by  him, 
rather  than  that  Moses  should  be  worshipped,  because  God  wrought 
wonders  by  him  ?"    Afler  reflecting  a  little  while  on  these  queries, 
this  Scripture,  like  Sinai's  thunder,  came  to  my  mind :  "  Thou  shalt 
worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  Him  only  shalt  thou  serve."  Matt 
4:10.     At  this  instant,  all  nature  seemed  to  declare  the  inconsis- 
tency of  worshipping,  or  of  giving  divine  honors  to  any  other  be- 
ing,  than  *^  the  only  living  and  true  God"    It  seemed  to  m,  if 
Jesus  be  not  God,  and  yet  have  divine  honors  given  him,  because 
of  his  high  mission,  on  the  same  prinriple,  all  the  prophets,  apos- 
tles, and  persons  sent  of  God,  should  also  receive  divine  honors, 
proportionate  to  the  extent  of   their    mission.    Notwithstanding 
these  reflections,  I  knew  not  what  to  believe  of  Jesus  Christ     For 
the  Unitarian  arguments  had  so  influenced  my  belief,  and  so  form- 
ed the  connection  of  my  thoughts,  that  I  supposed  the  doctrine  that 
Jesus  Christ  is  the  true  God,  could  not  be  proved  from  the  Scrip- 
lures.     Indeed  to  this  sentiment,  I  thought  there  were  unanswer- 
able objections.    On  the  other  hand,  I  could  see  no  propriety  in 
worshipping  any  bei^^  except  the  true  God.     And  on  this  princi- 
ple, the  Scriptures  now  appeared  to  be  involved  in.  great  obscurity. 

"  When  Unitarian  unbelief,  I  tliink, 
■;ia    .v         Took  hold  of  Peter,  he  began  to  sink ; 
V  ^^  \  ■'        Onr  Lord,  as  if  surprised  at  this,  cried  cot, 

'  O  thou  of  little  faith,  why  didst  thou  doaht  V  , ;  ,*•     ?  .] 


•r 


niytb  HAMtt. 


Ik 


i. 


L^t  (Ids  A.^roof  6ixSic 
Thftt  doabte  ihe  power  df 


ft  belored  S6tf." 


'  'f  ytgs  ftow  lifce  &  ship  witbout  masf  or  Helm,  comimtied  io  the 
itiei^edfl  Waves.  AC  this  time  I  had  appointments  to  preach  in 
f  efiflet^  Perinton,  and  im  other  towns.  But  how  conld  I  med; 
tiheiii  ?  I  knew  not  what  to  preachy  nor  what  t<y  hdieve  I  I  attend- 
ed thettk,  however,  and  thought  myself  safe  in  restricting  my  re- 
marks on  this  subject  to  the  language  of  the  Scriptures,  though 
their  meaning  to  me  was  obscure.  I  read  the  Bible  day  and  night, 
and  was  much  in  secret  prayer.  But  while  I  prayed^  awful  doubte 
troubled  me,  and  great  darkness  veiled  my  mind,  so  that  like  ti^e 
darkness  of  Egypt,  I  thought  it  could  be  felt 

IlAfidelity  had  no  charms.    But  alas  I  I  saw  no  way  to  avoid  its 
l^nciples,  unless  I  could  believe  Chat  Jesus  Christ  i^  truly  Grod. 
My  Whole  soul  could  but  shrink  from  the  idea  of  ttpo  gods — ^the 
Father,  the  only  living  and  true  God,  and  my  Savior  consequently 
a  dead  and  false  god  I    But  how  could  two  persons  be  one  being  f 
Alas  r  my  difficulties  were  very  serious,  and  I  feared,,  les^  they 
should  force  me  to  infidelity.    I  wished,  unbiased  by  the  prejudi- 
ces of  educaf ioh,^  to  believe  and  know  the  truth.    I  res^ved  to 
cease  preaching,  unless  I  could  discern  the  truth  of  the  gospel.    I 
cddfd  see  no  way  lo  escape  the  gloomy  forebodings  of  infideliCy : — 
I  regretted  that  I  had  received  ordination.    I  remembered  that  the 
<$ouncil  seemed  to  have  some  hesitancy,  because  my  sentiments 
with  regard  to  the  character  of  Christ  were  not  sufficiently  settled ; 
bot  eonsidering  my  youth  as  anapology,  they  concluded  to  hy  hands 
on  in^,  believing  I  would  become  established  in  the  truth.    It  now 
seemed  that  I  should  disappoint  their  hopes.    Again  I  recollected 
the  many  souls  that  I  had  seen  converted, — ^the  happy  seasons  I 
had  enjoyed  with  the  saint^ — and  I  thought,  how  can  I  wound 
those  kind  friends?  how  can  I  disappoint  the  hopea  o(  my  bre^- 
ren  ? — and  can  I  bid  such  hapi^  scenes  mi  eternal  farewdD?    Yet 
I  said  within  myself,  I  jcannot  be  a  hypocrite — and  if  Heaven  do 
not  remove  these  doubts,  and  open  the  way  before  me,  I  must — ^I 
will  retire  from  the  church.    But  then,  alas !  how  can  I  endure  the 
presence  of  my  Christian  friends !    If  this  should  be  my  unhaj^y 
Condition,  I  will  leave  this  liand — ^hide  myself  in  the  wilderness  of 
the  west,  and  there  dwell  in  obscurity  till  death.    Now  the  gloom 
6f  infidelity  rushed  upon  me,  like  an  overwhelming  fiood.    What ! 

no  Savior  r — No  sure  guide !— Life  a  scene  of  sorrow— Deitth  an 
eternal  sleep!       :-.,,.;,_,  .,^.  , .  _  .,^,;     .^,.  .^v..<  ^->:4->vL>T 

Fr6m  the  evidmces  of  Okristtanttg  and  from  mf  ot/^  eaeperi- 

mee.  I  could  find  nothing  to  confirm  an  unhallowed  doubt.    My 

triials  originated  solely  from  my  Tlnitdrian,  vtewt  at  die  charactsr 

6i  i%riif.    1  opened  my  mind  to  brother  Thdmas   Parker,  a 

18 


146 


HEHOIBd   OF 


preacher  of  our  connexion  in  Perinton.  He  'iried  to  encourage 
and  strengthen  me;  and,  as  he  has  since  told  me,  after  we  separa- 
ted, he  went  into  a  wood  and  prajed  a  long  time  with  many  tears, 
that  I  might  be  saved  from  the  snare  of  infidelity.  I  attended  mj 
previous  appointments,  gave  out  no  more,  and  doubted  whether  I 
should  ever  attempt  to  preach  again.  I  continued  to  search  the 
Scriptures,  and  to  pray  the  Lord  for  deliverance.  But  my  way 
was  all  closed  up,  and  I  considered  much  on  the  manner  in  which 
I  might  retire  from  a  public  life.  I  thought,  however,  before  I 
made  any  new  conclusions,  I  would  vsit  Elder  J.  N.  Hinckley,  and 
lay  my  case  before  him.  He  had  been  an  atheist  for  eight  years 
previous  to  his  conversion,  and  I  looked  to  him  for  counsel  as  to  a 
father  in  Zion.  After  telling  him  all  my  doubts,  he  said,  <'  Broth- 
er Marks,  you  study  too  much,  you  travel  too  much,  and  you 
preach  too  much.  The  mind  is  as  easily  wearied  as  the  body ;  and 
yours  is  so  much  wearied,  that  you  know  not  what  you  are,  or 
where  you  are.  By  abstinence,  the  perception  ol*  the  mind  is 
quickened,  and  you  must  moderate  tili  you  brct^  -  <  sted  and 
calm."  He  then  took  me  to  his  mills,  fields,  &c.,  >  mversed 
freely  on  many  subjects,  but  declined  saying  any^  th  ...^  mi  the  sub- 
ject which  for  two  weeks  had  engrossed  my  whole  attention.  Af- 
ter passing  the  greater  part  of  a  day  in  this  manner,  he  took  me  to 
a  room  alone  with  him,  and  taking  his  Bible,  asked  me  if  I  would 
believe  Jesus  Christ  to  be  God,  provided  he  would  provo  that  he 
created  the  world?  Without  hesitation  I  answered  in  the  afiirma- 
tive ;  but  being  prepossessed  with  the  Unitarian  argument,  that 
the  Father  made  the  world  by  Christ,  as  aa  agent  only,  I  did  not 
•expect  the  proof  proposed.  He  began  to  read  the  first  chapter  of 
Paul's  epistle  to  the  Hebrews.  I  had  committed  this  chapter  to 
memory,  and  thinking  all  the  ideas  it  contained  had  been  previous- 
ly considered,  I  supposed  that  neither  the  8th  and  9th  verses, "  Thy 
Ihrone,  O  God,  is  forever  and  ever,"  &c.,  nor  any  part  of  the  chap- 
ter could  affect  my  mind.  But  when  he  came  to  the  tenth  verse, 
where  the  Father  still  addresses  the  Son,  he  put  his  finger  on  it , 
and  read  with  emphasis,  "  And  thou,  Lord,  in  the  heginning  hast 
hid  the  foundation  of  the  earth,  and  the  heavens  are  the  works  of 
thjf  hands."  Before  he  had  concluded  the  reading  of  tliis  sentence, 
cold  chills  began  to  pass  over  me — and  bursting  into  tears,  like  un- 
believing Thomas,  I  exclaimed  within  myself,  "  Mv  Lord  and  mv 
God." 

From  this  moment,  faith  began  to  revive  in  my  mul.  £lder 
Hinckley  now  remarked  on  the  objection  which  I  had  presented, 
viz.,  that  '<  the  Son  of  Gk)d  could  not  be  the  Father,  or  God  him- 
self.*' Said  he,  "  A  river  proceeding  from  a  lake  cannot  be  called 
the  lake  itself,  yet  the  stream  may  be  called  water,  and  the  fountain 


DATID  SIABKS.  iff ' 

water ;  and  one  b  as  truly  water  as  the  other,  because  the  sulftaace 
in  the  two  bodies  is  the  same.  So,  a  son  of  man  receives  from 
the  parent  a  perfect  human  nature,  the  entire  nature  of  his  spe- 
cies;— ^yet  this  makes  not  another  nature  nor  another  species 
of  being ;  but  the  nature  and  species  in  the  father  and  in  the 
son  are  the  same,  though  in  two  persons.  In  like  manner, '  the  on' 
h/  begotten  of  the  Faihery  possesses  the  nature  of  the  Father,  in- 
herent and  entire ;  and  this  nature,  or  divine  substance  of  the  Son, 
IS  as  justly  called  God,  as  the  divine  fountain  from  which  it  pro- 
ceeded." It  might  be  improper  here  to  relate  the  chain  of  re- 
flections in  full,  and  the  passages  of  Scripture  that  raised  me  from 
the  borders  of  infidelity.  Su^ce  it  to  say,  that  the  tenth  verse  of 
the  first  chapter  of  Hebrews,  commenced  my  convincement ;  and 
that  by  a  close  examination  of  the  Scriptures,  my  faith  increased, 
and  I  was  brought  firmly  to  believe  that  Jesus  is  truly  "  God  with 
u»"  And  to  this  day  I  have  never  doubted  in  saying  of  Him, 
"  This  is  the  true  God,  and  eternal  life."    1  John  5:20.* 

After  this  I  related  to  Elder  Elijah  Shaw,  a  preacher  of  the 
Christian  order,  the  particulars  of  my  convincement,  that  Jesus  our 
Savior,  is  as  truly  God  as  is  the  Father.  He  replied,  "  When  you 
became  established  in  this  sentiment,  you  became  established  in  a 
blessed  good  sentiment." 

I  now  returned  to  Penfield  and  Ferinton,  greatly  comforted,  and 
enjoyed  some  favored  seasons  in  preaching  the  Lord  Jesus,  as  the 
only  "  name  under  heaven  given 'among  men,  whereby  we  must  be 
saved." 


"*  When  I  attended  the  New  Hampshire  yearly  meeting  at  Weare,  in  th« 
year  1824, 1  heard  Elder  Enoch  Place  preach  on  the  character  of  Christ 
The  doctrine  distilled  like  the  dew,  and  I  was  greatly  delighted  till  I  heard  his 
concluding  sentence,  "  This  is  the  eternal  God,  and  besides  Him  there  is  no 
Savior."  This  sentence  damped  my  joy,  and  caused  cold  diills  to  pass  over 
me;  yet  at  this  instant  I  observed  the  assembly  dropped  as  it  were  a  flood  of 
tears ;  and  that  which  so  chilled  my  feelings  was  sanctioned  by  the  sound  of 
"Amen,"  from  many  voices.  But  since  the  time  I  cried  of  my  Savior  with 
unbelieving  Thomas, "  My  Lord  and  my  God"  this  doctrine  has  been  sweet  to 
my  soul.  :lu'iri^     •,    ■,'^iif:)'<'<i    ^j*;;  ■v/<vwf:ii,tt?j-*7T;>,i-w  •^r:iM>t , 


-..*vre 


iV    V- 


5.4  _ 


■■•?,■■  55. 


..f-». 


wi- 


■■•I'll 


:^^ 


;y'UV  l'*. 


148 


XlK^IItS  W 


,  ..-.,<) 


kPorticuUurs  ^  ny  Zaior«  /rom  Jufy^  1826,  to  September,  1827.' 


"^  In  July,  1826, 1  spent  sevend  weeks  in  Ontario,  fuid  prej  jlxed  in 
different  neighborhoods.    I  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  frequent 
instances  of  convictioih,  and  was  oflen  filled  with  joy,  while  I  saw 
the  saints  happj,  and  sometimes  heard  sinners  cry  for  mercy. 
Among  those  that  were  awakened,  was  an  interesting  young  man, 
the  son  of  a  Quidcer,*  and  three  young  ladies,  that  were  school 
teachers.    They  were  the  first  that  publicly  confessed  their  desire 
to  find  Jesus.    These  and  several  others  were  soon  brought  into 
Ufoerty,  and  rejoiced  to  take  the  cross  and  follow  Christ.    Sabbath, 
July  28, 1  had  an  appointment  in  the  north  part  of  Ontario  for 
baptism.    The  ]Jord  gave  me  freedom,  and  many  appeai'ed  quite 
soleom.    The  wind  having  raised  the  waves  on  lake  Ontario,  so 
that  baptism  could  not  be  attended  to  in  this  place,  we  proceeded 
Ibur  or  five  miles  west,  to  an  iidet^  where  I  baptised  two.    Aa  I 
came  out  of  the  water,  I  was  very  happy,  and  began  to  exhort  a 
yonng  man  ^t  was  a  Universalist,  to  repent  and  believe  in  Christ 
Jlis  reply  only  evinced  his  impenitence,  and  showed  how  little  his 
doctrine  influenced  him  to  "the  fear  of  the  Lord." 
*   In  the  latter  part  of  July,  I  preached  in  several  towns  west  of 
Bochester,  and  in  the  early  part  of  Aug.  went  east  as  far  as  Juni> 
us,  and  preached  in  many  places.     I  also  visited  several  churches 
of  the  Benton  quarterly  meeting,  and  attended  the  August  term  of 
said  meeting,  which  was  held  in  Italy^    A  large  number  of  people 
^d  brethr3n  convened  in  a  pleasant  grove.    The  preadung  was 
jspiritnal,  and  many  said  it  was  one  of  the  best  quarterly  meetings 
iliey  ever  attended.    I  never  shall  forget  how  solemn  my  soul  felt 
while  preaching  the  word,  neither  how  soQie  shouted,  that  I  thought 
would  not  do  thus  in  a  public  assembly.     Still  my  heart  s^d, 
'^Ze^  the  inhabitants  of  the  Rock  sing ;   let  them  shout."     During 
three  weeks  following  this   meeting,  I   visited  several  churches, 
preached  in  different  towns,  and  enjoyed  some  refreshing  sea- 
sons. 

August  26  and  27,  1826, 1  attended  the  sixth  session  of  the  Hol- 
land Purchase  yearly  meeting,  held  in  Ontario.  The  Ontario 
quarterly  meeting,  which  had  been  organized  from  the  Benton 
quarterly  meeting  in  the  autumn  previous,  was  at  this  time  receiv- 
ed into  the  yearly  meeting.    It  contained  eight  churches,  five  or- 


*  This  yoang  man  sabseqnently  became  a  useful  miaister. 


I 


DAVID    MASKS. 


149 


dained  preacherti,  and  about  one  hundred  members.  At  this  meet- 
ing I  first  saw  brother  Thomas  Huckios,  from  London,  Upper 
Canada.  He  came  a  distance  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  to 
attend  this  meeting,  with  a  request  for  me  to  visit  that  province. 
At  this  time  there  was  but  one  Free-will  Baptist  church  in  Upper 
Canada.'  This  was  situated  in  Dunwich,  one  hundred  and  fiftj 
miles  west  from  Niagara  river.  Several  years  ago,  brother  Huck- 
ins,  with  two  or  three  families  of  Free-v'iil  Baptists,  removed  from 
New  Hampshire  and  Lower  Canada,  into  this  town.  For  some 
years  they  en()eavored  to  content  themselves  by  enjoying  religioQs 
privileges  with  other  denominations ;  but  not  finding  with  them 
that  liberty  which  they  wished  to  enjoy,  about  eight  persons,  for 
the  space  of  many  months,  held  separate  conference  meetings,  and 
were  called  Free-will  Baptists.  About  the  year  1821,  they  sent  a 
man  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  into  New  York  for  help.  Elder 
Jenkins  went  to  them  immediately,  and  gave  them  the  hand  of  fel- 
lowship as  a  church.  Brother  Huckins  had  lately  commenced 
preaching,  and  at  this  meeting  related  his  call  to  the  ministry,  and 
received  a  letter  of  commendation.  Two  ministers  and  myself 
were  appointed  to  visit  the  province  immediately. 

The  meetings'  of  worship  were  interesting.  The  preaching  was 
blessed  to  the  awakening  of  some  who  never  rested  till  they  found 
salvation.  The  revival  that  had  commenced  in  this  town  previous 
to  the  meeting,  started  anew,  and  continued  till  one  hundred  or 
more,  if  I  mistake  not,  were  converted.  Among  these  was  Free- 
bom  W.  Straight,  the  young  man  whom  I  addressed  a  month  be- 
fore, when  coming  up  out  of  the  water  after  baptism. 
*  Sabbath,  Sept  8, 1  preached  in  Ontario,  and  the  heavenly  cloud 
seemed  to  be  spreading  fast.  The  cries  of  the  awakened,  and  the 
entreaties  of  the  converts,  that  I  should  stay  and  labor  with  them,, 
ma^e  me  almost  regret  having  engaged  to  leave  the  town.  But 
believing  duty  called,  I  left  them,  praying  that  they  might  "seek 
the  Lord  till  he  come  and  rain  righteousness  upon"  them.  With 
solemn  feelings  I  turned  my  course  toward  Junius,  and  called  on  a 
young  woman  in  Palmyra,  that  attended  my  school  the  winter  pre- 
vious. Having  been  sick  several  months,  she  had  come  to  this 
place  to  receive  medical  aid,  and  had  requested  thi^  visit,  expecting 
it  would  be  the  last.  She  observed  to  me,  "  My  physicians  have 
given  me  over^ — ^in  a  few  days  I  expect  to  die,  and  I  have  no  hope 
in  Christ  I  When  I  attended  your  school,  your  exhortations  oft«n 
reached  my  heart ;  and  though  I  felt  their  weight,  and  often  wept 
for  my  sins,  still  the  pride  of  my  heart  prevented  me  from  submit- 
ting to  the  cross.  Had  I  yielded  to  conviction,  I  might  have  had 
salvation.  But  now,  alas !  it  is  too  late  1  I  think  I  have  but  a  few 
days  to  spend  in  pain,  and  then  I  shall  sink  to  everlasting  misery  T' 
13* 


1A» 


vsnoxBs  or 


I  Ksked  her  if  sh^  wsA  billing  to  kneel  while  prajrer  aliould  be 
made  for  her*  l^he  answered,  "  Yes ;"  and  we  bowed  before  the 
XiOTd.    I  enjojed  unusual  freedom  in  prayer,  and  thought  the  Iiord 

eve  me  a  witness  that  she  should  receive  the  pardon  of  her  sins, 
the  mean  time  she  began  to  weep,  and  her  sorrow  and  cries 
seemed  enough  to  touch  &e  hardest  heart  She  arose,  and  wept 
till  her  strength  failed — the  cold  sweat  stood  on  her  face,  and  sue 
became  sUU  as  though  she  were  dead.  We  were  alarmed,  and  for 
a  moment  feared  the  consequences.  Soon,  however,  she  revived, 
bqit  shortly  fell  away  again  as  before.  Thus  she  apparently  faint- 
ed five  times  in  quick  succession.  My  faith  that  she  would  be  con- 
verted was  shaken,  and  I  seriously  feared  that  instead  thereof,  she 
would  die  immediately.  While  we  were  looking  in  fearful  sus- 
pense, she  revived  again,  and  seeing  her  sister,  she  inquired,  "  Why 
dQ  you  look  on  me  so  intently  ?"  Her  sister  asked  if  she  did  not 
know  that  she  had  fainted.  She  said,  "  I  am  well— >where  am  I  ?" 
Being  told  she  was  where  she  had  usually  been,  she  could  scarcely 
believe  '%  and  said,  *^  I  never  was  in  a  place  so  bemitiful  as  thia — 
tvery  thing  ahimes  like  gold."  .  Addressing  her  sister,  and  other 
friends  that  stood  around,  she  said,  "  How  beautiful  you  are !— 'I 
never  loved  you  |o  before^^— O,  bow  happy  I  am  I  I  believe  the 
J^rd  has  forgiven  me  all  my  sins.  Blessed  be  bis  name."  The 
next  morning  she  remarked^  "  Many  a  night  have  I  spent  weeping 
Ipr  fear  of  the  punishment  that  awaited  me ;  but  last  night  I  could 
not  sleep,  because  of  the  heavenly  joy  that  filled  my  soul ;  for  ihe 
gioodneas  of  the  X4ord  appeared  so  wondexfiil,  that  I  could  but 
praise  him  all  the  night"  Walking  out,  she  exclaimed,  "  O,  how 
beautiful  ia  the  i«c«  of  the  earth,  and  every  thing  \hat  meets  my 
sight  i  Tbia  appears  like  a  new  world !"  A&  I  was  about  to  leave, 
she  said  to  me,  *<  Brother  Harks,  before  you  go  to  Canada,  I  wish 
to  return  to  Jnnius,  confess  Christ  before  my  associates,  and  be 
baptized.    Then  I  can  die  in  peace."  -^  ,4, 4^^         * 

On  my  wrival  at  Junius,  I  understood  the  young  woman  had 
Ibaen  removed  to  her  father^a,  and  that  she  scarcely  waited  to  in- 
quire 9^v  the  he^th  of  her  friends  and  associates,  before  she  told 
^em  what  great  things  the  liord  had  done  for  her  soul.  I  attend- 
ed a  meeting  at  her  father's  houae,  and  immediately  after  the  ser- 
mon, she  sat  upon  the  bed  side,  supported  by  two  female  friends, 
and  in  a  s^mni  impressive  manner,  related  her  experience.  She 
th<a)  requested  the  assembly  to  look  on  her  feeble  form,  trnd  take 
w^M^ung*  3aid  aha,  "  I  feel  it  my  duty  to  be  baptised  to-morrow, 
and  in  a  &w  days  I  «xpeot  you  will  see  this  frame  wrapped  in  a 
ahrotid*  and  wiU  follow  me  to  the  grave.  0,  remember  what  I  tell 
ywi  and  aa  loa^r  neglect  the  Savior."  She  exhorted  tha  wicked 
for  sAine  minulas^  and  bar  tqaUnony  was  like  a  sba»i^  sw«Fd<    Mwy 


DATID  MAKKS. 


151 


in  the  assemblf  wept,  and  four  young  p«ople  oune  forward  for 
prayer. 

On  the  day  following,  a  meeting  was  appointed  for  bi^>ti8m  a 
mile  and  a  half  from  ber  father's.    Two  circumstances  made  this  a 
time  of  trembling  to  me.    I  had  lived  in  this  neighborhood  from 
ti»  age  of  nine  years,  and  had  never  baptized  any  in  the  place. 
Besides  the  candidate  was  so  feeble  that  she  could  not  sit  up  an 
hour  without  fainting^  and  some  of  the  brethren  thought  it  would 
endanger   her  life.     Others  were  of   opinion  Utat  she  would 
po^ba^y  die  in  the  performance  of  the  ceremony.     Sbe  would  not, 
however,  submit  to  their  entreaties,  but  said,  "  It  is  my  duty  to  fol- 
low my  I^rd  in  baptism,  and  he  will  support  me."    I  never  real- 
izcMl  more  the  need  of  divine  assistance  than  on  this  occasion  ;  and 
J  was  much  in  fervent  prayer  till  th^  time  came.    The  candidate 
was  placed  on  ^Iowb  and  blankets  in  a  chair,  and  brought  slowly 
to  the  meeting.    When  she  arrived,  many,  pn  seeing  her  pale  faee 
bwind  with  a  white  baudkerohief,  burst  into  tears.    She  was  laid 
on  a  bed,  and  the  exerdaos  commenced.    I  felt  all  the  solemnity 
while  speaking  to  the  people  that  I  ever  had  on  a  funeral  occasicm. 
Nor  did  the  assembly  seem  to  be  less  impressed.    Another  young 
w«man  that  had  attended  my  school,  and  had  also  obtained  a  hope 
in  Christ,  now  related  her  experience,  and  was  received  for  haifi- 
iisaa.    Then  the  one  (^  was  sick  stood  up,  supported  by  another 
fepale,  and  in  a  very  solemn  manner  told  how  she  bad  been  coo- 
vieted,  how  sbe  had  grieved  the  Spirit,  and  how  Grod  had  forgiven 
all  her  sins.    She  spoke  with  much  feeling  of  the  happiness  she 
now  enjoyed,  and  exhorted  her  gay  companions  to  leave  their 
sins,  and  set  out  with  her  for  a  better  world-    We  proceeded  slow- 
ly to  the  water,  tjbie  distance  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  while  mony 
dropped  their  tears  by  the  way.    The  sick  candidate  was  seated  in 
a  chair,  leaning  backward  to  prevent  her  from  fainting.    Prayer 
was  made  to  Giod  to  preserve  her  life,  and  strengthen  her  for  the 
performimce  of  this  duty.    The  young  woman  that  first  related  her 
experience  was  baptized,  and  came  up  out  of  the  water  rejoieii^g. 
The  moment  dreaded  by  many  had  now  come,  and  I  said,  ^'  Sister 
Jane,  wilt  thou  be  bapti;!ed  ?"    With  heavenly  serenity  she  an- 
swered, "  Yes"'— laroso  gave  me  her  hand  and  walked  deliberat^y 
into  the  stream.    When  she  was  raised  out  of  the  water,  not  a 
feature  had  changed,  except  that  her  face  shone  as  though  she  had 
seen  Crod.    Now  she  was  so  happy  that  sbe  seemed  unwilling  to 
leave  the  water.     On  being  seated  again,  she  received  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship,  and  a  charge  relative  to  the  baptismal  cove- 
QSot.    To  these  she  emphatically  added,  '*  Amen"    Many  of  the 
ttKiembly  were  roelied  into  tenderness,  and  I  think  will  never  ibr- 
gfik  thi«  acene.    After  she  bad  changed  her  apparel  and  received 


152 


HSMOiRS  or 


food,  she  remarked  that  she  had  not  felt  so  well  for  a  week  before. 
From  the  hour  of  her  baptism,  she  began  to  amend,  and  in  a  few 
weeks  was  entirely  restored  to  health.  For  aught  I  know,  she  re- 
mains to  this  day,  a  lover  apd  a  witness  of  the  grace  of  God.  O, 
that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  wonderful  works. 
'  At  this  time  there  appeared  a  good  prospect  of  revival  in  this 
vicinity.  But  I  was  obliged  to  leave  to  fulfill  my  engagements) 
though  with  feelings  much  as  I  had  on  leaving  Ontario.  Passing 
through  Benton  quarterly  meeting,  I  preached  with  several  of  the 
churches.  In  a  neighborhood  of  Middlesex,  some  revival  had 
just  commenced,  and  again  I  was  earnestly  entreated  to  stay  a  few 
days.  But  continuing  my  journey  I  proceeded  to  Number  Nine  in 
Gttiiandaigua.  As  I  entered  the  house  of  brother  Theodorus  Bee- 
bee,  he  said,  "  Bless  the  Lord ;  1  am  glad  to  see  you ; — I  believe 
God  has  sent  you  to  this  place."  I  sighed,  knowing  they  would  be 
disappointed  on  learning  that  I  could  remain  but  one  day.  I 
attended  a  meeting,  and  Uie  Lord  fastened  conviction  on  the  hearts 
of  several.  The  next  day  I  went  to  Groveland,  and  attended  a 
meeting.  My  appointments  had  been  given  out  on  the  way  to 
Canada,  but  having  two  days'  Ifsisure,!  returned  to  Canandaigua,a 
distance  of  thirty  miles,  and  preached  from  Rom.  6:23,  "  The 
wages  of  sin  U  death."  This  was  a  solemn  weeping  time.  Sev- 
eral were  awakened  to  seek  the  Lord,  and  afterward  some  dated 
their  conviction  from  the  reading  of  this  text.  Eight^  came  for- 
ward for  prayer,  one  of  whom,  a  respectable  young  lady,  cried  as 
she  arose,  "  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner."  The  prospect  of  a 
revival  in  this  vicinity,  together  with  the  impression  that  duty  call- 
ed me  to  stay  and  attend  to  the  work,  made  me  regret  having  en- 
gaged to  go  to  Canada.  But  as  the  engagement  was  conditional, 
"  If  the  Lord  will"  I  finally  relinquished  my  intention  of  visiting 
the  province,  and  concluded  to  go  only  as  far  as  my  appointments 
extended,  and  then  return  immediately.  Fix)ceeding  west,  I  at- 
tended meetings  in  different  towns,  till  I  came  to  Lockport,  one 
hundred  miles. 

In  this  journey  I  called  on  a  brother  at  Batavia,  who  told  me 
that  there  was  a  great  uproar  among  the  people — ^that  the  Free- 
Masons  had  kidnapped  a  man  named  William  Morgan,  of  that 
town,  who  was  publishing  the  secrets  of  Masonry,— that,  al- 
though great  efforte  had  been  made  to  find  him,  it  could  not  be 
found  how  they  had  disposed  of  him, — and  it  was  feared  he  had 
been  murdered.  He  further  stated,  that  on  the  night  previous  to  his 
being  taken  from  Batavia,  the  printing  <^ce  that  contained  his 
disclosures  relative  to  Masonry,  was  set  on  fire  a  little  before  mid- 
night, while  ten  persons  were  asleep  in  that  building  and  another 
adjoining  it,  and  that,  had  it  not  been  accidentally  discovered,  those 


DAnp  MASKII. 


us 


Id  me 

Free- 
that 
al- 

ot  be 
had 

to  his 
1  his 
mid- 
other 
those 


p^raons  migU  ]MMre  p^riihed,  and  a  considerable  part  of  the  yiHagt 
h»ye  been  destroyed  by  the  ftre.  He  said  also  that  on  the  day  afvNr 
Ifiorgan  was  seized,  a  mob  of  about  sixty  persons,  who  were  nost- 
If  strangersi,  appeared  at  noon  in  Batavia,  armed  with  clubSt  and 
seized  D»vid  C.  Miller*  a  Mason,  who  was  printing  Morgan's  dif" 
cJosures^^ook  him  t*  StnUTord,  and  dienee  to  Le  Boy,  where  be 
'Mm»  rescued  by  his  friends  from  Batavia.  He  pjud  it  had  been  9*" 
derstood  that  the  Masons  had  determined  Morgan's  diseloevuref 
iribould  be  suppressed  j  «nd  that  the  printing  office  was  guarded 
with  cannon  and  small  arnw,  and  the  people  generally  in  readiaew, 
«j:peoting  every  houi*  t^  be  called  to  action  in  d^enoe  of  their 
townsman. 

These  things  were  new  to  me,  aad  it  seemed  unaeoountiMl>le,  that 
tww  weeks  could  have  passed  since  the  eommienceiaient  of  these  out- 
rides, and  the  people  generally  in  the  towns  fifleen  miles  distant 
have  heard  nothing  of  it.  Still  I  had  a  favorable  opinion  of  Free« 
Masonry,  and  thought  it  very  strange  that  so  large  a  numJaer  <^ 
Ifasons  could  have  been  found  to  engage  in  such  outrages.  From 
the  account  that  Masofis  bad  given  of  the  principles  of  their  inati* 
t^tion,  I  supposed  the  fraternity  would  remove  this  stain  upon  their 
arder,  by  expelling  those  who  had  been  guilty  of  such  crimes,  and 
would  use  evenr  ^ort  t^  bring  them  to  justice.  As  I  passed  from 
plaoe  to  plae^  I  related  «ome  particulars  of  these  outrages,  without 
tbe  least  idea  of  offending  the  Mas<»s.  But,  to  my  astonishnkent^ 
J  found  Utiat  the  relation  of  these  fac^  generally  displeased  them ; 
fMid  I  was  several  tmm  told,  with  angry  looks,  if  I  knew  what  wm 
for  my  good,  J  would  mind  my  own  business,  and  1^  ^e^e  t^ip^9 
alone.  I  conversed  with  many  Masons  about  these  occurreneea, 
and  they  generally  affected  to  believe  it  was  all  a  speculation,  and 
that  Morgan  had  run  away  to  make  sale  for  his  book.  They  inti- 
mated that  Morgan  had  not  revealed  the  secrets  of  Masonry — and 
many  who  were  generally  thought  to  be  good  men,  said  if  he  had 
disclosed  the  secrets  of  Masonry,  "  He  otight  to  die"  and  "  no  death 
would  be  too  bad  for  him."  One  man  who  was  a  professor  of  re* 
Ugion,  told  me,  if  Morgan  had  revealed  the  secrets  of  the  order, 
he  "  could  see  him  gibbeted  in  good  conteienoe" 

I  now  met  with  one  of  my  greatest  trials— -several  of  my  br^- 
r^n  whom  I  highly  esteemed  were  Masons — ^yet  unnumbered  eir- 
cvmstances  compiled  me  to  believe  that  Mascmry  approved  of 
these  outrages,  and  that  the  fraternity  were  combined  to  pr(Mte<^ 
the  criminals— to  elo^e  the  press  against  these  facts>— and  to  ke^ 
them  as  secret  as  possible. 

On  my  return  to  Canimdaigua,  I  learned  that  one  had  been  ^9on- 
vertfid.  I  remained  in  this  town  for  a  time,  preached  daily,  atteoMl- 
ed  conference  meetings,  and  visited  and  prayed  from  house  t9  bouf  e. 


154 


MEMOIRS   OF 


In  almost  every  meeting  there  were  some  new  inatances  of  convic- 
tion or  of  conversion  and  confession  of  Christ;  and  soon  I  enjoyed  the 
privilege  of  baptizing  six  converts.  December^  1,  1826,  a  church 
was  formed.  The  members  solemnly  covenanted  with  each  other 
to  keep  the  perfect  law,  according  to  the  grace  given  them,  and 
maintait\  gospel  order  and  fellowship,  agreeably  to  the  Scriptures. 
On  the  17th  of  Dec.  I  baptized  two,  and  on  the  24th,  three.  Four 
of  these  were  added  to  the  church. 

During  the  revival,  I  frequently  preached  in  other  towns,  and 
some  of  the  meetings  were  blessed  of  the  Lord.  In  the  early  part 
'if  Januanr,  1827,  I  made  a  journey  eastward  as  far  as  Utica,  and 
held  me<^tmg8  with  several  churches  of  the  Free  Communion  Bap- 
tists. This  denomination  is  distinct  from  the  Free-will  Baptists. 
The  principal  difference  is,  that  many  of  the  Free  Communion 
Baptists  believe  in  what  is  called  the  "^nal  perseverance  of  the 
saints"  It  is  thought,  however,  that  more  than  one  half  of  the  de- 
nomination exactly  agree  with  the  Free-will  Baptists.  Another 
difference  is,  they  have  a  small  number  of  articles,  abstract  from 
the  Scriptures.  Their  churches  are  situated  mostly  in  New  York, 
and  principally  within  one  hundred  miles  west  of  Albany.  Their 
exact  number  I  cannot  state,  but  probably  they  had  in  1827,  about 
forty  churches  and  three  thousand  members.  Not  far  from  this 
time,  their  annual  conference  was  divided  into  two,  called  the 
Northern  and  Southern  conferences.  The  great  western  turnpike 
is  the  dividing  line  between  them.  I  am  of  opinion,  that  if 
the  Free  Communion  Baptists  and  the  Free-will  Baptists  should 
become  acquainted  with  each  other,  they  might  become  one  peo- 
ple. 

On  the  evening  of  January  22, 1  spoke  to  a  crowded  assembly 
in  Fabius,  and  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  seemed  to  move  on  the  peo- 
ple. A  Free-will  Baptist  church  had  lately  been  gathered  in  the 
place,  and  they  were  enjoying  a  good  season.  Four  converts  hav- 
ing been  received  as  candidates,  they  requested  me  to  baptize  them. 
As  I  had  an  appointment  the  day  following  at  Spafford,  I  attended 
a  meeting  the  next  morning  at  sunrise.  A  considerable  number 
were  present,  and  unexpectedly  two  others  related  their  experience 
and  desired  to  be  baptized.  One  of  these  was  a  little  girl ;  but  her 
friends,  though  satisfied  she  had  been  converted,  were  unwilling  she 
should  be  baptized,  because  she  was  but  eight  years  of  age.  The 
snow  was  nearly  three  feet  deep,  and  a  tedious  storm  made  it  very 
unpleasant ;  however,  we  broke  a  path  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mile, 
to  a  pond  where  the  ice  had  been  cut  for  the  occasion.  After  five 
were  baptized,  the  little  girl  before  named,  turned  to  her  father,  and 
bursting  into  tears,  said,  "  O,  papa,  do  let  me  be  baptized.** 
He  asked  me  if  I  thought  it  would  be  right    I  replied,  "  Yes ;" 


DAVID  MARKS. 


156 


and  he  consented.  Her  tears  dried  up,  a  heavenlj  smile  sat 
upon  her  countenance,  and  while  she  went  forward  in  obedience 
to  the  command  of  Him  who  said,  **  Suffer  little  children  to  come 
unto  me  and  forbid  them  not,"  her  little  heart  seemed  filled  with 
joy. 

I  proceeded  towai*d  Spafford,  and  not  having  a  change  of  ap- 
parel with  me,  I  rode  all  day  with  my  clothes  frozen,  but  took  «no 
cold.  Night  overtook  me  when  I  was  within  three  miles  of  my 
appointment,  and  the  road  was  filled  with  drifts,  so  that  I  was  oblig- 
ed to  crawl  on  the  snow.  With  difficulty  I  got  along  thus  for  near- 
ly a  mile  ;  and  on  reaching  the  place  found  a  crowded  assembly. 
As  I  was  much  fatigued,  I  thought  I  should  not  speak  over  half  an 
hour :  but  the  Lord  enabled  me  to  speak  an  hour  and  a  half  with 
considerable  freedom.  I  next  went  to  Canandaigua,  and  enjoyed 
some  good  seasons  with  the  converts,  who  were  much  engaged. 

In  February,  1827, 1  held  meetings  in  Ontario,  Penfield,  Fer- 
intou)  Macedon,  Canandaigua,  Groveland,  Clarkson,  Parma,  Sodue, 
Lyons,  Junius,  Benton,  Milo,  Harrington,  Jerusalem,  and  Middle- 
sex, and  saw  several  converted. 

I  spent  a  considerable  part  of  March  in  Canandaigua,  and  the 
Lord  favored  us  with  some  refrestiings  from  his  presence.  The 
number  of  converts  increased  to  thirty  or  thirty-five.  Several  of 
these  joined  the  Calvinistic  Baptists.  About  this  time  I  took  a 
dismission  from  the  church  in  Junius,  and  became  a  member  of  the 
church  at  Canandaigua.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  month,  I  visited 
and  preached  in  several  other  towns. 

,,'  Sabbath,  April  1,  was  a  pleasant  day.  Again  the  beauties  of 
spring  began  to  appear,  and  the  forest  songsters  to  praise  their 
Creator.  Early  in  the  morning  I  visited  a  young  woman  that  had 
been  sick  four  years.  Till  within  a  few  days  she  ha  had  no  hope 
in  the  Savior  to  support  her  in  her  sickness.  But  now  she  was  re- 
signed in  expectation  of  certain  death.  I  preached  in  Ontario 
and  Perintou.  A  young  man  spoke  for  tue  first  time,  and  profess- 
ed to  have  found  the  one  thing  needful. 

April  2, 1  attended  a  debate  that  was  appointed  to  be  held  be- 
tween a  Calvinistic  Baptist  and  a  Universalist ;  but  the  former  be- 
ing unwell,  he  desired  me  to  take  a  part  in  the  discussion.  I  com- 
plied, and  enjoyed  much  peace  of  mind  and  freedom  in  speaking 
Afterwards  I  understood  that  several  were,  at  this  time  convinced 
that  such  as  die  in  their  sins,  shall  "  be  driven  away  in  their  toick- 
ednest" 

Monday,  April  9, 1  left  Canandaigua  for  Pennsylvania,  having 
a  line  of  appointments  previously  given  out  I  met  assemblies  the 
five  days  following,  at  Flint  creek  in  Middlesex,  at  Jerusalem,  Mi- 
lo, Barrington,  ^jTersey  and  Catlin.    In  the  latter  place,  seven  cov- 


m 


MMOmt  fft 


tirmnteS  to  Mek  the  Lord,  and  some  of  them  wen  Mon  after  hope- 
tMj  ootivertod. 

April  16, 1  preftch«d  near  Tioga  river,  in  Pennsylvania  Tfett 
the  Lord  gave  me  great  liberty  ;  blessed  be  hfs  name.  I  aho 
went  to  Delmar,  held  two  meetings,  and  baptized  one.  Aflcr  ih« 
baptism,  several  prayed,  some  crivd  for  mercy,  and  two  backsliders 
pf^mised  to  retam.  I  enjoyed  a  solemn  meeting  east  of  Wellsbot- 
t«>ugh,  and  on  Friday,  April  20,  went  on  my  way  toward  Troy, 
Pa.  I  passed  this  day  in  much  reflection  and  self-examination,  and 
felt  a  great  sense  of  my  poverty^,  and  a  great  desire  for  more  of  the 
ttind  that  was  in  Christ  Jesus.  I  had  preached  much  to  others, 
amd  firaling  in  a  state  to  be  profited  by  hearing  the  plain  truth  of 
Ck)d,  I  began  preachuig  to  myself,  from  Rom.  2:21,  "  Thon,  there- 
fore, which  teachest  another,  teachest  thou  not  thyself?'  thou  thit 
preachest  a  man  !^1tould  not  steal,  dost  then  steal  r  I  never  Mt 
W  much  convicted  under  any  sermon  in  my  Hfe,  and  for  miles, 
^tAle  travelling  in  the  woods  alone,  I  wept  for  my  unworthfneti. 
At  length  I  fell  on  my  face,  and  solemnly  covenanted  t6  dedicate 
myself  more  fully  to  God.  At  a  late  hour  I  reached  Troy^  and 
spoke  with  much  freedom  to  a  waiting  congregatSon.  I  had  a 
(Heasant  interview  with  Elder  Ash  Dodge.  Religion  was  bis  liikole 
ihettte. 

Sabbath,  April  22, 1  preached  in  SmifMteld ;  some  appeared  af- 
fected, others  inflexibly  hard.  Early  next  morning,  the  neightwir- 
hood  was  alarmed  by  the  burning  of  a  house  and  nam.  I  'jrdef- 
stood  that  the  father  of  the  young  mren  who  owned  the  buitdmgs. 
Set  Itrer  to  them,  and  thus,  merely  out  of  revenge,  destroyed  one 
thousEmd  or  fifteen  hundred  dollars.  But  alas !  sin  will  cause  great- 
er destroetion  than  this !  On  this  dscy  I  rode  thirty  miles,  and  met 
tm  assembfy  in  Owego.  Elder  Colby  passed  through  this  town 
seventeen  years  previous,  and  in  his  journal  he  writes  of  the  place 
tlram ;  "  On  leaving  Tioga,  I  Went  down  to  Owego  expecting  to 
prteach  somewhere  in  the  village  that  day ;  bat  they  would  no«t  re- 
ceive me.  Of  this  village  I  can  speak  nothing  flivorable  as  to  their 
fOligion  or  piety.  I  was  credibly  informed  that  there  was  not  one 
Christian  in  the  place,  although  ft  was  a  considerable  vilTagtr." 
But  it  bad  now  three  good  nweting  houses,  and  tnany  Christians ; 
tttd  I  anderstood  that  within  the  last  fen  days  forty  persons  hfld 
dbtained  a  hope  in  Christ.  Thus  the  wilderness  become  a 
fkiitfibf  fleld.  During  tins  week,  1  pretfch«d  at  Apafachian  and 
Owego  creeks,  in  Candor,  Dryden,  and  Ithaca.  In  all  th^e 
places  I  eijjoyed  good  Trcedbm.  In  Ithaca^  nearly  om  hundred 
ptofesMd  Christmns  Wfte  present.  Th^  itppdM^d  veiy  pitdn  and 
very  hnteHAe.  Wheu  I  pleached  m  (his  plaee  A  year  prevlotis, 
litOe  ttttenttott  ^av  given  to  religion;    tSbtc^  ^iut  tnttoj  it  was  eti- 


f{    .. 


DATIO  XiJUJ.  1|7 

culat«d  that  ono  thousand  had  been  converted  in  the  town.  Five 
liundred  had  united  with  the  Methoditta,  three  hundred  with  the 
Preflbvterians,  and  two  hundred  with  other  denominationa.  I  was 
told,  that  in  this  rerival  judges,  doctors,  h&wyers,  merchants,  Scg* 
loll  on  their  Icnees  in  the  broad  aisles,  amid  popular  oongregationsi 
and  prayed  to  God  for  mercy. 

Sabbath,  April  29, 1  attended  a  Baptist  meeting  between  Cayu- 
ga and  Seneca  Lakes.  Feeling  the  Spirit  of  tlie  Lord  upon  me,  I 
requested  liberty  to  speak,  but  none  being  granted,  after  the  peo- 
ple went  out,  I  began  to  address  them  on  the  green ;  then,  being 
desired  to  go  into  the  meeting  house,  we  returned,  and  the  Lorn 
enabled  me  to  speak  with  mudi  freedom.  Many  in  the  assembly 
wept.  Afler  this,  I  wen  to  Ovid,  and  finding  an  assembly  just 
gathered,  desired  the  privilege  of  speaking  to  the  people,  which 
was  granted.  The  Spirit  of  tl^  Lord  attended  the  word  to  the 
hearts  of  many,  and  several  ( auie  forward  for  prayer.  In  th« 
early  part  of  May,  I  attendee  two  meetings  in  CamiUus,  two  in 
Spefiford,  and  a  two  d  ;  '  meeting  in  I. bins.  The  church  in  the 
hUAer  place  appeared  wei  ongased,  and  the  (»>portunity  was  profit- 
able. May  7, 1827,  Jie  ground  was  covered  with  snow.  I  made 
several  visits,  and  the  day  following  preached  in  Woodstock.  The 
power  of  God  was  in  the  assembly,  and  fiileen  or  twenty  manifes- 
ted their  desire  to  become  the  disciples  of  Christ.  May  10, 1  bad 
an  appointment  in  the  Baptist  meeting  house  in  Hamilton.  A  con- 
siderable assembly  attended.  The  Lord  so  filled  me  with  his  Spir- 
it that  the  people,  (many  of  whom  were  of  the  popular  class  and 
!4tudents  from  the  seminary,)  seemed  but  "  a»  gnmh^juptrt"  before 
God.     Some  wept,  and  others  shouted.  ;...„.►  u'r 

Friday  and  Saturday,  May  U  and  12,  I  held  four  meetings  in 
Brookfield  and  Flainfield,  and  on  the  Sabbath  met  an  assembly  in 
Winfield  Tn  Uie  latter  place,  I  spoke  pointedly  on  the  necessity 
of  Chrhr'n'  ,  being  separate  from  the  world.  The  next  day,  afler 
going  north  to  Bridgwater,  I  staid  a  few  hours,  to  witness  the  tri- 
»l  of  several  who  had  just  been  taken  for  passing  counterfeit  mon- 
ey. While  I  observed  their  joy  and  vanity  at  the  genius  display- 
ed by  their  counsel,  on  whom  they  seemed  to  look  as  their  omv 
friend,  I  thought,  alas  I  poor  creatures,  unless  you  repent,  who  wiU 
brighten  your  countenances  in  the  Judgment  t  who  will  plead  your 
cause  in  that  last  great  day  of  trial  ?  Then  you  will  be  speechless 
— then  you  wiU  receive  an  irrevokable  sentence.  And,  suas  1  U»s 
will  be  the  fate,  not  only  of  counterfeiters,  but  of  all  who  live  in 
sin.  Continuing  my  course  north,  I  held  two  meeting,:  in  Borne. 
One  was  a  weeping  time.  A  young  woman  came  forward  trem- 
bling, kneeled  for  prayeri  and  promised  to  seek  the  Lord. 


158 


MBMOIBS    OV 


In  Taburg  I  attended  a  mecMng,  but  enjoying  no  libeiij,  fell 
again  into  trials,  and,  immediately  after  meeting,  retired  to  a  river 
side  at  the  foot  of  a  hill — made  a  covenant  with  GU>d — and  "  set 
up  a  stone"  for  a  witness.  It  pleased  the  Lord  to  lift  upon  me  the 
light  of  his  countenance,  and  I  went  on  my  way  rejoicing.  Sab- 
bath, May  20, 1  met  an  appointment  at  the  meeting  house  in  Rus- 
sia, and  snoke  from  1  Tim.  2:4 :  "  Who  will  have  all  men  to  be 
saved,"  &c.  I  endeavored  to  answer  the  principal  arguments  usu- 
ally brought  against  the  doctrine  of  free  salvation,  and  to  enforce 
the  obligation  of  repentance  and  futh.  The  Lord  accompanied 
the  word  jy  his  Spirit  Blessed  be  his  name.  After  I  left  the 
meeting,  a  collection  of  five  dollars  was  brought  to  me.  Being 
requested,  I  visited  a  young  woman  who  was  very  sick,  and  much 
concerned  for  her  soul.  She  said  to  me,  "  My  great  desire  is  to 
be  prepared  to  meet  God.  If  this  might  be,  I  should  not  wish  to 
live  another  day."  Thus  it  is  with  almost  all  that  live  in  sin  when 
they  come  to  the  gate  of  death ;  still  they  will  not  repent  while 
they  are  in  health,  and  while  they  may.  Sabbath,  F.  M.,  I  spoke 
to  a  crowded  assembly  in  Middleville.  I  returned  to  Russia,  and 
preached  again  at  the  meeting  house  with  unusual  freedom.  One 
evening,  after  I  had  preached,  about  twenty  converts  came  to  my 
lodging,  and  sung  and  prayed  till  midnight.  A  young  man  pres- 
ent, said,  that  he  had  trusted  in  the  doctrine  of  decrees,  but  the 
Sabbath  before!,  his  refuse  was  swept  away,  and  since  that  time  he 
had  been  much  concert;  ed  for  his  soul.  After  midnight  he  bsgan 
to  cry  for  mercy.  I  was  called  up  to  pray  for  him,  and  before 
morning  he  professed  to  find  pe)«ce. 

Saturday,  May  26,  I  attended  the  monthly  meeting  of  the  Free 
Communion  Baptist  church  in  Russia.  One  hundred  professors 
spoke  of  the  goodness  of  Grod.  Elder  Corps,  a  preacher  of 
their  connexion,  though  ninety-two  years  of  age,  was  present, 
and  exhorted  bis  brethren  to  faithfulness.  About  a  year  be- 
fore this  time,  a  great  revival  commenced  here,  and  continued,  as 
1  understood,  till  about  three  hundred  professed  to  pass  from  death 
unto  life.  Most  of  the  converts  joined  the  Free  Communion  Bap- 
tists. On  the  Sabbath  I  met  with  them  again.  During  the  follow- 
ing week  I  visited  several  towns  at  the  south,  and  enjoyed  happy 
seasons  in  preaching  the  Lord  Jesus. 

In  June,  I  returned  to  the  western  part  of  New  York,  visited 
about  twenty  towns,  and  attended  about  thirty  meetings  with  usual 
l^dom.  July  2,  I  met  two  assemblies  in  Benton  and  Milo,  and 
:biq>tized  one  in  each  town.  Some  revival  had  lately  been  enjoyed 
In  both  ih^M  places.  On  the  8th  I  preached  in  Canandaigua  and 
baptized  two,  who  were  added  to  the  church.  I  spent  the  remain- 
der of  July,  preaching  in  Sodus,  Lyons,  Junius,  in  several  towns  east 


DAVID   MABK8. 


tit 


of  Canandaigun,  and  in  several  churches  nithin  the  limits  of  the 
Owego  quarterly  meeting.  In  these  meetings  several  were  awak« 
ened.     O,  may  their  awakening  terminate  in  conversion. 

In  August,  I  attended  a  session  of  the  Benton  quarterly  meeting 
in  Catlin,  and  also  met  assemblies  in  different  towns  till  I  came  to 
Ganandaigua.  Here  I  preaulied  a  few  times,  then  visited  several 
churches  of  the  Bethany  quarterly  meeting,  and  found  them  gener- 
ally prospering. 

Friday,  Aug.  24, 1827, 1  attended  the  seventh  session  of  the 
Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting,  held  at  Bethany.    Several  im- 
portant subjects  were  considered  with  much  union.    Among  these 
was  Free  Masonry.    It  appeared  that  great  dissatisfaction  had 
arisen  on  this  subject,  and  was  rapidly  increasing ;  and  the  testimo- 
ny of  Masons,  who  were  daily  seceding,  publicly  declared  the  oaths, 
ceremonies,  and  principles  of  the  order,  to  be  such  as  must  strike 
the  feelings  of  every  Christian  with  dread  and  horror.    Their  tes- 
timony was  confirmed  by  a  thousand  circumstances  connected  with 
the  abduction  of  William  Morgan,  which  Jiad  come  and  were  duly 
coming  before  the  public    These  things  caused  many  of  the  breth- 
ren great  pain,  especially  when  they  reflected  that  several  in  the 
denomination  who  were  much  esteemed,  were  bound  by  oath  to  the 
institution.    Those  preachers  and  brethren  present,  that  belonged 
to  that  society,  retired  by  themselves  to  ascertain  how  far  they 
could  concede  to  those  who  were  tried  on  account  of  their  connec- 
tion with  Masonry.    They  reported  that  they  would  have  no  con- 
nection with  the  institution,  and  would  not  attend  their  meetings, 
except  in  cases  when  "  theif  were  summoned  f*  that  in  this  case  they 
could  not  agree  not  to  attend — their  obligation  was  of  such  a  na- 
ture, that  in  this  thing,  they  were  hound  in  conscience  to  have  their 
liberty.    It  was  thought  the  brethren  generally,  who  were  Masons, 
would  concede  to  this  position,  and  it  appeared  to  be  satisfactory  to 
the  yearly  meeting.    On  Saturday  at  an  early  hour  worship  com- 
menced in  a  grove.    The  assembly  was  large,  attentive  and  sol- 
emn. On  the  Sabbath,  three  sermons  and  several  exhortations  were 
given.    The  blessing  of  the  Lord  rested  upon  us.     In  the  confer- 
ence  on  Monday,   we  understood   that  the  brethren   appointed 
to  visit  the  church  in  Upper  Canada,  gathered  another  church  in 
that  province.     My  appointment  to  visit  Canada  was  renewed, 
and  brother  F.  W.  Straight,  who  had  lately  received  a  letter  of 
commendation  from  the  church  in  Ontario,  was  appointed  to  accom- 
pany me. 

jOn  Tuesday  evening,  I  attended  an  interesting  meeting  in  Cas- 
tile, and  on  coming  out  of  the  house  I  observed  the  northern  lights 
to  be  more  lumincis  than  I  had  ever  before  seen  them.  They 
rose  in  bright  columns  nearly  over  ou.    heads  with  majestic  gran- 


160 


MHiconts  or 


deur.  I  remembered  reading  that  the  northern  lights  were  never 
seen  till  the  year  1716.  I  ifeh  rery  solemn,  and  reflected  on  the 
prophecy  named  in  Acts  3:19,  20 :  "  And  IiPill  shew  wonders  in 
fuaven  abovej  and  signs  in  the  sarth  beneath  ;  blood,  and  fire,  and 
vapor  of  smoke  f—4>efore  that  great  and  notable  dmy  of  the  Lord 
come.*'  About  the  time  we  arrived  at  our  lodgings,  a  bright  col- 
umn arose  in  the  east,  and  extended  over  our  heads  nearly  to  the 
western  horizon.  The  edges  were  smooth  as  a  ribbon,  the  color 
was  like  fire,  and  its  form  was  like  the  rcdnbow.  There  were  no 
clouds,  and  the  light  ot'  this  oolnom,  with  those  in  the  north,  illami- 
nated  the  earth  nearly  or  quite  as  much  as  the  Hght  of  the  moon 
in  a  dear  night.  I  thought  much  of  the  last  day,  Msd  queried,  "  if 
tiicj  Lord  shonld  now  come,  am  I  prepared  to  meet  him  ?"  I  felt 
great  composure,  and  thought  if  Jesus  should  then  descend,  and 
the  trumpet  be  blowi),  my  heart  would  say,  **  Amen.  Even  so 
eonte  Lord  Jesus,**  Shortly  afler  this,  I  visited  a  family  that  did 
not  believe  in  a  day  **  of  Judgment  to  come ;  but  cut  ^is  occasion, 
I  was  infiH'med,  they  awcAte,  and  seeing  tlie  Hght,  thought  the 
Judgment  day  had  eome  ;  and  some  of  them  walked  their  chamber 
and  wqpt  bitterly,  wringing  their  hands  for  anguish.  Yet  when 
tiie  light  began  to  lessen,  their  tears  dried  np,  and  probably  they 
teid  in  their  hearts,  **  My  Lord  delayeth  his  coming."  But  to  tbem^ 
alas  I 


«!Jt*SM'«Siir'-?&« 


"  That  awftil  day  will  snrely  come, 
The  appointed  hoar  makes  haste.** 


'Leaving  Cajtilo  with  brother  Straight  we  held  meetings  in  sev- 
eral towns  west  and  north  of  Canandiugua  lake  and  enjoyed  profit- 
able seasons* 


rVOTSri'U  •'■T-'r, 


.!■.■'/      Vli. 


]:y^'^   f< ' 


\X^^',  ''y';rfi'y'''-'-vt"''f'!;'^ 


%-$^l 


■   ■   >.       ■:  \  -    ■■:'■■;.    .■ 


■l    r'fri.:. 


DAVID  MABKS. 


161 


rU-'  ''•.?'      i'>?i-        ilif     Ji»Tj.'< 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


jji  Mjy  Firtt  J<mrney  to  London  District  in  Upper  Canada. 


September  26, 1827,  we  commenced  our  journey  from  Canan- 
daigua  to  Upper  Canada,  preaching  by  the  way  till  we  arrived  at 
Royalton.  A.  little  company  of  saints  had  been  gathered  in  this 
place  by  Elder  Crapsey,  and  organized  into  a  church.  We  attend- 
ed their  monthly  meeting,  and  on  the  Sabbath,  October  7,  preach- 
ed with  them ;  the  next  day  we  crossed  the  Niagara  river  at  Lew- 
iston,  and  proceeded  to  Lundy's  Lane.  We  called  on  strangers  at 
a  private  house,  and  were  kindly  received.  Soon  they  recognized 
my  countenance,  having  heard  me  preach  in  this  vicinity  five  years 
previmis.  Continuing  our  journey,  we  passed  through  Hamilton 
and  Ancaster,  beautiful  villages,  situated  near  the  head  of  lake  On- 
tario, and  through  Brandford  to  Oxford.  Saturday,  Oct.  13,  we 
passed  through  Westminster,  crossed  the  river  Thames  to  London, 
and  proceeded  ten  miles  in  a  rough,  miry  road  to  the  north  part  of 
the  town.  Here  was  the  residence  of  brother  Thomas  Huckins. 
On  our  arrival  he  and  nearly  all  the  neighborhood  were  assembled 
in  monthly  meeting.  A  little  boy  piloted  me  through  the  wood  to 
the  meeting  about  the  time  the  people  were  beginning  to  disperse. 
They  were  expecting  us,  and  as  soon  as  they  saw  me,  they  returned, 
and  I  heard  a  shout  of  joy,  and  the  voice  of  thanksgiving.  This 
touched  my  heart — I  thought,  how  many  are  weary  of  hearing  the 
word ;  but  with  what  gladness  do  these  brethren  receive  a  servant 
of  the  Lord.  When  I  entered,  the  })ouse  was  full  of  people,  near- 
ly all  of  whom  shook  hands  with  me,  and  evernl  wept  After  pray- 
ing with  them,  I  returned  with  brother  Huckits  'Te  was  the  only 
preacher  of  the  Free-will  Baptist  dencminatiun  then  residing  in 
Upper  Canada.  A  revival  had  commenced  among  them  ;  *  '^e 
had  been  converted,  and  three  or  four  were  seeking  the  Lord, 
the  evening  many  came  to  our  lodging,  and  though  we  were  m. 
fatigued,  they  would  not  be  satisfied  nor  separate,  till  they  had  heard 
a  short  discourse.  i  >  -•    '"f  1*^ 

Sabbath,  Oct.  14, 1  preached  with  them,  and  enjoyed  a  good  de- 
gree of  the  Spirit.  Some  were  awakened  to  seek  the  Savior,  and 
a  few  came  forward  for  prayer.  On  Tuesday  following,  I  held  a 
meeting  at  a  dwelling  house  in  another  neighborhood.  The  man  of 
the  house  and  his  wife  were  members  of  the  Methodist  church ; 
they  told  me  that  from  a  late  examination  of  the  Scriptures,  they 
were  convinced  that  their  infant  sprinkling  was  not  authorized  hj 
God,  and  that  now  they  believed  it  their  duty  to  be  baptized.  Cfa 
the  same  day  I  i-etumed  to  brother  Huckins',  spoke  to  a  considen 
14* 


169 


liSBKOIBS  Of 


ble  assembly,  and  seven  covenanted  to  flee  from  the  wrath  \o  come. 
Wednesday  evening,  brother  Straighb  preached,  and  the  day  after, 
I  held  another  meeting.  On  Friday,  I  was  called  to  visit  a  family 
just  bereaved  of  an  oi^y  soiiy  three  years  of  age.  He  was  sadden- 
ly  killed  by  a  pole  which  rolled  from  a  log  fence.  The  parents 
and  others  wept  exceedingly,  and  while  I  addressed  them,  they 
Beamed  scarcely  able  to  restrain  their  cries.  The  fadier  said,  he 
considered  it  a  loud  ^11  to  him  to  be  also  ready,  aud  that  he  was 
tesolved  to  obey  it.  I  attended  the  funeral :  it  was  truly  a  time  of 
weeping  and  mourning.  When  the  attendants  begtm  to  piiC  the 
child  into  the  coffin^  the  mother  for  a  l(Hig  time  could  not  be  per- 
suaded to  eomnktt  her  son  to  the  «  narrow  house."  She  cried,  ^01 
my  son,  you  were  pleasant.''  This  scene  made  every  spectator  feel 
and  sympathize. 

On  Saturday  and  Sabbath,  six  related  their  experienc?^  were 
baptised,  and  added  to  the  chureh.  All  the  exercises  were  blessed 
by  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  Sabbath  evening,  many  spoke  of  the 
dealings  of  €k>d  with  them,  and  several  of  the  anxious  said  they 
were  I'esolved  to  seek  the  Lord  till  death,  whether  they  found 
peacs  or  not» 

Mionday,  Oct  22, 1  left  brother  Straight  in  London,  and  preach- 
ed ill  Westminster :  two  came  forward  K>r  prayer.  The  next  day, 
I  held  a  meeting  four  miles  south  of  the  Thames,  and  in  the  even- 
ing preached  in  Southwold.  The  latter  meeting  was  very  solemn. 
One  cried  for  mercy,  and  another  promised  to  kneel  and  pray  for 
a  season.  On  Wednesday  I  met  an  assembly  near  Dunwioh,  the 
town  where  the  other  church  was  situated  that  we  had  come  to  vis- 
itk  Several  of  the  brethren  were  at  the  meeting,  and  received  me 
▼nry  affectionately.  After  speaking  more  than  an  hour  on  less 
than  half  the  propositions  of  my  text,  and  finding  that  my  strength 
foiled,  I  appointed  a  meeting  for  the  next  day  to  finish  my  sermon. 
The  Lord  gave  me  great  liberty,  and  many  wept  On  Friday  I 
preached  on  Back  street,  from  Ezekiel  33:11,  **  Turn  ye,  turn  ye, 
from  your  evil  ways ;  for  why  will  ye  die  ?"  I  think  that  I  never 
m^yed  greater  liberty  than  on  ^lis  occasion.  My  mouth  wa3  fill- 
ed with  arguments,  showing  the  sinner  his  evil  ways,  «nd  ^irging 
ttliansweraJl>le  treasons  why  he  should  turn  and  live.  The  solemn 
weight  of  eternal  things  seemed  to  rest  on  the  assembly,  and  sev- 
etA  were  almost,  if  not  altogether,  persuaded  to  be  Christians. 
Next  morning  several  came  to  the  house  where  I  spent  the  night, 
and  we  enjoyed  a  melting  happy  season  in  prayer.  Foi>?  entere<(i 
i&to  an  engagemetit  to  seek  the  Lord.  Li  the  evening,  th>«  Free- 
will Baptist  church  Kseembled  for  covenant  meeting.  It  ccMuisted 
(tf  twen^  members,  and  tfaoi^h  they  had  been  destitute  of  preach- 
ing MMiy  »  yeitir,  they  were  well  united.    Several  of  the  (Ovinia- 


DATID  MASKS. 


168 


fiU- 


tio  Baptists  and  their  minister  were  present,  and  spoke  in  the  8pir- 
it.  Such  unity  prevailed  in  the  meeting,  that  though  many  of  dif- 
ferent denominations  took  an  active  part^  a  stranger  could  diseover 
no  difference  in  their  sentiments. 

Sabbath)  Oct.  2dy  I  spoke  two  hours  and  twenty  minutes  in  Don- 
wiefa  with  unusual  freedom,  and  in  the  evening  preached  f^in  to 
a  crowded  and  solemn  audience.  Several  manifested  a  deure  to 
become  reconciled  to  Qod.  The  next  day  I  held  two  meetings : 
the  latter  was  in  the  east  part  of  Southwold,  and  a  most  solemn  Mid 
powerful  time.  NeM'ly  the  whole  assembly  came  forward  for  pray- 
er. Otn  the  day  following,  I  faced  a  tedious  storm  ten  or  twelve 
miles  to  an  appointment  in  Westminster.  Only  one  person  attend- 
ed ;  I  prayed  with  him,  then  went  to  the  river  Thame:»  and  attend- 
ed a  meeting,  but  had  a  dark,  trying  time.  Still  I  believed  that 
trials  would  work  for  my  good. 

On  Wednesday,  I  returned  to  London  and  preached  in  the  even- 
ing. Nearly  the  whole  assembly  confessed  Christ,  one  of  whom 
ibund  comfort  during  my  absence.  The  next  day  I  attended  a 
meeting  at  the  house  of  Mr.  SholF.  He  spoke  as  a  penitent,  and 
several  others  said  they  were  resolved  to  attend  immediately  to  the 
duty  they  owed  their  Maker.  Friday,  I  preached  to  a  few  in  the 
east  paart  of  the  town,  ah  of  whom  arose  for  prayer.  I  held  a  meet- 
ing the  day  following  in  the  vicinity  cf  the  revival,  and  one,  on  re- 
lating her  experience,  was  received  for  baptism. 

Sunday,  Nov.  4,  1827.  This  day  concludes  twenty-two  years  of 
my  life.  I  have  endeavored  to  return  humble  thanks  to  my  Heav- 
enly Father  for  past  mercies  and  firmly  to  resolve  that  my  dedica- 
tion to  Him  shall  be  entire,  that  I  will  strive  for  victory  over  all 
nn.  AB  the  particulars  of  ^is  resolution  I  have  written  this  day ; 
and  prtnnised  before  the  Lord,  to  read  them  daily  for  at  least  one 
month.  At  ten  o'clock  I  preached  at  the  house  of  brother  Huck- 
ins  in  London,  and  baptized  four  converts.  In  the  afternoon  we 
came  to  the  t  le  of  the  Lord,  and  sat  together  in  a  heavenly 
place  In  Chriti-  The  day  following,  we  held  another  meeting,  and 
nearly  all  spoke  of  the  goodness  of  the  Lord.  On  Tuesday,  I 
preached  two  or  three  miles  east  of  the  revival,  to  about  forty, 
who  covenanted  to  seek  and  serve  God ;  but  some,  I  feared,  did 
not  realize  their  obligation,  others  appeared  to  be  truly  jc'^^tent. 
Wednest^ay,  November  7,  I  "preached  a  farewell  discom  v  i  lan 
2  Cor.  i-hll:  *^  Finally ^  h  'i.^en,  farewell.  Be  perfect^  oe  of 
good  comfort,  he  of  one  minu,  ive  in  pen-e;  and  the  God  of  love 
tmd  peace  ihall  be  with  pou"  Afler  the  exercises  o'  ^od,  three 
professed  to  have  found  Christ,  anc  to  of  them  re<jjfc6i  id  to  be 
baptized  before  I  went  away.  As  1  nad  made  app<  Ltaients  at 
Dunwich,  not  expecting  to  return  to  London,  I  had  n^ji,  now  fisste 


rf- 


164 


MEMOIBS  OF 


m: 


,1 


to  baptize;  so  I  concluded  to  meet  my  engagemmts,  and  then  re- 
turn. 

Proceeding  to  Dunwich,  I  pr«  fwhed  hj  the  way  in  WeatminBter 
and  Southwold.  On  the  Sabbath,  c  ii-  assembly  in  Dunwich  was 
said  to  be  larger  tLan  hu-l  ever  befcie  Veen  in  this  township.  It 
pleased  the  Savior  lo  favoi  n'.e  w'th  (in;,s  A  liberty,  and  I  believe 
the  Holy  Si  irit  seai  v;Iiod  tLe  corigrega*;v ...  In  the  afternoon,  Je- 
sus mf\'e  himself  knortm  to  us  "in  breaking  of  bread."  After  this 
I  hiiid  three  meetings,  and  thought  the  seasons  were  profitable.  I 
preech  :J  in  the  east  part  of  Southwold  again,  and  rejoiced  to  find 
that  the  solemn  concern  iQanifested  'n  m  second  meeting  had  not' 
abated. 

Friday,  I  r<^,tunied  to  London,  lit  id  a  meeting  in  the  evening, 
and  one  the  n<>.xt  <\9iy.  Six  rt  .m^' ed  thexr  experience,  and  were  re- 
ceived for  bap'asn'i.  Sab':>ath,  Nov.  IB,  the  assembly  was  large  for 
this  town,  and  after  sermon,  the  six  candidates  were  baptized,  re- 
joicing in  the  Lord.  One  of  them,  a  man  in  his  seventieth  year, 
had  been  confined  by  sickness  for  a  year  past,  and  was  brought  to 
the  meeting  on  a  sled.  He  went  into  the  water  as  though  he  en- 
joyed the  strength  of  youth,  and  came  out  happy.  This  was  a  re- 
markable hour.  Heaven  smiled,  and  glory  seemed  to  shine  on  the 
candidates,  on  the  congregation,  on  the  water,  and,  indeed,  on  all 
things  around.  As  the  people  returned  from  the  water,  the  saints 
sung  with  such  melody,  that  it  seemed  almost  as  tHough  the  New 
Jerusalem  had  come  down  out  of  heaven.  In  the  evening  meeting, 
saints  rejoiced  much,  and  sinners  wept  bitterly.  How  striking  the 
contrast  I  The  more  of  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  there  is  present,  the 
more  saints  rejoice,  and  the  more  sinners  mourn.  In  this  meeting, 
five  solemnly  promised  to  seek  the  Lord  till  they  should  find  re- 
mission of  siiis.  I  remained  a  week  longer  in  London,  and  held 
meetings  nearly  every  day  which  were  attended  with  much  inter- 
est, particularly  on  the  Sabbath.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  waft  naan 
ifested  in  a  powerful  manner,  and  the  word  seemed  vo  c^*  to  the 
heart  of  every  sinner  present  I  baptized  the  wife  of  ihe  man  aged 
seventy,  that  was  baptized  the  Sabb'  th  previous.  She  was  sixty- 
eight  years  of  age,  and  within  four  or  five  days  had  experienced  a 
change  of  heart. 

Monday,  Nov.  26, 1  preached  agai.i  and  bade  the  people  fare- 
well. It  was  a  very  solemn  season.  One  backslider  hv  fhly  en- 
treated the  foi^iveryjss  of  his  brethren  whom  he  heS  ^rie^ed. 
Next  morning,  a  Tf-o  iiiler  the  dawn  of  day,  *  le  bre^l)  >a  began  to 
assemble  at  the  L  where  I  spent  the  night,  nc  ;vithstandin,<;  I 
had  bid  them  fSiP'  ,  and  continued  to  come  till  nine  o'clock, 
when  nearly  >'  lole  church  and  several  others  were  present. 
Some  wept  >  >  i!„   morning.    As  I  was  abr  ;tto  say  to  them,  in  the 


;*»d'*^'  ''! 


DATID  MABK8* 


196 


ku)gn«ge  of  the  apMtle,  "What  mean  ye  to  weep  «id  to  break  my 
heart,"  brother  Hadiins  said,  "  Brother  David,  you  are  now  gtv 
ingaway — here  are  souls  near  the  kingdom  of  God  that  probably 
will  goon  be  converted  and  wish  to  be  baptized.  Who  shall  be^)- 
ti2e  them  ?"  When  I  considered  their  state,  how  they  were  with-> 
ont  ft  shepherd,  I  could  but  weep  with  them,  and  an  earnest  cry 
arose  in  my  heart  that  the  Lord  would  send  more  faithful  laborer* 
into  the  harvest  Afler  uniting  in  prayer,  they  sang  a  hymn  suit- 
ed to  the  occasion,  and  our  parting  was  very  affecting  and  solemn. 
When  I  was  out  of  hearing,  I  gave  vent  to  my  feelings  in  an  adja- 
cent wood,  and  wept  aloud.  Here  I  prayed  for  the  dear  brethren 
in  Canada,  that  God  would  enlarge  their  borders,  till  ^e  "  spread- 
ing vine  of  low  stature"  should  extend  over  the  province.  I  had 
spent  more  than  six  weeks  in  these  parts,  baptized  seventeen  in 
London,  and  the  church  had  increased  to  forty-four.  The  church 
in  London  is  situated  thirty  miles  north  of  lake  Erie,  and  about  one 
hundred  and  fifty  miles  west  of  Niagara  river.  Though  they  had 
no  administrator,  they  lived  in  great  union,  walking  in  the  order 
and  discipline  of  the  gospel.  Several  of  their  women  were  much 
devoted  to  the  Lord.  •    " 

Brother  Straight  and  some  others  joining  me,  accompanied  me 
on  my  way  to  the  river  Thames,  where  I  parted  with  brother  S., 
he  having  concluded  to  spend  the  winter  in  Canada.  I  proceeded 
to  Oxford,  and  after  considerable  entreafrf,  I  consented  to  preachy 
and  went  to  the  house  of  Elder  James  Harris,  a  Free  Communion 
Baptist,  where  I  met  a  kind  reception.  In  the  evening,  I  held  ft 
meeting 'at  his  house,  and  to  the  praise  of  God  we  had  a  precious 
season.  Several  were  awakened  and  came  forward  for  prayer. 
Some  of  these  never  rested  till  they  had  obtained  a  hope  in  God. 
I  had  designed  leaving  in  the  morning, -but  being  earnestly  persuad- 
ed, I  staid  the  day  and  held  two  meetings.  I  felt  thankful  for 
these  refreshing  interviews.  Sabbath  I  preached  three  sermons  In 
Blenheim.  Continuing  my  journey,  I  passed  through  Ancaster, 
and  on  Tuesday  evening  preached  at  Salt  Fleet,  The  Spirit  of 
the  Lord  searcned  the  assembly,  sinners  wept,  and  saints  shouted 
for  joy.  After  meeting,  several  came  to  my  lodging,  and  with 
tears  entreated  me  to  labor  with  them  a  few  days.  But  thi^ng 
duty  called  me,  I  proceeded  on  my  way,  and  on  Dec.  6,  le^Pthe 
province.  I  had  spent  more  than  two  months  in  Canada,  and  trav- 
elled five  hundred  miles.  The  people  generally  were  kind  and  lib- 
era). Though  among  strangers,  and  often  lodging  at  public  houses, 
my  expenses,  besides  some  repairs,  had  not  amounted  to  fifty 

Continuing  my  journey  eastward,  I  held  a  few  meetings  in  dS^ 
ferent  towns,  and  found  the  work  of  revival  had  comm^ced  iu 


166 


MEuoiBs  or 


some  of  the  churches  of  the  Bethany  quarterly  meeting,  particu- 
larly in  Byron.  I  attended  a  session  of  the  Ontario  quarterly 
meeting  in  Sodus,  on  the  15th  and  16th  of  the  month,  which  was  a 
melting  season.  Sodus  has  often  been  blessed  with  such  seasons ; 
and  would  to  Grod  that  her  Christians,  and  all  others  that  have 
tasted  that  the  Lord  is  good  and  gracious,  would  remember  his 
kindness,  and  follow  him  with  all  the  heart  On  my  return 
to  Canandaigua,  I  was  affectionately  received,  and  held  two  meet- 
ings. 

Here  I  heard  heavy  tidings — the  death  of  Elder  Abel  Thornton. 
He  died  on  the  12th  of  May,  1827,  worn  out  in  the  morning  of  life 
by  his  unwearied  labors  for  Zion.    \    ^ 


3  ^    K 


If 


'ty**» 


CHAPTER  XVn. 


:l.^  0 


Partictdars  of  my  Travels  and  Labors  from  Deeemherf  1327, 
:^^l::vr  to  May,  1828.  ;  ,;>;;•  a>;  :■  ..-  v,;:^ 

Having  been  appointed  by  the  Ontario  quarterly  meeting,  I  vis- 
ited a  revival  in  the  north  part  of  Scriba,  a  town  situated  on  the 
south  shore  of  lake  Ontario,  about  eighty  miles  from  Canandaigua. 
A  small  church  had  been  gathered  in  the  south  part  of  the  town, 
about  seven  years  previous.  At  this  time  they  had  but  nine  mem- 
bers. I  understood  the  revival  commenced  three  months  before, 
under  the  labors  of  an  unordained  preacher,  and  that  at  that  time 
there  was  but  one  pray*ag  man  in  the  neighborhood.  Twelve  or 
fifteen  had  now  obtained  a  hope,  several  wanderers  had  returned  to 
their  first  love,  and  Christians  in  adjacent  neighborhoods  were  re- 
vived. Sabbath  breakers  and  ihe  openly  immoral  had  reformed, 
and  now  attended  at  the  house  of  God. 

On  January  1,  1828,  the  salutation  of  friend  to  friend,  "  I  wish 
you  a  happy  new  year,"  was  quite  frequent.  But  to  some  in  Scri- 
ba this  was  emphatically  a  new  year.  Old  things  had  passed  away, 
anSkdl things  had  become  new;  and  they  could  say  this  was  the 
only  happy  New  Year's  day  they  had  ever  seen.  At  ten  o'clock, 
A.  M.  several  of  the  brethren  and  converts,  with  myself,  met  with 
the  Methodists  in  an  adjacent  town,  and  were  affectionately  wel- 
comed. I  preached  a  discourse,  and  many  spoke  of  the  joy  they 
had  found  in  the  Savior,  and  covenanted  to  dedicate  then::  to 

Him  with  new  engagedness.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  i^  ;.<, uble 
meeting  in  Scriba.     Sovr  i'''  solemnly  covenf'nted  to  spend  iueyear 


DAVID  MARKS. 


167 


in  the  service  of  the  Lord.  I  was  told  by  several  persons,  that 
while  they  were  returning  from  worship,  they  heard  the  voice  of 
singing  in  the  air.  The  sky  was  clear,  and  they  said  the  singing 
appeared  to  be  very  high,  and  the  most  melodious  of  any  music 
they  had  ever  heanl,  and  continsiad  directly  over  their  heads  while 
they  travelled  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  A  non-professor  that 
heard  it,  wap.  alarmed,  believing  it  was  the  voice  of  angels,  and  be- 
gan to  repent  of  his  sins.  From  this  time  the  work  revived  anew. 
Many  forsook  their  sins  and  called  on  the  name  of  the  Lord.  He 
heard  the  cries  of  the  penitent,  and  sent  salvation  to  the  broken- 
hearted. Then  did  Zion  rejoice  with  "joy  and  gladness,  and  sor- 
row and  sighing*  fled  away. 

I  continued  laboring  in  Scriba  for  one  month,  and  rejoiced  to  see 
the  work  of  the  Lord  spread  so  gloriously.  Sabbath,  Jan.  6,  1828, 
after  preaching,  I  baptized  seven,  and  the  next  day  gave  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship  to  a  small  band  of  brethren,  as  a  branch  of  the 
church  in  the  south  part  of  the  town.  They  were  organized  the 
same  as  a  church,  and  did  their  own  business  in  the  same  manner ; 
shortly  afterwards  they  became  distinct,  and  were  called  the  second 
Free-will  Baptist  church  in  Scriba.  Before  the  month  closed,  I 
baptized  eleven  more.  These,  with  two  br  three  others,  were  ad- 
ded to  the  church,  and  '.']  appeared  well  united  and  happy. 

Sabbath,  Jan.  20, 1  p^rached  three  lengthy  sermons,  and  retired 
much  exhausted.  For  threv  Ics  I  had  spoken  upon  an  average 
between  three  and  four  hour  1. .  >\  day.  A  little  past  midnight,  I 
was  taken  ill,  and  raised  fresh  blood  very  fast,  till  my  strength  fail- 
ed. A  death-like  feeling  seized  me,  and  I  expected  to  depai  t  this 
life  immediately.  I  reviewed  the  doctrine  I  had  preached,  m  \e 
manner  in  which  I  had  spent  my  time — ^I  found  nothing  to  ic  .  ., 
except  that  I  had  not  been  more  humble,  spiritual,  ai  d  faithful  in 
my  calling.  I  thought  of  my  friends — ^I  was  willing  to  leave  them, 
believing  that  we  should  meet  in  a  better  world.  I  examined  my 
evidences  of  acceptance  with  God — through  grace  they  were 
bright  as  the  sun,  and  i^^f>  was  one  of  the  happiest  hours  I  had  ev- 
er seen.  There  seci  -  it  one  step  between  me  and  heav- 
en. And  now,  with  feelings  that  I  had  never  before  conceived,  I 
contemplated  meeting  the  prophets,  the  apostles,  the  army  of  the  re- 
deemed, and  my  blessed  Savior  in  glory.  But  when  in  my  feel- 
ings I  had  bid  my  friends  and  the  world  farewell — and  my  soul 
was  ravished  by  the  anticipation  of  an  immediate  admission  into  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  my  thoughts  turned  to  a  world  of  sinners,  ex- 
posed to  hell.  They,  and  they  only,,  seemed  to  invite  my  stay  in 
the  world.  Something  whispered,  "  Wilt  thou  still  go  and  toam 
them  t"  Pity  moved  my  soul — I  wept  for  them  and  said,  «  Yet. 
Lord,  I  will  go  and  warn  them  as  long  as  itshaUbe  thy  wiU,  if  it  he 


i«a 


XBK0IH8    OF 


VHtnforiy  ytaart.^  At  this  moment  it  seemed  M  though  the  •Atten- 
dant «nge!  wao  commanded  to  recall  the  warrant  of  death.  Im- 
mediately I  began  to  amend,  and  in  a  few  daya  my  atrength  wa4 
refltored. 

Abort  the  30th  of  Jan.  I  preached  my  farewell  discourse  in  Son- 
ba,  and  to  many  It  was  a  solemn  time.  Fiileen  or  twenty  had 
been  hopefully  converted  during  the  month,  and  a  considerable 
number  were  still  under  conviction.  After  visiting  and  preaching 
in  V^  .  nt  towns,  I  returned  to  Canandaigua,  spent  a  tew  days, 
ard  enjoyed  boioe  good  meetings. 

Wediicsday,  Feb.  20, 1  left  Canandaigua  to  visit  the  Owego  and 
Gibson  quarterly  meetings,  and  on  the  w&y  to  Middlesex,  my  mind 
was  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  salvation  from  all  sin*  The 
commandment  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  Matt  5:48,  '•'•  Bey»  therefor«  per- 
fwt^ flivn  09 your FoUher  which  is  in  heaven  is  perfect"  came  with 
power  into  my  soul.  And  remembering  the  declaration  of  tli« 
apostle,  1  John  5:3,  "  His  commandment$  are  not  grievous"  my  un- 
belief fled  away,  And  faith  said,  *  God's  ways  are  equal,  and  his  re- 
quirements just'  <<  Whosoever  therefore  shall  break  one  of  the«e 
Iciiat  comRumdments,  and  shall  teach  men  so,  he  shall  be  called  the 
) east  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  Matt /i-19.  Then  the  following 
queries  arose,  'if  he  sh>'.:  be  least  who  pi.  i  tioes  aad  teaches  con- 
trary to  the  Uast  of  Christ's  commandmentf  vhat  will  b  Uie  fate 
of  him  who  not  only  violates,  but  teaches  cc  rary  to  the  greatest 
eommandment  ?  And  what  ooromandment  is  gr",ater  than  this,  to 
be  perfect,  even  as  our  Father  in  heaven  is  pt  "oct  ?  How  than 
dare  I,  a  vessel  of  the  Lord's  sanctuary,  that  ought  to  be  holy  in 
body  and  in  spirit,  live  in  siu  F^-^and,  like  satan,  bring  S  pture  to 
justify  mr  iniquity,  or  screen  my  guilty  conscience  r*  VVhen  I 
preadh  to  sinners  that  they  should  "  repent,"  do  they  not  quote  the 
W'"^  of  Ciirist  to  justify  tlxemselves,  "  Without  me  j/e  can  do  noih' 
f My  f '  And  were  I  to  preach  to  Christians  that  they  should  be 
**  perfeet,"  would  they  not  say,  ^  There  is  not  a  just  man  upon 
earth,  that  dreth  good,  and  sinneth  not?" '  After  reflecting  on  the 
aj>ove  queries,  the  conviction  settled  into  ray  soul,  as  if  from  heav- 
en, that  these  Scripfir.cs  are  as  unjustly  misapplied,  as  that  quoted 
by  **  Q  tempter,  Matt  4 :  <;,  '*  Cast  thyself  down :  for  it  is  written.  He 
diall  give  his  angels  enarge  concerning  thee,"  &c  Now  it  is  cer- 
tain that  satan  did  act  himself  in  reciting  this  text :  he  seemed  to 
Itavi  kol^  Scripture  directiy  to  the  point  that  he  wished  to  gain. 
So,  aias  I  it  is  a  fact,  and  my  blood  chills  at  the  reflection,  that  sin^ 
nersy  and  even  saints,  often  quote  Scripture  as  satan  did,  and  make 
an  appUoation  equally  erroneous,  to  justify  their  living  in  ain. 
<Aod  thou,  my  soul,  be  humbled  exceedingly  bofore  God ;  for  ala* ! 
than  mlsOf  since  HcMven  forgave  ^ee  all,  haat  recited  and  applied 


DAVID  XABKB. 


160 


Scripture  to  justify  thyself;  as  though  those  who  are  redeemed 
from  sin  could  not  help  living  in  sin  I  Ilast  thou  found  that  the 
death  of  Christ  was  not  sufficient  to  enable  his  children  to  become 
like  Nathaniel,  "  an  Israelite  indeed,  in  whom  is  no  guile  ?"  O 
be  thou  abased  exceedingly,  for  thou  haat  applied  the  word  of  God 
like  unto  satan,  to  content  thyself  without  entire  victory  over  sin. 
How  vain  was  thy  thought,  that  death,  the  offtprimg  of  sin,  should 
in  any  way  save  thee,  or^  thee  for  heaven.  If  the  blood  of  Jesus 
have  not  the  cleansing  power  to  perfect  thee  for  glory,  how  shall 
death  fit  thee  for  the  better  world  ?'  From  these  reflections  I  sunk 
into  nothing  before  God,  and  turning  aside  into  a  wood,  I  fell  on 
my  face,  and  called  on  the  Lord, — and,  blessed  be  his  name,  I  felt 
resolved  in  his  strength  to  strive  to  live  without  sin,  and  "  follow  the 
Lamb  whithersoever  he  goeth." 

A  large  number  assembled  at  my  appointment  in  Middlesex.  I 
spoke  from  Col.  2:6,  "  As  ye  have  therefore  received  Christ  Jesus 
the  Lord,  so  walk  ye  in  Him.**  I  endeavored  to  urge  the  necessity 
of  Christian  perfection,  and,  to  the  praise  of  Grod,  we  bad  a  good 
time.  On  Saturday,  an  appointment  on  a  council  called  me  to 
Benton.  In  the  evening,  tht  council  adjourned  while  I  mve  a  dis- 
course, and  then  sat  till  three  in  the  morning.  Sabbath  I  spoke  to 
an  attentive  assembly  in  Benton,  from  Acts  9:29,  "And  he  spake 
boldly  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  disputed  against  the 
Grecians ;  but  they  went  about  to  slay  him."  In  the  illustration 
of  the  text,  I  noticed,  first,  the  great  controversy  between  the  wick- 
ed and  righteous,  error  and  truth,  darkness  and  light,  the  enemy  of 
all  righteousness  and  "  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth ;"  secondly,  the 
character  of  the  disputants ;  thirdly,  the  position  and  arguments  of 
those  engaged  in  the  controversy — the  resort  of  the  wicked  to  per- 
secution in  support  of  their  cause,  when  repulsed  by  sound  argu- 
ment— and  the  final  victory  of  the  Son  of  God. 

Proceeding  on  my  way,  I  crossed  Seneca  lake,  and  held  a  meet- 
ing in  Dryden.  Thursday,  I  stopped  at  a  Methodist  prayer  meet- 
ing, and  the  brethren  would  have  me  preach.  Soon,  some  wept 
aloud,  others  shouted,  and  two  lost  their  strength.  Eight  came  for- 
ward for  prayer,  itnd  four  of  them  covenanted  to  kneel  and  pray 
thrice  a  day,  like  the  good  prophet  Daniel,  ior  three  weeks.  I 
passed  through  Owego  to  Apalachian  creek,  and  Sabbath,  March 
2d,  held  two  or  three  meetings.  Several  appeared  to  be  serious, 
and  seven  or  eight  came  forward  for  prayer.  During  the  week  fol- 
lowing, I  attended  six  meetings  ia  Gibson,  Pa.  and  in  towns  in  the 
vicinity.  On  Monday  evening,  March  10,  I  had  an  appointment 
in  Owego,  N.  Y.  Night  came  on,  and  losuig  my  road,  I  wandered 
some  time  in  the  dark ;  but  at  length  I  arrived  at  the  meeting,  and 
enjoyed  much  freedom  in  speakine.  Mv  next  meeting  was  o:^ 
16  -  -  . 


iro 


umornn  ov 


'Oivego  creek ;  im\y  ten  peraons  attended,  bat  we  foand  that  tho 
preience  of  the  Lord  is  not  confined  to  a  muhitade. 

Thursday,  March  13,  I  met  a  crowded  assembly  in  the  place, 
where,  two  weeks  before,  eight  came  forward  for  prayer.  One  of 
ihe  number  was  now  happy.  The  Lord  enabled  me  to  speak  with 
pow«r.  Near  the  close,  I  told  the  assembly  the  Lord  bad  expreHS- 
ly  commanded  them  to  choose  without  delay  wliom  they  would 
serve — yea,  that  they  should  choose  to  serre  the  Lord.  (See  Deut. 
80:19;  Josh.  24:15;  Acts  8: 19;  17:30;  Heb.  3:7,  8;  Matt. 
% :  17  ;  6 :  83.)  And  iiirther,  as  Moses  caused  a  division  amohg  the 
people,  Ex.  32:  26,  that  k  m^ht  be  knowh  who  was  on  the  Lord's 
sides  so  I  requested  the  people  to  make  theit  choice,  "  and  Ishow 
their  deeds,"  reminding  them  that  "  nothing  is  secret  that  ^shall  not 
be  made  manifest."  Luke  8 :  17.  I  further  said  to  them,  if  they 
'secretly  chose  to  put  off  repentance,  h  Would  be  in  realitv  to  choose 
satkn  for  tbeir  master,  and  would  thus  be  retoi^ed  in  the  book  of 
remembrance ;  and  (hat  if  they  chose  td  serve  the  Lord  secretly, 
that  secrecy  is  forbidden,  Matt.  5:15,  16,  and  would  be  ioiarked  ae 
disobedience  by  the  displeasure  of  the  Almigb^.  About  the  whole 
a^embly  arose  to  manifest  that  they  would  seek  and  seirve  God.  I 
,¥emtoded  theta  that  their  covenant  was  registered  'm  heaven,  and 
that  "Ood  shall  brfrig  every  work  into  judgment;"  we  then  joined 
ih  prayer.  "  But  some  man  will  say,"  *  they  may  break  tbeiir  (Jov- 
'crntait— and  Jn  that  case  it  will  be  worse  than  it  would  have  been  if 
tfaey  had  not  covenanted.'  The  first  is  true ;  bat  the  latter  msy  be 
'doiAted,  for  had  they  not  chosen  the  L6rd,  they  most  have  chosen 
sin.  And  which  is  the  good  choide  ?  To  refuse  to  do  right,  for 
'fear  that  we  ihaXl  do  wrong,  is  to  give  op  ourselveb  ialtogether  to 
work  ini<][uity.  Our  obligation  to  Ood  is  infinite,  therefore  otir 
promise  cannot  increase  our  duty.  The  use  of  a  vow  is,  to  make 
-  ourselves  sensible  of  dur  obligation.  Hence,  first,  it  Is  jgood  tovow 
tmto  the  Lord  ;  and,  secondly,  to  pay  that  which  we  have  vowed. 

On  Friday  I  spoke  in  Dry  den  to  a  few,  principally  ndti-profes- 
■sors.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  present,  but  I  feared  the  great- 
er part  kniew  not  "the  time  of  their  visitation."  Alas !  what  mul- 
titude are  heedless  of  their  precious  day  till  it  closes  in  eternal 
'night !  O  my  God,  have  mercy  on  them  befbre  flieir  sbnshaUsct. 
Babbath,  March  16, 1  went  to  fan  appointment  of  Elder  A.  Daniels, 
in  Virgil,  and,  being  invited,  preached  to  the  people.  As  <I  was 
■tiSoM,  leaving  the  place,  a  brother  gave  me  a  dollar.  I  -was  told 
that  a  little  before,  aifainister,  ^vho  was  a  poor  man,  ailer  preaching 
ft  sermon,  seated  hiifaself  shivering  with  the  cold,  and  ^his  brother 
took  off  ft  new  great  coat  and  put  it  ahmdd  hifai.  When  the 
3preacfa(gr  retu^ed  It,  be  tbld  him  hehiid  ^vin  itto  him,-and  he 
4tinig^  ^tiM  'wter'his'dld  one 'linother  year.    ^  The  Ubehd-devi- 


»AV1I>  MARKS. 


191 


he 
5vi- 


leih  Kboral  things ;  and  hy  liberal  things  shall  he  stand."    An  un- 
converted young  man  also  gave  me  half  a  dollar. 

In  the  seven  days  following,  I  attended  two  meetings  in  Spaffbrd, 
two  in  Fabius,  and  one  iu  Camillas,  four  in  Conquest,  and  one  io 
Cato.  Some  of  these  were  very  solemn  seasons.  In  the  latter, 
nearly  oU  the  aMemblv  manifested  by  standing  up,  that  they  would 
phoose  the  Lord  for  their  Ood.  I  feared,  however,  that  some  had 
not  become  sufficiently  humbled  to  persevere  in  their  duty  :  others 
were  deeply  affected,  and  I  hoped  they  would  bring  forth  fruit  unto 
eternal  Ufe.    AAer  holding  another  meeting,  I  went  to  Junius. 

I  was  never  more  gladly  received  than  at  this  time.  My  friends 
had  heard  and  believed  that  I  was  dead  ;  and  now  when  they  be- 
held my  face,  they  seemed  to  view  me  as  one  that  had  arisen  firom 
the  grave.  On  Thursday  I  had  a  very  distressing  coug;h,  yet  I 
rede  ten  miles  to  Waterloo,  and  spoke  to  a  few.  Here  I  ipei  a 
younger  brother.  He  was  greatly  surprised  on  seeing  me,  and 
wept  proflisely.  After  the  meeting,  )ie  took  me  aside  and  told  me 
he  was  resolved  to  seek  the  Xx)rd,  and  the  next  day  covenanted  with 
me  to  perform  his  resolution.  After  holding  a  meeting  in  the  west 
part  of  Junius,  I  went  to  Canandaigua.  Mr  fHends  in  this  place 
had  also  heard  that  I  was  dead,  and  had  withdrawn  my  appoint- 
ments. I  met  with  brother  Straight,  who  was  recently  from  Upper 
Canada.  He  informed  me  that  a  large  number  in  Southwold  and 
Punwioh,  that  came  forward  for  prayo^  during  my  stay  in  thocte 


w-i 

■   t  ■' , 

'he 


ni 


waiting  an  oj^portunitr 

}quest  for  me  to  visit 

old  'rater  to  a  thirsty 

<*    >ks,  I  could  not  ge 

Lice  for  the  ensuins 

art  to  the  work  of  the 


places,  had  been  converted,  and  Wvt 
for  baptism ;   and  that  he  had  cr 
them  immediately.    These  tidir 
soul;"  but  having  engagementH    ••. 
directly,  so  I  sent  appointment     i^  to 
May.     Brother  Straight  was  s<. 
ministry,  and  returned  to  Canada.. 

Sabbath,  April  18, 1  preached  twice  in  Byron.  In  the  first  meet- 
ing, several  manifested  their  resolution  to  choose  the  Lord  for  their 
portion.  God  had  lately  visited  his  people  in  Byron  :  ChristianB 
were  engaged,  and  several  had  been  converted.  The  brethren  en- 
treated me  to  remain,  but  duty  would  not  permit.  Next  day  I  went 
to  Batavia,  but  indisposition  prevented  me  from  holding  a  meeting 
A  severe  cough,  that  had  sometime  affected  me,  still  continued  vio- 
lent, and  had  much  reduced  my  strength.  Thus  infirmity  attends 
me  in  this  world ;  but,  glory  to  God,  for  the  grace  that  assures  my 
soul  of  immortality.  Tuesday  and  Wednesday,  I  attended  meet- 
ings in  Alexander,  Attica,  and  on  the  town  line  of  Alexander  and 
Bethany.  In  the  latter  place  was  a  glorious  revival,  and  nearly 
the  whole  assembly  manifested  a  resolution  to  serve  the  liord.    I 

on  the  Sabbath,  and  attended  a  confer- 


'^  reached 


Cananunigua 


M 


172 


MEMOIRS  OW 


enoe  meeting.    The  state  of  religion  was  rather  low,  yet  several 
wept  for  Zion. 

In  the  latter  part  of  April,  ailer  holding  meetings  in  several 
towne«  I  made  another  visit  to  Scriba.  The  converts  remained 
steadfast  and  generally  well  engaged.  Several  that  covenanted  to 
seek  the  Lord  when  I  left  the  place,  had  been  brought  into  liberty. 
I  was  considerably  affected  by  the  sudden  death  of  a  young  man, 
that  in  my  former  visit  often  attended  my  meetings,  and  was  some 
times  seriously  exercised.  Yet  he  delayed  seeking  the  Lord.  I 
was  informed  that  the  day  for  his  marriage  had  been  appointed  ; 
but  three  or  four  days  before  the  time,  while  in  company  with  the 
friend  of  his  choice,  and  apparently  in  health,  he  suddenly  put  his 
hand  to  his  head,  and  cried  out  bitterly.  Immediately  he  became 
deranged,  and  died  in  a  little  time.  The  wedding  festivities  were 
changed  to  the  solemnities  of  a  funeral.  Thus  are  the  hopes  of 
this  world  blasted,  and  thus  the  gay  and  thoughtless  forget  God — 
refuse  to  be  wise,  and  are  unprepared  for  eternity.  In  a  little  more 
than  a  week,  I  held  about  ten  meetings  in  Scriba  and  the  adjacent 
towns.     Some  of  them  were  quite  solemn  and  refreshing. 

On  Saturday,  May  3,  a  two-days'  meeting  commenced  in  a  bam 
ftt  Scriba.  I  spoke  from  1  Thess.  5 :  19,  and  enjoyed  great  free- 
dom. Many  exhortations  were  given  in  quick  succession.  Nine 
dissenters  from  the  Calvinistic  Baptist  church  in  New  Haven,  re- 
quested by  letter,  that  they  might  be  constitutdd  a  church  in  fellowship 
with  our  denomination.  TheL.'  request  Avas  subsequently  granted. 
Sabbath,  I  addressed  six  or  seven  hundred  an  hour  and  three  quarters, 
from  Ezekiel  36: 25,  '^T/ten  will  I  sprinkle  dean  water  upon  you" 
&c.  After  this,  three  related  their  experience,  and  were  baptized. 
Among  these  was  a  widow,  whose  husband,  a  captain  of  a  vessel  on 
lake  Erie,  was  lost  about  a  year  before  with  his  crew  and  passen- 
gera,  amounting  to  sixteen  persons.  During  the  revival  the  winter 
previous,  she  was  constant  in  her  attendance  of  my  meetings,  and 
at  length  came  forward  with  the  anxious.  Like  Lydia,  her  heart 
was  opened,  and  she  opened  her  house  for  meetings.  It  had  pleas- 
ed the  Lord  to  comfort  her  soul  with  his  salvation,  and  this  was  a 
day  of  gladness.  After  baptism,  we  collected  on  a  pleasant  graen, 
near  the  bank  of  the  streani,  and  partook  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 
The  heavens  seemed  to  "  drop  down  new  wine,**  and  the  songs  of 
the  converts  rung  with  such  holy  rapture,  that  I  exclaimed  in  my 
heart,     i^' W;:;/^^  ,■.:tir.^;  *-:iii;  ?$.-';i-  ."'■-•;'^- 


}i-i 


This  place  is  like  elysian  fields 
That  lie  o'er  Jordan's  flood. 


In  the  evening,  I  spoke  to  a  considerable  assembly  in  the  South 
part  of  Scriba.    T.'s  Lord  gave  me  freedom,  and  filled  my  heart 


of 
my 


DATJP  S|4^|ES 


17^ 


with  gratitude  for  the  good  shown  me  this  day.  After  this  I  attend- 
ed two  meetings  in  CatO;  0|ne  on  a  funeral  occasion,  and  held  meet- 
ings in  several  towns  on  the  way  to  Canandaigua.  j 
Fiid»y,  Hoy  XO,  a  session  of  the  Beaton  qiji^arterly  meelisg  open- 
ed in  tlus  place.  The  brethren  seemed  to  come  "  like  clouds  full 
of  rain/'  ^d  m^y  wept  at  seeing  Qa<^  o^her.  Tlie  meetings  of 
w^MTsfaip  were  interesting.  On  tjbe  Sabbath,  four  sermons  wi9]He 
given  j  gi^d  sever^  animating  exhortations,  ^jt  fell  to  my  lot  toJlMiip- 
tize  one  iibsX  was  ^received  the  day  previous.  Puring  the  meeting, 
Elder  Josiah  Fowler,  from  Goqesus,  made  as  hup^le  and  afieaing 
a  confesskm  as  I  ever  heard,  jle  had  been  a  Free  Mason,  and  h#d 
taken  severfU  of  ^e  higher  degrees.  Once  he  was  h^imble,  %pd 
Qod  blesse^d  bis  labors,  ^e  spo^e  of  his  ^^joyment  till  the  time 
he  took  on  Hm  Masonic  obligations,  which  w^  more  thfua  si^  yeaiis 
before.  jMludiog  to  thab  ocpyixence,  and  his  atteotion  afterwn^ 
to  Free  Masonry,  he  exclaAnoed,  "  O  my  brethren;  I  have  been  into 
Bf^ylon!"  1^8  feelings  overcai;ne  him;  aji;id  for  s(¥ne  time  be 
wept  aloud*  Ti^e^i  he  sai^,  "O  my  God  !  forgive  me— X)  fliy 
brethren,  will  yo^  forgive  me  ?— ^  sinners,  can  you  fiargive  i9e,  f«^ 
laying  tibis  stumbling  hlock  in  your  w^y  ?"  He  said,  that  for  five 
yell's  he  never  knew  of  ,the  conversion  of  one  soul  tj^ugh  his  vi- 
strument^ty ;  and  at  length  the  Lord  took  him  in  hand,  while  he 
was  in  his  fid4}  ^d  ^e  thougbut  he  should  die  under  the  pp^er  of 
Ood'  He  ^9S  humbled  unde^  the  mighty  hand  of  the  Lord,  ^aw 
his  wandering,  and  prooused  to  renounce  his  allegiance  to  that  jo- 
stitution.  He  said  he  believed  the  Lord  had  forgiven  hiip  all,  fft^ 
that  now  he  enjoyed  peace  like  a  river.  Those  who  were  acquai|it- 
ed  with  Elder  f^owler  knew  him  to  be,  naturally,  a  man  of  a  p;cou^ 
spir^t^  ^nd  Ms  }ine>|)^ted  cppfession  greatly  {^eete^ctl^  fmsem^ly- 


M* 


^».v4 


.'  •:■:;,  vvt:. 


•\  > 


c:   )^-'t 


■'  -   ■•.:ir'\      '  .!  -it  iv  ;■•   ■■       .;/r.   i 

^'  .     .     .    .V    ■  t  ■  . 


■  !•  ■:■  V-  i,^->- 


..•'  •-  f  • 


.'k*}  yji-\ 


-« 


"'ly' 


174 


MEMOIBS   or 


^;«  CPr  TER  XVIII. 


iff  <;.:•  .:  ■:*!r'  i^vV/i^lv. 
•■■■   ■  ■'^■.?v;<- 


My  second  Journey  to  London  District,  Upper  Oanada. 

Monday,  May  12,  1828, 1  left  Canandaigua  for  IVpper  Canada, 
and  in  four  days  preached  in  Greece  and  Parma,  tlirice  in  Clark- 
son,  and  once  in  Boyalton.  Sabbath,  May  18, 1  attended  two  meet- 
ings six  miles  east  of  the  village  of  Lewiston,  and  Tras  affectionate- 
ly received  by  brother  T ,  who  related  the  following  particulars 

of  his  conversion.  He  said,  that  being  a  royal  arch  Mason,  he  be- 
came acquainted  with  some  facts  connected  with  the  abduction  and 
murder  of  William  Morgan,  w^o  was  carried  by  his  door,  and  con- 
fined in  the  Magazine  at  Niagara,  till  the  installation  of  the  royal 
arch  chapter  in  this  town.  He  was  called  to  Canandaigua  as  a  wit- 
ness, and  resolved,  agreeably  to  his  Masonic  obligation,  to  swear 
"  he  knew  nothing  of  the  affair."  He  said  he  felt  conscientious, 
and  doubted  not  that  he  was  doing  right,  till,  unexpectedly,  the  trial 
was  adjourned,  and  he  was  dismissed.  Then  he  hasted  to  be  alone ; 
the  thought  of  his  narrow  escape  rushed  on  his  mind  like  a  flood. 
He  said  that  in  a  moment  it  appeared  to  him,  had  it  not  been  for 
the  mercy  of  God  in  thus  saving  him,  that  his  ruin  would  have 
been  effected  for  time  and  for  eternity.  Then  he  added,  "  I  fell  on 
my  knees  for  the  first  time,  and  returned  thanks  to  Almighty  Grod, 
and  promised  to  renounce  my  allegiance  to  Free  Masonry,  to  the 
world,  and  to  sin,  and  seek  the  salvation  of  my  soul."  He  return- 
ed home,  confessed  his  resolutions  to  his  wife,  and  published  his  re- 
nunciation of  Masonry.  This  awakened  his  companion,  and  they 
Bought  the  Lord  till  he  spoke  peace  to  their  souls.  Several  of  their 
neighbors  became  concerned,  a  revival  followed,  and  was  still  pro- 
gressing. This  man  and  his  wife  appeared  to  be  humble  converts, 
and  much  engaged  in  the  service  of  the  Lord. 

Monday,  I  crossed  the  Niagara,  proceeded  to  St.  Catharines,  and 
seeing  many  people  in  the  centre  of  the  village,  I  felt  impressed  to 
speak  to  them  of  the  things  of  eternity.  I  shrunk  at  the  cross,  and 
passed  through  the  village, — ^then  feeling  condemned,  I  returned 

and  met  a  stranger,  that  afterwards  I  understood  to  be  Dr.  C , 

9,  merchant  of  that  place.  I  asked  him  if  I  might  preach  in  the 
street.  He  replied,  "  Yes  ;  and  went  immediately  himself,  and 
sent  some  others  to  notify  a  meeting  to  commence  in  (en  minutes. 
I  placed  my  wagon  in  the  centre  of  the  village  for  a  pulpit;  and  at 
the  time  appointed,  kneeled  down  and  prayed.  About  one  hundred 
and  fifly  people  gathered  around.  I  addressed  them  from  Amos 
4:12,  "  Prepare  to  meet  thy  God."  They  listened  attentively,  and 
some  appeared  affected.    I  appointed  a  meeting  to  attend  on  my 


"■'K:-^'^-r^T^,'l. 


DAVID  MARKS. 


7^ 


return.  Several  solicited  me  to  stay  the  night,  but  my  engage- 
ments obliged  me  to  pursue  my  journey.  The  next  day  I  called  at 
an  inn,  and  preached  to  a  few  from  Ex.  3:14,  "  I  AM  hath  sent  me 
unto  you"  In  the  afternoon  I  gave  an  exhortation  at  Hamilton  to 
a  few  people  in  the  street.  Two  drunken  men  tried,  by  insults  and 
abuse,  to  embarrass  me — ^yet  the  Lord  blessed  me  with  some  free- 
dom. One  of  these  was  a  negro,  and  the  other  was  an  Irishman ; 
the  latter  laid  violent  hands  on  me.'  Still  I  thought  it  good  to  "^o 
out  into  the  highways  and  hedges,  and  compel"  perishing  sinners  to 
come  to  the  gospel  feast.  A  little  before  sunset.  I  arrived  at  An- 
caster.  Wishing  to  warn  the  wicked  of  this  village,  and  having 
but  few  minutes  to  stop,  I  gave  notice  for  preaching  in  seven  min- 
utes on  the  green  opposite  the  meeting  house.  When  the  time 
had  expired,  two  persons  were  present,  and  I  asked  them  to  give 
me  a  text.  They  gave  me  " Nothing"  Soon  after  prayer,  seven- 
ty or  eighty  people  assembled,  and  taking  my  text,  I  proceeded  to 
show,  first,  that  God  created  the  world  out  of  nothing ;  secondly, 
that  man  was  placed  under  a  law,  in  which  there  was  nothing  un- 
just ;  thirdly,  that  there  is  nothing  to  justify  the  impenitent  trans- 
gressor ;  fourthly,  that  there  will  be  nothing  to  comfort  him  in 
death — nothing  to  save  him  in  judgment,  or  to  give  him  hope  in 
hell ;  fifthly,  that  the  righteous  have  by  nature  nothing  meritori- 
ous, nothing  of  their  own  of  which  they  can  boa.st,  nothing  to  fear 
in  death  ;  and,  that  in  the  judgment  day,  they  will  have  nothing  to 
cause  them  grief,  and  in  heaven  nothing  to  disturb  their  peace-^ — 
and  finally,  that  in  time,  and  in  eternity,  nothing  will  turn  to  the 
advantage  of  the  wicked,  or  to  the  disadvantage  of  the  righteous. 
The  Lord  assisted  me,  O,  blessed  be  his  name.  Many  were  sol- 
emn and  several  wept. 

Continuing  my  jouniey,  and  preaching  as  I  stopped  by  the  way, 
I  reached  an  appointment  in  Southwoi'?,  Friday,  May  23.  Broth- 
er Straight  and  the  converts  received  me  very  affectionately.  Ma- 
ny that  were  mourning  for  their  sins  when  I  left  the  place,  were 
now  happy  in  the  Lord,  and  we  had  a  joyful  meeting.  I  was  in- 
formed that,  from  the  time  I  left  this  place,  brother  Straight  labored 
diligently  with  the  people,  the  work  soon  assumed  an  encouraging 
aspect,  and  the  Lord  gave  him  much  success.  Before  he  left  for 
New  York,  a  first  and  second  letter  had  been  sent  to  Elder  Jenkins 
of  Bethany,  requesting  him  to  come  and  baptize  the  converts  ;  but 
no  answer  having  been  received,  the  church  in  Dunwich  sent 
brother  Straight  to  New  York,  with  a  request  that  he  might  be  or- 
dained. But  previous  to  his  return,  brother  Jenkins  came  to  their 
help,  baptized  forty,  principally  in  Southwold,  and  organized  a 
church.  I  was  informed,  that  the  first  time  they  attended  to  bap- 
tism, twenty  converts  submitted  lo  Christ  m  this  ordinance.     A 


176 


MEMOIRS   OF 


spectator  held  hia  watch,  aad  observed  that  the  administrator  was* 
but  eleven  minutes  baptizing  the  twenty.  Some  had  a8serte<^»  t^ia* 
the  apostolic  manner  of  baptizing  could  not  have  been  by  immersion, 
— for  if  it  had  been,  the  twe've  apostles  could  not  have  baptized 
the  three  thousand  on  the  d'.y  of  Fenteeost.  On  this  account  some 
one  woriced  the  following  sum  :  If  one  baptize  twenty  in  eleven 
minutes,  how  long  will  it  take  twelve  to  baptize  three  thousand  ? 
He  found  the  answer  to  be  two  hours,  seventeen  minifies  and  a  half. 
Thus,  after  all  that  has  been  said  against  immersion,  on  the  suppo- 
sition that  the  twelve  apostles  could  i^  :  baptize  three  thousand  in  a 
day,  it  appears  that  it  would  have  been  to  t^em  a  abort  (^d  pleasant 
work.  i:-i;'>l  nn- ty;  v^^> *"'■''  '^"'>  f-7' 

Saturday  and  Sabl>ath  I  preached  in  Dunwich,  an^.  savr  some  en- 
gaged converts  that  were  awakened  in  my  former  visi*.    Tuesday, 
I  met  an  assembly  on  Back  street,  and  in  the  forenoon  of  the  day 
following,  at  the  house  of  deacon  B.     His  wife,  having  been  c<m- 
fioed  twelve  years  by  sickness,  had  lost  the  powers  of  speech  imd 
sight ;  but  still  retaining  *jhe  sense  of  heariner,   she  htid  requested 
l^it  I  should  hold  this  meeting.     A  number  that  were  awakened 
came  forward  for  jw-ayer.     In  the  afternoon  I  spoke  to  an  assembly 
at  the  house  of  Israel  Morse,  from  Bom.  9:21,  "  Hath  not  the  pot- 
ter power  over  the  deaf,  of  the  same  lump  to  make  one  vessel  unto 
honor.,  and  emother  unto  dishonor  ?    In  the  evening,  Mr.  M.  and 
his  wife  said,  that  under  God  the  discourse  had  removad  from  their 
minds  some  serious  objections  to  the  uuctrine  of  free  salvation. 
The/  appeared  mu'*h  concerned,  and  both  prayed  for  mercy.     The 
man  said  in  his  distress  that  he  feared  his  cose  was  hopeless.    They 
confessed  their  sins,  and  seemed  resolved  to  seek  the  Lord  all  the 
days  of  their  life.     Next  morning  I  visited  and  prayed  with  them ; 
they  appeared  tc  be  truly  penitent.     One  of  their  daughters,  a 
young  convert,  who  ijad  been  opjwsed  by  her  parents,  now  rejoiced 
greatly,  believing  the/  »vere  iiear  the  kingdom  of  God.    In  a  few 
days  they  jbtained  a  hope  and  were  baptized.     Not  many  montlis 
afterwards;  this  young  v    oiar  xicanae  the  wife  of  brother  Straight. 
After  folding  another  meeting,  I  »vent  to  I^ndon,  and  was  very  af- 
fectionately welcomed  by  brother  Huekins  and  family.     Our  inter- 
view was  swe3t.     The  day  following,  J  met  the  dear  saints  in  Lon- 
don.   After  s3rmon,  twenty-eight  spoke  of  the  loving  kindness  of 
the  Lord,  and  of  the  way  in  which  he  led  their  souls,  and  one  re- 
quested bajj  :n.      Having;  consulted  8>^/eral  of  the  ministers  in 
New  York,  auo  the  brethren  in  Dunwich  and  Southwold,  and  re- 
ceived their  advice  to  examine  brother  Huckins  for  ordination,  I 
now  proposed  to  the  church  in  London,  to  call  a  council  for  the  pur- 
pose.   To  this  they  all  agreed.     Elder  Jenkins  had  proposed  the 
«ame  to  brother  Huckins,  but  from  views  of  his  unworthineas,  fae 


DAYID   MASKS. 


m 


of 
re- 
in 
re- 
I 
ur- 
the 
fae 


positively  rf '•  sed  his  consent.  But  now,  by  the  unanimous  request 
(if  the  church,  he  concluded,  after  consideiable  hesitation,  to  submit 
to  an  examination. 

Sabbath,  iune  1,  1828,  I  preached  twice  in  London.     In  the 
latter  discourse,  the  Lord  helped  me  to  speak  about  two  hours,  and 
the  people  were  seriously  impressed.     Many  testified  of  the  grace 
of  God,  and  at  the  close  I  baptized  an  aged  woman.     A.s  she  came 
up  out  of  the  water,  she  praised  the  Lord  aloud.     A  young  convert 
then  came  forward,  declared  her  faith  in  Christ,  and  ^as  baptized. 
Two  solemnly  promised  to  seek  the  Lord.     Next  day  I  visited  sev- 
eral families,  and  preached  at  the  house  of  sister  Pierce.     Since 
my  former  visit,  her  husband  had  gone  the  way  of  all  the  earth. 
He  was  friendly  to  Christians,  and  thought  he  enjoyed  some  re- 
ligion ;  but  it  seemed  to  consist  in  strict  morality.     He  justified 
himself  in  the  neglect  of  family  prayer,  and  confessing  Christ  pub- 
licly, and  thought  the  noise  and  talk  of  engaged  Christians  quite 
unnecessary.     His  wife,  and  most  of  his  children,  were  humble  fol- 
lowers of  Christ,  "  spoke  often  one  to  another,"  and,  I  believe, 
"  prayed  to  God  always."    He  was  of  opinion  that  they  made  more 
sound  and  show  about  religion,  than  was  necessary ;  and  they  fear- 
ed that  he  knew  nothing  of  true  "  godliness."     Still  they  lived  af- 
fectionately, tenderly  regarded  each  other's  feelings,  and  were  close- 
ly bound  together  by  the  family  ties.    In  this  situation,  sister 
Peirce  told  me  that  he  approached  the  gate  of  death ;  still  he 
changed  not.    He  was  apparently  struck  with  its  icy  hand,  and  his 
friends  waited  every  hour  in  expectation  of  his  decease.    To  her 
it  was  an  awful  hour !     She  loved  her  companion,  yet  she  believed 
he  was  trusting  in  a  false  hope.     But  what  could  she  do  ?    Her 
last  hours  in  his  society  were  passing  swiftly,  and  how  could  she 
be,  what  some  would  call,  i^o  uncharitable,  as  to  tell  her  husband 
plainly,  that  she  believed  he  was  deceived,  and  that  he  "  must  be 
bom  again,"  or  "  not  see  the  kingdom  of  God."     Still,  how  could 
she  bear  that  he  should  die  in  this  state  ?    He  remained  at  the 
point  of  death  some  days.     She  wept — she  prayed — she  poured 
out  her  soul  to  God.     She  obtained  strength — told  her  husband, 
that  it  appeared  to  her  he  could  not  die  in  his  present  state ;  that 
God  had  continued  him  these  several  days,  that  he  might  discharge 
some  duty  he  hac  neglected.     Finally,  she  told  him  her  whole  soul ; 
and  instead  of  btlng  grieved,  as  she  had  feared,  he  confessed  his 
\mi  condition,  and  cried  to  the  Lord  for  mercy.    To  the  great  joy 
of  hi*  family,  he  found  pardon  and  the  witness  of  the  Spirit,  to 
whi<*h  he  confessed  that  till  now  he  had  ever  been  a  stranger.     He 
exclaiHied,  "  O  that  I  could  talk,  and  I  would  tell  you  that  which 
you  never  heard  before."     He  now  condemned  his  former  views, 
hiid  «)iliorlnd  hie  wlft"  and  children  to  perseverance  in  family  pray- 


T-")''*^  ■'-''"'■'" '''■'■-tT'* 


178 


XBMOlRa  ov 


er,  and  in  the  practice  of  all  the  Christian  duties  he  h%d  before 
eailed  useless.  In  about  twenty-four  hours  after  this,  he  bade  the 
world  adieu. 

During  the  week  following,  I  attended  several  interesting  meet- 
ings in  Southwold  and  Dunwkh.  At  the  last,  sixteen  covenanted 
to  seek  the  Lord.  A  small  number  had  experienced  salvation  in 
my  absence  to  London,  and  brother  Straight  had  baptized  three- 
one  of  whom,  like  the  jailer,  went  forward  in  the  night.  The  con- 
verts were  much  engaged,  and  I  was  much  affected  while  refleotingf 
on  the  change  religion  had  made  in  this  town.  Eight  or  nine 
months  ago,  the  voice  of  prayer  was  scarcely  heard  for  miles :  now 
a  little  army  worshipped  Grod  "  in  spirit  and  in  truth." 

The  dreary  waste  and  barren  land  .  !, 

'    •     '   ,  Have  smii'd  •with  heav'nly  light,  -  '      ' 

•"'v':,  !  Sinners  have  sean  the  Savioi-'s  Band,  -     - ':      "'" 

-:  .  .  .    And oMu'd his man^atei right  •       ;  ^ 

Friday,. brother  Straight  accompanied  me  to  London,  where  we 
held  a  two-days  meeting,  commencing  on  Saturday,  the  7th  of  June. 
At  this  time  five  deacons,  from  the  three  churches  of  our  denomin- 
ation in  the  province,  brother  Straight  and  myself,  sat  as  a  council 
of  examination.  Brother  Huckins  ^ave  an  interesting  relation  of 
his  experience  and  call  to  the  ministry,  and  stated  his  sentiments 
with  clearness.  Afler  a  close  examination,  (he  council  agreed  that 
he  should  be  set  apart  to  the  work  unto  which  God  had  called  him. 
We  returned  our  humble  thanks  to  Almighty  God  for  having 
heard  the  groanings  of  our  brethren  in  Canada.  The  other  relig- 
ious exercises  on  the  first  day  were  interesting.  On  the  Sabbath, 
it  was  deiight^l  to  see  the  happy  Christians  of  London  coming  out 
of  the  forest  from  almost  every  direction,  to  witness  the  first  ordi- 
nation among  our  brethren  in  this  province.  It  fell  to  my  lot  to 
preach  a  sennon  on  the  occasion,  from  1  Tim.  4:16,  **  Take  heed 
unto  thyself,  and  urUo  the  doctrine ;  continue  in  them :  for  in  doing 
this  thou  shalt  save  both  thyself  and  them  thai  hear  thee**  After 
this  brother  Straight  and  myself  proceeded  to  the  ordaining  prayer, 
to  the  laying  on  of  hands,  to  the  giving  of  the  charge,  and  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship.  We  then  commended  the  candidate  "  to  God, 
and  to  the  word  of  his  grace,"  believing  that  Grod  would  strengthen 
him,  and  make  him  a  shepherd  of  the  flock,  and  a  blessing  to  the ' 
church. 

In  the  afternoon,  brother  Straight  preached  a  weighty  discourse. 
Then  an  aged  brother,  formerly  from  Scotland,  a  man  of  *  a  good 
understanding,'  and  much  piety,  arose  and  stated  that  he  was  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  society,  with  whom  he  felt  the  sweetest 
union,  that  he  did  not  design  to  forsake  them,  or  any  Christians ; 
but  that  he  felt  it  to  be  a  duty  he  owed  to  God,  to  arise  and  be  bap- 


I  \' 


> 


DAVID  M4RKS» 


179 


len 
Ihe' 


a 
is; 


tized  i  ohd  he  vrisked  also  to  exdhaoge  the  pllkce  of  his  membei> 
»kip  from  one  GhristiAii  chutch  to  another.  His  first  convictioii 
ihtd  he  had  not  been  baptized,  originated  from  reading  in  Dr.  Park- 
hurst's  Greek  and  English  Lexicon,  the  definition  of  baptizo,  iht 
original  word  fr6m  winch  baptize  was  adopted  into  our  version  of 
the  Scriptnrefs ;  and  knowing  that  the  learned  doctor  was  a  minis- 
ter of  the  church  df  England,  and  that  he  practised  sprinkling  fot 
ibat}tiRm,  he  was  not  a  little  surprised  on  r^iSng  from  his  pen  the 
following  definition  of  bap^tizo  :  "  To  4yt,  immerse,  plunged*  He 
expected  to  find  it,  "  To  dip,  pour,  sprinkle."  This  awakened  fau 
attention,  and  he  examined  the  su'bject  fof  himself.  He  said  the 
learned  had  deceived  him ;  and  now  he  Was  convinced  iihat  the 
comtmandment  to  be  baptized  was  still  obligatory  on  him.  He  was 
received  by  the  church  on  the  recommendation  df  the  Methodist 
brethren  that  were  ipresent,  and  I  had  the  privil^e  of  baptizing 
him.  He  had  been  a  class  leader  and  I  think  a  pr<rfessor  about 
forty  ye<trs.  Since  his  connection  with  the  London  chttroh,  I  be- 
lieve he  has  been  <aii  ornament  to  Zioi\  and  a  help  to  the  brethren. 
The  exercises  closed,  and  we  parted  happy. 

About  this  time  I  met  with  some  trouble.  My  horse,  that  had 
•carried  ine  nineteen  thousand  miles  in  a  little  more  than  fi<ve  years, 
received  an  ii^ury  from  another  beast  and  died.  I  had  a^^point- 
■ments  extending  between  three  atid  four  hundred  m^s,  commenc- 
ing on  Monday,  and  knew  not  'hoW  I  should  reach  them.  1  told 
Dea.  -P.,  to  whose  ii^re  I  hiad  committed  the  horse,  that  I  thought 
he  should  sustain  the  loss,  as  it  happened  through  his  want  of  care. 
He  made  no  objection,  and  iputchased  me  another  horse.  About  six 
months  afterwards,  while  reflecting  on  this  occurrence,  I  became  of 
the  opinion  that  I  had  erred  in  suppoising  that  brother  F.  ought  to 
bear  this  loss,  hecause  he  did  not  keep  my  horse  for  money,  butt  as 
'a  friend  to  show  me  a  favor ;  and  I  regretted  having  received  the 
compensatidn.  So,  on  my  tiext  visit  to  Canada,  I  refunded  to  him 
iiill  that  I  had  received,  with  as  much  satisfaction  as  I  ever  received 
what  was  owed  me  by  another.  He  with  several  brethren,  howev- 
or,  gave  me  fifteen  or  twenty  dollars. 

Monday,  June  9, 1  bade  the  brethren  in  London  farewell,  and 
jMOceeded  On  my  joumoy ;  but  my  horse  was  old  and  travelled 
very  slowly,  and  my  appointments  were  so  arranged  that  I  found  it 
difficult  to  meet  them.  Tuesday,  I  arrived  at  Oxford,  next  day  at 
Brandford,  and  the  mOrning  following,  started  before  breakfhst  in 
the  rain.  The  road  was  so  extremely  bad  that  I  was  unable  to 
"tMKvel'more  than  two  miles  an  hour;  and  being  in  an  open  carriage, 
there  was  scarcely  a  dry  thread  remaining  in  nvy  clothes. 

At  one  o'clock,  P.  M., 'I  attended  an  appointment  At  Ancaster, 
where  I  had  preached  from  the  Word  "  NelMng."  The  meeting>honse 


I 


ido 


MEMOIRS   OF 


was  opened,  and  about  one  hundred  people  assembled.  I  spoke  to 
them  from  the  word  "  Sombtuino," — and  endeavored  to  show, 
flrst,  that  there  is  something  above  all  things ;  secondly,  that  there 
is  something  in  man  that  cannot  become  extinct ;  thirdly,  that  there 
is  naturally  something  in  man  that  makes  him  unhappy ;  fourthly, 
that  there  is  something  in  the  gospel  to  reverse  man's  state ;  fifth- 
ly, that  there  is  something  that  will  disturb  the  finally  impenitent  in 
death,  judgment,  and  eternity,  and  make  them  unhappy;  sixthly,  that 
true  Christians  possess  something  that  the  world  never  knew ;  and, 
finally,  that  in  the  great  change,  and  in  eternity,  they  will  have 
something  that  will  yield  eternal  joy.  Many  appeared  serious,  and 
I  hoped  that  good  was  done. 

At  five  o'clock,  I  spoke  with  considerable  freedom  in  the  street 
at  Hamilton.  Some  appeared  to  be  affected,  and  the  \  eople  gave 
me  two  or  three  dollars.  On  Friday  I  met  about  on  -  thousand 
people  on  the  square  at  St.  Catharines,  and  spoke  to  them  an  hour 
and  a  half.  Near  the  close,  many  of  the  assembly  were  in  tears, 
and  I  felt  a  fervent  desire  ihat  the  Lord  would  visit  this  people. 

After  a  part  of  the  assembly  had  gone  away.  Dr.  C ,  though 

not  a  professor,  called  for  a  collection,  and  presented  me  ten  dol- 
lars. He  invited  me  to  his  house ;  said  that  my  former  discourse 
in  this  place  made  deep  impressions  on  his  mind,  and  almost  per- 
suaded him  to  be  a  Christian.  Alas !  how  many  are  only  almost 
persuaded,  and  never  submit  thsmselves  entirely. to  God ;  but  die 
in  their  sins  and  sink  to  eternal  ruin !  On  Saturday  I  left  the 
province,  spent  the  Sabbath  in  Royalton,  and  enjoyed  usual  free- 
dom. From  Royalton  I  went  to  Canandaigua,  and  preached  in 
nearly  half  the  towns  through  which  I  passed. 

After  this,  a  line  of  appointments  called  me  to  go  immediately  to 
the  west  I  preached  from  one  to  three  sermons  a  day,  for  a  week, 
when  I  arrived  at  Boston,  Erie  county.  I  held  a  few  meetings  in 
this  vicinity  and  in  Eden,  then  visited  and  preached  in  various 
towns  eastward.  Many  of  these  seasons  were  solemn,  and  I  could 
but  hope  that  /  some  good  fruit  would  be  seen  in  eternity. 
About  this  time  I  fulfilled  all  my  appointments  that  had  been  pre- 
viously given  out ;  but  it  had  been  done  with  much  diflSculty,  as 
my  horse  would  at  no  time  travel  more  than  three  miles  an  hour. 
I  was  under  the  necessity  of  riding,  generally  twenty  or  thirty,  and 
sometimes  forty  miles  a  day ;  and  in  order  to  reach  my  appoint 
ments,  occasionally  rode  half  the  night.  As  I  had  not  money  to 
purchase  another  horse,  all  my  efforts  during  this  time  to  procure 
one  on  any  other  conditions,  were  ineffectual.  I  think  that  I  never 
passed  through  more  fatigue  than  during  the  labors  of  this  month. 
But  notwithstanding  my  embarrassments,  I  was  enabled  to  travel 
between  four  and  five  hundred  miles,  and  attend  thirty-five  meet- 


DATID  MABKfl. 


1«1 


ings.  About  the  last  of  the  month,  I  contracted  a  debt  to  purchase 
a  good  horse :  thus  one  burden  was  removed,  for  which  I  felt  to 
thank  the  Lord. 

During  the  first  part  of  Julj,  I  preached  daily  among  the  church- 
es in  the  Ontario  and  Benton  quarterly  meetings,  and  the  power  of 
God  was  often  in  our  midst.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  month,  I  preach- 
ed to  many  congregations  within  the  limits  of  the  Owego  quarter- 
ly meeting,  and  enjoyed  some  heavenly  seasons.  In  August  I  at- 
tended  a  session  of  the  Benton  quarterly  meeting  at  Middlesex,  and 
preached  with  nearly  all  the  churches  within  fifty  miles  of  Canan- 
duigua.  In  some  places  revivals  were  spreading,  and  the  glory  of 
God  was  shining  among  the  people. 

It  has  been  already  stated,  that  unnumbered  circumstances  com- 
pelled me  to  believe,  that  Masonry  approved  of  the  abduction  of 
Morgan,  &c. ;  and  that,  consequently,  the  connection  of  Chrisdan 
people  with  the  institution,  became  a  trial  to  my  mind.  I  think, 
that  I  cannot  do  justice  to  truth,  to  others,  and  to  myself,  without 
briefly  relating  the  result  of  this  painfiil  conviction. 

Soon  after  the  appearance  of  Morgan's  '  Illustrations  of  Mason- 
ry,' I  read— «nd  thought  within  myself,  *  Can  this  be  Free  Mason- 
ry,  which  has  been  called  the  "  Handmaid  of  BeKgionV  Can  it 
he,  that  so  many  of  the  popular  class,  and  even  ministers  of  the 
gospel,  have  passed  through  these  ceremonies — been  devested  pf 
their  wearing  apparel — blindfolded — have  entered  a  Lodge  "  in  the 
NAME  OF  THE  Lord" — and  been  led  about  a  lodge-room,  with  a 
rope  around  their  neck — and  then  sworn  they  would  not  reveal 
.^'ese  things,  "  tmder  no  less  pena^'  than  having  their  "  throat 
..»*  across"  their  " tongtie  torn  out  by  the  roots,"  and  their  ** bod^ 
buried  in  the  rough  sands  of  the  sea  f  '  If  I  had  had  no  oth- 
er guide  in  judging  of  the  truth  or  falsity  of  the  disclosures,  I 
should  have  concluded  from  the  lowness  and  wickedness  of  the  cer- 
emonies, obligations,  &c.,  that  they  were  an  imposition  on  the  pubUc. 
But  the  abduction  of  Morgan  and  a  thousand  circumstances  con- 
nected with  it,  together  with  the  general  silence  of  the  fratemifr 
on  the  subject,  and  their  evasive  answers  to  inquiries,  forbade  this 
\jo:xlusion. 

It  appeared  that  Capt  Morgan  had  not  been  kidnapped  by  a 
tew  individuals  of  low  standing,  but  as  has  since  been  said  by  the 
V.  S.  Anti-masonic  Convention — "  Previously  to  his  seizure,  nu- 
lUv^rous  meetings  of  Free  Masons,  in  lodges  and  otherwise,  were 
held  for  the  purpose  of  contriving  and  adopting  the  most  certain 
means  of  carrying  into  effect,  their  unlawful  objects  upon  him. 
These  meetings  were  attended,  and  the  designs  of  them  approved 
by  scleral  hundred  of  the  most  respectable  and  intelligent  of  the 
Masonic  brethren.  They  included  legii^tetors,  judges,  sfaerilBfe,  der- 
16 


"'''.r' 


I'Z-"^'"  "--X'''  ^"^~l' 


182 


MBMOIB8   or 


gymen,  generals,  p^^  ^iciana,  and  lawyers.  And  they  proceeded  in 
discharge  of  what ;  i  deemed  their  Masonic  duties."  It  also  appear- 
ed by  a  great  abundance  of  testimony,  that  Morgan  was  lodged  in 
the  jail  at  Canandaigua,  the  town  of  my  residence,  that  he  was 
there  seized  in  the  nighty  and  though  he  cried  murder,  was  thrust 
into  a  coach  prepared  for  the  occasion,  and  carried  by  different 
companies,  coaches,  and  horses,  more  than  one  hundred  miles 
through  a  populous  country,  and  confined  in  a  fortress  belonging 
to  the  U.  States,  then  in  charge  of  Free  Masons,  who  had  prepar- 
ed it  for  his  reception ;  that  he  was  confined  there  several  days, 
and  then  probably  murdered.  Two  or  three  of  the  leading  men  in 
this  aggravating  and  appalling  offence,  were  citizens  of  Canandai- 
gua, and  men  with  whom  I  was  acquainted.  As  before  stated,  I 
supposed  that  those  engaged  in  the  crime  would  be  expelled  from 
the  lodges ;  but  instead  of  this,  if  I  was  correctly  informed,  (and  I 
never  heard  it  contradicted,)  those  who  had  been  the  most  active 
in  this  outrage,  were  held  in  fellowship  in  the  lodges  without  admo- 
nition ;  and  though  they  haJ  pleaded  guilty  to  their  indictments, 
apparently  to  prevent  the  extent  of  the  conspiracy  from  being  dis- 
covered ; — ^yet  afler  they  were  condemned — during  their  imprison- 
ment, to  which  they  had  been  sentenced  for  their  crime,  they  lived 
like  gentlemen,  and  almost  constantly  shared  the  company  of  thoir 
brother  Masons,  who  sat  with  them  in  the  prison  to  "  pass  away 
the  time."  Thus  the  Masons  generally  held  these  criminals  as  true 
and  worthy  Masons,  and  every  effort  was  used  to  enable  them  to 
escape  justice  and  the  penalties  of  the  law ; — when,  on  the  other 
hand,  those  who  renounced  their  obligations,  and  confessed  their 
crimes  without  reserve  were  subjected  to  a  persecution  that  seem- 
ed to  be  without  end. 

In  Alorgan's  Illustrations  it  appeared  that  the  obligation  of  the 
Master  Mason's  degree,  contains  the  following  clauses.  ^  Further- 
more, do  I  promise  and  swear  that  I  will  support  the  constitution 

of  the  grand  Lodge  of  the  state  of ,  under  which  this  lodge  is 

held,  and  conform  to  all  the  by-laws,  rules,  and  regulations  of  this 
or  any  other  lodge  of  which  I  may  at  any  time  hereafter  become  a 
member.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear  that  I  will  obey 
all  regular  signs,  summons  or  tokens,  given,  handed,  sent  or  thrown, 
to  me  from  the  hand  of  a  brother  Master  Mason,  or  from  the  body 
of  a  just  and  lawfully  constituted  lodge  of  such,  provided  it  be 
within  the  length  of  my  cable-tow.  Furthermore  do  I  promise 
and  swear  that  a  Master  Mason's  secrets,  given  to  me  in  charge 
iw  such,  and  I  knowing  them  to  be  such,  shall  remain  as  secure  and 
inviolable  in  my  breast  as  in  his  own^  when  communicated  to  me, 
murder  and  treason  excepted ;  and  they  lefl  to  my  own  election. 
Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear  that  if  any  part  of  this  my 


DAVID  MA.RK8. 


18S 


solemn  oath  or  obligation  be  omitted  at  this  time,  that  I  will  hold 
myself  auienable  thereto,  whenever  informed.  To  all  which  I  do 
ra«  t  solomnly  and  sincerely  promise  and  swear,  with  a  fixed  and 
steady  purpose  of  mind  in  me  to  keep  and  perform  the  same,  bind- 
ing my»(4f  under  no  less  penalty,  tlian  to  have  niy^  body  sevored 

two  ii   the  midst,  and  divided  to  the  north  a*  ^     jnth,  my  bow- 

nt  to  ashes  in  the  centre  and  the  ashes  scr'v  ( .>  .■  *.  fore  the  four 

'f  heaven,  that  there  might  not  the  JiJiSt.  v%A'i.  or  trace  of 

ibi  'nee  remain  among  men  or  Masons  of  Si.  >'ile  and  perjur- 

•etcb  as  I  should  be,  were  I  ever  to  prove  willfully  guilty  of 

\  g  any  part  of  this  my  solemn  oath  or  obligation  of  a  Mas- 

tci  lu.ison.    So  help  me  God,  and  keep  me  steadfast  in  the  due 

performance  of  the  same." 

On  the  clauses  quoted,  the  following  queries  were  suggested. 
'Has  a  man  a  right  to  swear  to  keep  things  secret,  the  nature  of 
which  he  does  not  know  ?  Since  man's  life  is  not  his  own,  has  he 
a  right  in  any  case,  to  give  it  as  a  pledge  ?  What  is  the  design 
of  the  Masonic  penalties,  unless  they  are  to  be  executed  ?  Can  an. 
institution  exist,  with  obligations  and  penalties,  and  yet  have  no 
tneans  whereby  the  penalties  may  be  executed,  in  case  the  obliga- 
tions are  broken  ?  If  the  penalties  were  not  to  be  executed,  in 
case  of  a  violation  of  Masonic  obligations,  how  could  the  fraternity 
have  kept  their  secrets  ?  Has  a  man  a  right  to  swear  to  ^  sup- 
port" a  "  constitution,"  which  he  has  never  seen  nor  heard  ? — To 
** conform"  to  '' hy-laws,  rules  and  regulations"  which  he  does  not 
know  ?  Has  a  Christian  a  right  to  swear  to  "  obey  all  regular  signs, 
summons  or  tokens,  given,  handed,  sent  or  thrown"  from  a  Master 
Mason,  or  from  the  body  of  a  just  and  lawfully  constituted  lodge  of 
such?  How  does  he  know,  that  the  "constitution,"  "by-laws, 
rules,  regulations,  signs,  summons,  or  tokens;"  will  not  require  him 
to  assist  in  kidnapping  or  murdering  some  one,  that  has  thought  the 
duty  he  owed  to  his  God  or  to  his  country,  obliged  him  to  disclose 
the  secrets  of  Masonry  ?  How  does  a  Master  Mason  know  that 
among  the  secrets  given  him  "  in  charge  as  such,"  there  will  not  be 
theft,  arson,  and  many  other  crimes — and  that  he  will  not  be  called 
to  testify  to  these  things  in  a  court  of  justice,  and  thus  be  under  the 
necessity  of  violating  either  his  Masonic  or  his  judicial  oath? 
When  a  man  takes  the  obligation  of  a  Master's  degree,  has  he  a 
right  to  swear,  that  "  if  any  part"  of  the  "  obligation  be  omitted  at 
this  time,"  he  will  hold  himself  "  amenable  thereto," — since  it  is 
not  said,  if  it  be  forgotten  ;  but  "  if  it  be  omitted,"  and  he  knows 
not  what  it  is  (hat  is  omitted,  or  why'ii  is  omitted?' 

As  a  minister  of  Christ,  and  a  watchman  in  Zion,  I  thought  it 
my  duty  to  divest  myself  of  all  prejudices,  and,  uninfluenced  by 
attachment  to  my  friends  who  were  Masons,  candidly  sv  arch  after 


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MKICOZBS  «V  ..gi 

ibe  truth  in  anawer  to  tbcse  qaeries.  I  visited  manj  Chrirtiaa 
paople  wbo  liad  renounced  Siaaonrj,  and  ih&y  affirmed  tbat  Mor- 
gao's  diaelosures  were  trite,  I  converged  with  many  who  still  be- 
longed to  the  order,  and  none  would  denjf  their  truth  in  general^ 
•^ppt  hj  vague  remarks  or  apparent  cavils.  I  entreated  them,  ^ 
thtie  things  were  not  so,  to  take  the  statements  by  course  and  say 
thej  were  not  truOk  Many  would  only  r^y  that  they  did  not 
wiiui  to  say  any  thing  on  the  subject. 

A  convention  of  i^KKit  nrTvety  sececting  Masons,  Uiat  dedared  in- 
dependence  firom  the  Masonic  institution,  published  sevend  of  the 
higher  dsjfrees,  which  contained  thefoHowing  clauses.  In  the  royal 
«roh  deg^«e :  **  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  wiU 
ud  and  assist  a  companion  royal  areh  Mason,  when  engaged  in  aa^F 
dif&niUy ;  and  espouse  his  cause,  so  fW  as  to  extricate  him.  from 
the  same,  if  in  my  power,  whether  he  be  righi  orvnvng — ^Further^ 
more,  do  I  promise  and  swear,  tixal  m  conpaiuon  Boyid  aroh  Me^ 
aoo^s  secrets  givea  me  in  ehaqpe  as  snch,  and  I  knowmg  then  to  be 
9tuhr  shall  remain  as  secure  and  inviolable  in  my  toeasl  as  in  Ida 
own,  murder  and  treaeon  liot  excepted!*  In  the  d^^ree  oaHed  the 
«  ^ly  and  Thrice  Illustrious  Order  of  tfaa  Cross V'  *<  You  fuvthov 
awear,  thaty  should  you  know  another  to  viidate  any  essential  point 
of  this  obligation^  you  will  use  your  most  deddec  endeavors,  by 
the  Uessing  of  God,  to  bring  such  person  to  the  strictest  and  most 
ooadign  punishment,  agreeably  to  the  rules -and  usagiss  of  our  aa> 
s^t  fraternity ;  and  this  by  pointing  faim  out  to  tiio  world  as  as 
uaworthy  vagi^Mnd ;  by  (^^pcsing  falu  latere^  by  denngifig  hii 
business,  by  tran^erring  hi»  ohanuctev  after  faim  wherever  be  may 
90,  and  by  exposing  him  to  the  contempt  of  the  whole  fraternity 
alid  the  woric^  but  of  our  illustrious  cvdier  more  especially,  Airing 
his  whole  natural  life. — ^Toall,  and  every  part  thereof,  we^n  bind 
vott,and  by  aodent  usage  you  bind  yourself^  under  tlie  no  less  in* 
nunous  penalty  than  dying  the  death  of  a  traitor,  by  having  a  ^pear 
or  some  other  sharp  instrument,  like  as  our  divine  Master,  thrust 
in  your  left  side,  bearing  testimony,  even  in  death,  <^  tba  power 
and  justice  of  the  mark  of  the  holy  cross." 

From  these  testimonies,  toother  with  that  of  hundreds  who  had 
seceded,  and  from  the  testimony  of  Maeons  who  had  not  seceded^ 
I  was  unable  to  form  any  other  conclusion,  tluua  that  the  secretfr  of 
the  order  had  been  revealed.  And  in  answer  to  the  preceding 
^eries,  I  was  constoMoed  to  conclude  that  it  was  inconsistent  for 
a  Christian  to  be  connected,  in  any  manner  whatev^,  with  the  in- 
^stitution  or  fraternitv  of  Free  Masons.  Also,  that  I  could  not  dis- 
charge the  duties  of  a  *'  wakkmaii^*  in  !Kon,  and  keep  my  gtmnents 
.  dear  from  the  blood  of  souls,  without  preaching  puldidy  agauaat 
Free  Masonry,  as  well  as  Bfpinst  other  evils. 


» I 


^i*' 


DAVID  KABK8. 


185 


On  Friday,  August  29,  1828, 1  attended  the  Holland  Purchase 
yearly  meeting,  at  Flint  creek  in  Middlesex.  After  several  re- 
solves were  passed  on  different  subjects,  Elder  Brown  and  two  oth- 
ers were  appointed  to  visit  some  churches  lately  raised  up  in  Wayne, 
and  other  towns  in  Ashtabula  county,  Ohio.  Brother  Straight, 
myself,  and  some  others,  were  appointed  to  visit  the  annual  confer- 
ence of  the  Free  Communion  Baptists,  in  Upper  Canada.  After 
this,  reports  were  presented  from  the  four  quarterly  meetings, 
Bethany,  Erie,  Benton,  and  Ontario.  Refreshing  tidings  of  revi- 
vals and  additions  in  different  places,  gladdened  our  hearts  and 
strengthened  our  hands.  It  appeared  by  the  reports,  that  at  this 
time  there  were  in  the  yearly  meeting  forty-nine  churches,  one 
thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty  members,  and  thirty  ordained  min- 
isters. 

Saturday  morning,  public  worship  commenced  in  a  grove,  previ- 
,ously  prepared  for  the  occasion.  Three  sermons  were  preached, 
after  which  brother  James  Bignall  of  Barrington,  N.  Y.  was  or- 
dained to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  On  the  Sabbath,  the.  assem- 
bly was  large,  and  worship  commenced  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M.  Af- 
ter two  discourses,  brother  Straight  preached  from  Eph.  8:8,  9  : 
"  Unto  me  who  am  less  than  the  least  of  all  saints,  is  this  grace 
given,  that  I  should  preach  among  the  Gentiles  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ,"  &o.  The  people  observing  that  the  speaker  was 
a  youth,  and  knowing  it  had  been  but  a  little  time  since  he  was  con- 
verted, listened  to  his  address  with  more  than  usuid  attention  and 
solemnity.  Joy  and  gladness,  weeping  and  mourning,  pervaded  the 
assembly.  At  the  close,  brother  Norton,  a  very  aged  man,  recent' 
ly  from  Vermont,  arose  on  the  stand,  and  sung  a  beautiful  parting 
hymn,  that  was  composed  by  one  of  his  brethren  in  die  east 
on  his  separating  from  them.  His  person  was  tall,  erect,  and 
of  comely  form.  His  eyes  were  sunkei^,  and  his  face  wrinkled 
by  age  ;  his  locks  were  white  like  wool,  and  his  singing  s^m^ 
ed  to  have  an  unusual  charm.  When  he  commenced,  the  as- 
sembly  were  just  beginning  to  disperse ;  all  stopped,  and  listen" 
ed  with  perfect  silence,  except,  occasionally,  several  burst  forth  in^ 
to  weeping. 

In  the  meeting  of  business  on  Friday,  the  subject  of  Free  Ma- 
sonry was  agiun  introduced.  It  appeared,  that  a  number  of  our 
own  brethren  and  some  of  our  preachers  had  renounced  their. Ma' 
sonic  obligations ;  and  that  the  connection  of  some  others  with  the 
institution,  had  become  a  sore  trial  to  the  churches.  A  move  was 
mf)de,  that  "we  consider  Masonry  unnecessary,  antiseriptural  and 
wicked;  and  that  for  a  Christian  to  be  a  Mason  is  a  crime  worthy 
of  admonition."  After  much  discussion,  it  passed  by  a  large  ma- 
jority. Only  four  remained  neuter;  but  two  voted  against  it,  and 
16»  --■■■'■ -^     ■    ■ 


116 


mMMOitu  or 


ikme  were  In^tiiren  thai  tfaougfat  their  S^MonioobUgatioM  bisdhig. 
Bat  it  had  always  beea  the  practice  of  the  yearly  meeting,  if  poa- 
tShiey  to  act  imanimotufy:  therefore  they  agreed  to  refer  the  sah- 
jeet  to  the  minnten'  oonferenee  on  Monday,  for  a  reconsideratioik 
Durii^  the  yearly  meetittg,  this  was  a  safcgeet  of  much  fertent 
prayer  and  many  tears,  m  the  oo&ference  the  resolve  was  chang- 
ed to  the  foUowing  form :  **  We  advise  the  qoarterly  meetings  and 
dnirehes  in  oar  connexion,  not  to  hold  fdUmthip  with  ouHive  .FW«> 
Mcuon*;  but  that  they  aimom$h  such  ci  their  brethren  as  bekmg 
to  the  finitemity,  to  renoance  or  withdraw  their  standing  in  the 
lodges,  and  in  all  places  ta  rdfrain  from  advocating  the  systeoki'* 


;j 


CHAPTER  XIX. 
My  FtnirA  \fowrMg  to  New  England, 

Having  been  appointed  by  the  yeaiiy  meeting  a  messeni^  to 
the  second  session  of  the  Gfolieral  Conference  of  the  Free-will  Bi^ 
list  denomtnatimi,  to  be  held  in  New  Hampshire,  I  lelt  my  gtod 
home  in  Cananclaiga%  on  Monday,  Sept.  8, 1828 ;  and  the  next 
day,  at  Waterloo,  was  joined  by  brother  Wm.  Van  Tay^  a  young 
praaelier  who  had  agreed  to  accompany  r"  *)  this  journey.  I  had 
an  interview  at  this  place  with  my  brot*  ves  who  wwi  still  se- 
rioas*  'O  iKMrd,  raaj  I,  shall  I,  ever  seit  iitw  a  Christian?  O, 
Ipraat  that  I  may,  for  thy  mercy's  sake.'  I  \aA  an  apptnntmeitt  in 
the  evening  at  Junius ;  but,  on  our  arrival,  we  found  my  parents 
latlk,  and  a  daughter  of  my  ^lep-mother  apparently  at  the  point  of 
death,  and  uttpre,"ared  for  the  diange.  A  few  monlhs  before,  she 
was  awakened,  and  covenanted  to  seek  the  Lord;  bat  through  the 
infltienee  of  her  aasoeiates  she  was  persuaded  to  attend  a  ba^  and 
\uK  oonviction  left  her.  For  this  she  now  deeply  sighed.  The 
symptoms  of  death  seemed  floating  upon  her  eyes ;  death's  visoge 
wdi  upon  her  features:  she  could  only  teB  us  in  a  fmnt  whisper, 
tint  she  had  no  hope,  while  to  appearance  the  next  hoar  would 
oandnct  her  to  eternal  scenes.  It  was  so  sickly  in  Uie  vicinity,  that 
ther^  wbre  teareely  enongh  in  health  to  take  care  of  the  sick. 
Ob  the  morning  fouowing^  previous  af^pointments  called  us  to  pur- 
jHie  our  joumc^* 

ProceecBttg  on  our  way,  we  attended  meetings  in  Montenmw, 
ttxalOf  and  Spaiford.  At  the  lattar  meetings  a  young  wonum  re- 
lated an  interest^  experience  and  df>mted  to  Ira  baptised.    I  re- 


DhYn>  HAMESi 


wr 


i 


par- 


Ire- 


merabered  Uiat  six  Baontha  before,  I  tried  for  seTenl  Ikran  to  peiv 
WMie  her  to  tam  to  God,  and  tirat  she  then  entered  into  a  core- 
nant  to  kneel  and  {waj  thrice  a  daj  flor  a  year.  She  said  she:  bad 
often  been  sony  she  made  the  eBgagement,  fw  A»  became  discour^ 
aged,  thought  her  prayers  would  be  useless,  nod  should  lul^e  giv- 
en the  strugg^  over,  had  it  not  been  for  the  binding  infiuenoe  of 
this  covenant.  £^  dared  not  breidi  it.  "So,"  said  shoj  <*Ioeii» 
tinued  seeking,  and  about  three  weeks  ago  the  Lord  converted  mj 
soul — now  I  thank  God  that  he  put  it  into  my  heart  to  make  this 
covenant ;  for,  if  I  had  not  made  it,  prebabfy  I  should  not  hafte 
sought  the  Lord,  but  have  died  in  my  sins,  and  have  been  leal  ior- 
everl"  She  appeared  to  be  strong  in  the  Lord  eai  very  haBpy. 
Aftw  biqptism,  we  went  to  the  sou^  part  of  the  town  md  held  a 
meetiiv. 

On  Saturday  we  w^fc  to  Fabius,  wbere  I  had  an  iqipoiotment ; 
but  understanding  that  the  Spaffind  quarterly  meeting  waa  in 
session  at  New  Berlin,  Mtj  n^tes  distant ;  and  that  the  preach^rts 
who  had  been  expect^  to  attend,  w^re  sidk,  or  otherwise  detahied, 
I  thought  it  n^  duty  to  go  to  the  quarterly  meeting.  Leaving 
brother  Yaa  Tuyl  to  attend  my  appointment,  I  started  about  four 
o'clock,  F.  M.,  and  reached  New  Berlin  by  ten  or  eleven  o'clock 
next  morning.  The  people  were  assemMed  in  a  grove,  and  &s  I 
entered,  brottier  Adtm  Aldrich,  the  only  preacher  that  was  present, 
and  some  othen^  thanked  th»  Lord  aloud.  This  was  the  tUrd  day 
of  the  meetin^^  and  I  understood  they  had  had  no  preaching,  ex.- 
oept  from  the  assembly  of  saints  and  young  converts.  I  to(^  my 
seat  to  hear,  and  80(»  lotuid  that  my  lot  had  fallen  in  a  heavenly 
dace,  and  in  a  happy  company.  It  seemed  as  though  a  fresh  breeae 
nom  glory  blowed  gently  upon  us.  The  time  was  all  occupied  m- 
thor  in  singing  or  speaking,  and  many  that  spoke  had  excelleiit 
pfta  in  exhorti^n.  Thus  the  meeting  continued  till  about  twelve 
o'dock,  when  a  ttttle  girl,  who  sat  on  l^r  mother's  hapt  arose  and 
sung  a  beautiful  verse,  and  then,  with  modest  confidence,  addrese- 
ed  the  wicked  with  pathos  and  power.  Said  she,  **  You  may  cillght. 
the  Savior  now,  but  the  time  is  soon  coming  when  you  wiU  be  sor> 
17 — ^when  yea  pass  through  the  dark  vaUey  and  shadow  of  death, 
you  will  need  this  r^^on  which  you  now  despifte."  Her  anhor^ 
tation  was  continued  ten  or  fifteen  minutes^  and  had  much  effect  on 
the  assembly.  I  understood  that  she  was  but  ten  years  old,  and  IukI 
been  a  professor  of  religi(»  two  years.  She  had  been  baptised 
and  received  into  the  chureh ;  and  wfB  a  steady  traveller,  oflcm 
making  mention  of  the  name  of  the  liord. 

"...  During  the  intermission,  I  enjoyed  a  sweet  interview  with  the 
brethren  and  learned  fhwn  them,  that  since  the  last  spring,  a  blcaa- 
ed  revival  had  been  witnessed  on  thehtUd  of  New  BerUn,  and  Nov- 


188 


MxiaoiRS  or 


:l 


wich,  an  adjacent  town.  In  this  work  many  had  been  translated 
into  the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son.  Brother  Aldrich  had  htm- 
ticed  forty,  and  gathered  a  church  of  about  fifty  members,  the  only 
one  of  our  denomination  within  fifty  miles ;  and  a  large  field  ap- 
peared to  be  opening  for  gospel  labors.  In  the  afternoon,  I  spoke 
about  two  hours  with  much  ireedom.  Many  tears  were  shed,  and 
great  solemnity  rested  on  the  people.  In  the  evening,  I  preached 
near  the  XTnadilla  river.  The  house  was  crowded,  and  at  the  in- 
troduction, I  counted  fifty  persons  that  stood  up  and  sung,  neariy 
all  of  whom  appeared  to  "  sing  with  the  spirit,  and  with  the  under^ 
standing  also."  On  the  day  following  I  attended  two  meetings. 
The  Lord  met  with  us  and  made  them  impressive  to  many. 
r:  From  Norwich,  I  went  to  Windsor,  to  attend  the  Susquehanna 
yearly  meeting,  and  there  met  brother  Van  Tuyl.  On  Friday, 
Sept.  19,  1828,  the  second  session  of  this  year^  meeting  com- 
menced, and  continued  with  much  Jnterest  until  Sabbath  evenmg. 
It  fell  to  my  lot  to  speak  two  or  three  times :  It  pleased  the  Lord 
to  give  me  nreedom,  and  bless  his  word  to  the  Awakening  of  some, 
who  afterwards  professed  to  find  peace  in  believing.  Sabbath 
evening,  brother  B.  A.  Russel  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry. 

The  Susquehanna  yearhr  meeting  was  organized  a  year  before 
this  time  at  Dryden,  New  York.  It  now  consisted  of  three  quar- 
terly meetings,  Owego,  Gibson  and  Spafford.  The  Owego  quar- 
terly meeting  was  gathered  about  the  year  1818,  through  the  in- 
strumentality of  brethren  from  Vermont.  Spafford  quarterly  meet- 
ing was  organized  in  1827.  About  the  same  year,  the  Gibson 
quarterly  meeting  was  formed  principally  from  several  churches 
tfiat  had  formerly  constituted  a  yearly  meeting  of  I^e  Gmamtn- 
ion  Bviptist*.  The  numbers  in  the  yearly  meeting  were  not  exact- 
ly ascertained.  The  probable  estimate  was  as  follows,  eighteen 
churches,  twelve  ordained  ministers  and  five  hundred  and  fifty-five 
members. 
^  Monday,  after  a  few  minutes'  notice,  I  preached  standing  under 
a  tree,  to  about  one  hundred  people  in  Bunbridge.  Some  heard 
with  tenderness.  We  proceeded  to  New  Berlin,  and  next  day  met 
an  assembly  in  the  grove  where  the  quarterly  meeting  was  held. 
I  preached  on  repentance,  ffuth  and  baptism,  and  enjoyed  some 
freedom. 

On  Wednesday  we  continued  our  journey  eastward,  and  in  eight 
days  arrived  at  Randolph,  Yt.,  a  distance  of  two  hundred  and  six- 
teen miles.  On  our  way  we  held  five  meetings :  the  first  was  in 
Johnstown,  ;T.  York,  where  we  stopped  to  feed  our  horses.  I  pass- 
ed into  the  street,  and  observing  the  people  running  to  and  fio, 
while  all  seemed  thoughtless  of  God  and  eternity,  I  felt  a  cry  in 


'0*-l 


DATn  muauL 


im 


ight 
8ix- 

in 
ass- 
firo, 

in 


mj  Moulf  and  coBdnded  ta  cmbraee  the  opportiHiitj,  fiir  Mibukkig^ 
exhorting,  Ac,  out  of  mmon,"  3  Tun.  4^ :  sod  obtMoiiig  Ubertjr 
o£  the  owner,  I  stood  on  a  pkUffMin,  before  a  store  in  the  ecatM  of 
the  village,  and  began  to  preach  from  Rer.  6:17 1  **  l^of  the  giwt 
day  of  hift  wrath  is  eome^  aad  wha shall  be  aUetostand?*  Aboot 
one  hundred  aad  if^  or  iwo^  fatmdradjpeei^  listened  to  the  word) 
BOtwithstBading  it  rMaed}  aad  when  I  was  spealuns  es  ^kt  huM 
proposition  ^  the  text>  a  eertaia  judge  iatemiptea  xm,  a»p^b 
**  Friend)  you  murt^  stop  this  is  terj  iniproper*^'^pev  aro  distuil^ 
iag  the  feagie.  There  ase  houses  enottgh  to-  preaoh  in."  I  ref^ 
ed)  tiiat  I  had  no  intention  of  distui^ing  tie  people;  that  on  entes*' 
teriiM;  thehr  vilkge,  I  beard  the  teicfa  of  prorene  tfinanrngf  tad  na 
eaa mrbid it(  aiM,  that  I  snj^KMed,  if  I  preadbed  Cbrisi  to  thmi 
ia  the  '*  lUgktfe^"  no  one  would  attempt  to  prevent  lis.  He  oalj 
r^Ued  thoA  it  was  Impioper,  aad  then  depwtedL  Immediatelj  a 
lawyer  seiMd  me^  aad  by  a  sodden  puU^  IrfOH^t  me  nearfy  to  th« 
gpeuod,  saying  "  Oaim  andgavritkimioJaiL**  I  asked  him  why  he 
w«Mild  Ifi^rison  me.  He  replied^  "  JFbr  dittm^lmg  tkspetK^  ef  Ifts 
vUlagtf"  and  demaaded  areascm  fat  my  eoadnct.  I  told  Intt  that 
I  was  one  of  those  scarvaals  whom  the  Loard  had  seat  w&  inta  tbe 
<<h^waye  and  bec^es^"  Ste^  and  adud  him  if  it  was  dIstorlUra 
tbeir  peace  ta  try  tt>  persuade  tfaa  kindled  fit>ia  the  incy  to  heft 
Ha  halted,  aad  looking  ma  sternly  m  the  ftce,.  commanded  a»  fb 
tioip,  saying  "1  wiU  hear  no  saeh  ta^."  IW  people  gaAemd 
acoand  in  a  tfaron|^  aad  some  cried^  **Ha  k  arazy*^flog  tMB^" 
Others  said,  "  He  did  not  talk  like  a  crazy  man ;  but  the  mwapart 
semauaed  sUent  WhUe  the  lawyw  wasi  hdldii^  me^^  I  discovered 
firom  his  breath,  that  he  used  <<  strong  drink.'*  He  then  said,  if  I 
woald  leave  the  place  m  sitea^  he  would  let  me  gOb  I  totd  hin% 
that  because  my  time  to  stiqr  had  now  expired,  I  iBfended»  if  dia- 
nossedy  to  leave  immediately^  Aa  he  -lei  me  go,  I  said,  '"  Jowr 
Utod  hi  upon  ffOur  <H0»  JumLT  He  tmiMd  suddeafy  toward  mB, 
as  thoa^  he  tbi>ught  I  had  threatened  hie  life^  and  demanded  what 
I  uMMnt  by  tlas-  saying.  One  that  stood  l^,  told  him  Aafck  was  a 
saying  of  Scripture^  itfid  that  my  meaning  was,  that  1  was  disar 
ftem  his  guilty  and  that  he  weuM  bear  it  alonoi  He  said,  **  Soke 
«f,"  and  left  me*  Many  followed  me  to  my  carriage,  inritad  ma 
to  their  dweUiag%  and  eamestljr  entreated  ine  to  remain  till  eren>- 
ing,  and  preach  vtk  d^  eoart  houae^  or  in  one  of  their  meetmg 
brasesk  But  du^  called  us  to  haste  on  our  way.  As  we  left  the 
town,  the  Lend  poured  his  Spirit  upoa  roe,  and  caused  me  greialy 
t»  rejoice.  The  other  meetings  were  in  Broad  Albiny  Wilton^  and 
JCngsbury. 

Friday,  Oct.  8, 1828^  we  attended  the  Vermont  yearly  meetiag 
coHfturence  ia  Biad<^]^.    The  prmcipal  suligeet  dieewned 


190 


miioiBS  cv 


Free  Masonrj.  Several  brethren  in  this  state  had  seceded  firom 
the  institution,  testified  that  its  works  are  evil,  and  that  the  disclos- 
ures made  by  Capt  William  Morgan,  and  others,  were  true.  It  i^< 
peared  that  these  circumstances  mtd  induced  many  brethren  to  ex- 
amine the  nature  and  tendency  of  the  oaths  and  ceremonies  of  the 
order.  The  result  was,  that  the  allegiance  of  brethren  to  the  in- 
stitution became  a  trial  The  subject  appeared  to  have  been  first 
introduced  into  the  church  in  this  town,  and  afterwards  referred  to 
the  yearly  meeting.  When  the  discussion  began,  I  had  not  a 
thought  of  taking  any  active  part  I  was  young — a  stranger  to 
nearfy  all,  and  I  said,  "  Days  should  speak,  and  multitude  of  years 
should  teach  wisdom."  Again,  all  my  brethren  were  dear  to  me, 
and  I  thought  I  would  not  chill  the  feelings  of  any  by  en^igin^  in 
a  point  of  dispute.  But,  unexpectedly,  I  felt  an  impression  firom 
the  Spirit  of  the  I^ord  to  open  mv  mouth,  and  I  dared  not  disobey. 
Like  Ephraim,  I  **  spoke  tremblmg,"  and  remarked,  that  teereey 
is  a  sign  of  iniquity ;  that  men  hoatt  of  their  good  deeds,  and  oftdn 
publish  them  as  by  tiie  sound  of  a  trumpet ;  but,  their  evil  deedtf 
of  which  they  are  ashamea,  they  conceal ;  therefbre  said  our  Sa* 
vior,  **  Mm  loved  darkneu  rather  than  light,  beetnue  their  deedt  are 
eviV*  After  this,  I  quoted  several  passages  of  Scripture,  to  show 
that  the  works  of  Christ  were  wrought  openly,  that  *^  in  eecrd!*  he 
*^said  nothing^  &c.  I  spoke  about  an  hour  with  much  freedom, 
and  presented  many  testimonies,  showing  what  are  the  oaths  and 
ceremonies  of  the  institution.  Little  more  was  advanced  in  fovor 
of  Masoniy. 

'  A  preacher,  who  said  in  the  commencement  of  the  discussion, 
that  he  was  included  among  its  defendants,  observed  that  it  would 
seem  to  be  useless  to  say  anything  in  defence  of  Masonry,  yet  he 
must  dissent  from  my  remarks.  This  was  about  all  he  sidd,  except, 
near  the  close,  he  remarked,  that  he  was  a  royal  arch  Mason,  and 
that  the  clause,  ^ right  or  iorong"  contained  in  what  is  called  Ma- 
sonry, were  words  that  had  not  escaped  his  lips,  that  before  God, 
he  would  say  to  this  yearly  meeting  he  had  never  taken  tueh  an 

obligation.    Upon  this  Capt.  D ,  a  brother,  arose,  and  said  that 

he  was  a  royal  ardi  Mason,  and  felt  tried ;  "  For,"  said  he,  "  I 
once  asked  this  brother,"  alluding  to  the  one  that  had  just  spoken, 
"  how  he  got  along  with  this  part  of  the  obligation,  «  ngM  or 
vfrongf*  He  repUed  that  he  refused  to  take  it,  and  being  urged 
for  half  an  hour,  he  at  last  told  the  one  that  administered  the  oath, 
that  he  would  not  take  it,  if  they  drew  him  in  quarters,  and  that 
upon  this,  the  phraseology  was  so  changed  that  he  took  the  obliga- 
tion. Brother  D.  now  wept  profusely,  and  renounced  his  allegi- 
ance to  the  institution.  To  this  explanation,  the  preacher  that  first 
spok^  made  no  reply ;  but  appeared  to  be  much  attached  to  Ma- 


1 1 


DAYIO    MAmXt. 


Etth, 
I  that 

ligft- 
legi- 
1  first 
Ma- 


sonry, and  after  the  meetings  told  me,  that  he  could  go  no  ftirther 
with  me.  I  asked  him  to  go  alone  with  me  and  pray ;  he  refused, 
saying  he  had  gone  with  me  to  the  end  of  his  faith.  It  is  but  jhiati 
however,  to  add,  that  this  preacher  renounced  his  Masonic  obliga- 
tions in  less  than  one  year.  After  many  weighty  and  spiritual 
testimonies,  the  conference  passed  a  resolve,  that  <*  Free  Maaonxy 
is  the  unfruitftil  works  of  darkness,"  entreating  all  their  brethren 
who  had  been  connected  with  it,  to  come  out  from  it  and  have  no 
fellowship  with  it 

I  had  never  taken  part  in  any  discussion  with  more  reluctance 
than  I  did  on  this  occasion.  My  course  was  entirely  contrary  to 
my  natural  inclination,  to  my  earthly  interest,  and  to  my  ezpectai- 
tion.  I  felt  the  tenderest  regard  for  my  brethren  that  were  Map 
sons ;  and  while  I  fdt  preMed  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  to  testify 
against  the  system,  I  wept  for  them  day  and  night  But  what  are 
the  feelings  of  my  brethren,  what  are  my  own  feelings,  when  they 
come  in  competition  with  the  requirements  of  God  I  Some  seem- 
ed to  be  oflfended,  and  the  preacher  named  before,  asked  me  if  I 
had  not  been  employed  to  come  from  N.  York  on  purpose  to  oppose 
Masonry.  But  though  by  this  course  my  influence  with  many 
might  be  diminished,  I  enjoyed  what  I  prized  above  the  friendship 
of  the  world — ^peaoe  of  conscience — ^peace  with  God. 

On  Saturd^,  worship  continued  through  the  day  With  mack 
spirituidity.  On  the  Sabbath  the  house  was  crowded  and  hvat- 
dreds  stood  without  Elder  Morse  gave  a  short,  but  good  discourse ; 
after  which,  I  addressed  the  people  about  two  hours.  In  the  after- 
noon. Elder  £tarvey  preached  an  interesting  sermon.  The  meet- 
ing was  solemn,  and  at  times  much  tenderness  was  observed  in  the 
assembly.  After  it  dosed,  as  I  passed  vtof  tlie  house,  Major 
F.  gave  me  a  dollar;  tears  started  in  ht>.  eyes,  and  he  said, 
"  Pray  for  me."  I  understood  that  he  had  been  a  Universalist, 
also  that  he  was  the  first  that  publicly  renounced  Masonry  in  Ver- 
mont 

On  Monday  I  spoke  to  a  considerable  assembly  in  Tunbridge ; 
some  wept  and  some  were  happy.  In  the  evenmg  I  addressed  a 
crowded  congregation  in  Strafibrd.  Next  morning  we  proceeded 
<m  our  journey,  and  in  a  little  more  than  two  days  arrived  at  Sand- 
wich in  New  Hampshire.  « 

On  Thursday,  ONct  9, 1828,  the  Greneral  Conference  opened  in 
this  town  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M.  Messengers  were  present  from 
Maine  eastern,  and  Maine  western  yearly  meetings,  from  the  year- 
1t  meetings  in  New  Hampshire,  Vermont,  Holland  Purchase,  and 
Ohio,  and  from  the  B.  I.  quarterly  meeting ;  and  during  its  sitting, 
forty  or  fifty  ministers  attended.  Elder  Nathaniel  Kmg,  of  Vt, 
was  appointed  moderator,  and  Elder  John  BaaaeU,  of  Maine, 


199 


MMIOIBS  Of 


mukiani  moderator.  Ai  tbe  prerieut  MwiM  in  18S7,  bnth- 
«r  Hoiea  Qaiahy  had  been  ohoMn  atMiding  derk.  Among  tlie 
wbjeoto  diaoussed,  on  whioh  reeolvM  wen  pMsed  in  GonfiMmwe 
WM  the  following : — 

Slf^eulativt  lYte  Miuonrv^-^The  Vermont  jenrlj  meeting  con- 
ierooue  presented  their  resolmt  against  Masonrj,  asking  liber^  to 
publish  them  in  the  Morning  Stor,  a  religions  paper  designed  for 
tbe  benefit  of  the  Free-wiU  Baptist  denominaiioik  An  mtUJumit 
postponement  was  moved.  I  had  resolved  that  I  would  be  sUmt 
on  the  sabieot.  Brethren  from  Yerflaoni  bedumed  to  me  more 
than  onoe,  but  I  persisted  inrny  resolutiMi  till  I  ftlt  that  die  Lord 
jroquired  me  to  open  my  amuth.  Then  I  spdke  against  the  motion, 
and  argued,  from  the  dischMures  ^bat  had  been  made  of  the  ex- 
creta of  Masonry— from  tbe  nature  and  tondency  of  the  inatitutioii, 
that  the  resolves  of  the  Vermont  yearly  mteeting  were  rigfataous, 
and  ought  to  be  known  to  the  denomination.  S«on  afker  I  cmia- 
menoea  speaking,  some  brother  asked  the  moderator  if  I  was  not 
**outqf  order."  He  answered  in  the  negative,  and  I  continued  my 
address  about  an  hour  with  much  freedom.  I  felt  tiw  Spiritof  the 
Lord  assisting  me,  and  there  was  much  weeping  in  tbe  Gonferenoe. 
"Whan  I  spoke— for  anything  I  knew  to  the  contrary,—- all  the  Ikr 
then  in  the  connexion  that  were  mresent  mi^t  be  Iksons.  Bsrt; 
my  joy  was  great,  and  I  thanked  God,  on  finding  thi^  Elders  Buz- 
mU  and  King,  and  the  aged  men  that  had  home  the  burden  in  the 
heat  of  the  &y,  and  had  led  tkA»  connexion  as  a  floek,  had  «v«r 
stood  opposed  to  the  institution.  A  large  nuiiorky  voted  aguimat 
the  motion,  and  tiie  Coaierence  agreed  to  give  the  Vermont 
yearly  meeting  conferenoe  liberty  to  pubfiah  their  resolves  in  the 
?5tar.* 

After  an  adjoummirat,  Blder  Buzsell  ai^nd  me  how  I  dared, 
since  I  was  but  a  young  mtm,  to  speak  as  I  bad  against  Masoarr 
before  the  a^,  dec.  I  replied  in  the  language  of  David,  ^  a 
there  not  a  cause  ?"    He  said  with  a  smile,  ^  Tea — it  there  ntt  a 

The  bttuness  of  the  Ccmference  in  general,  waa  eondooted  with 
jmuch  unanimity  of  sentiment  and  feeling ;  and  all  appeared  to  be 
ff  the  opinion,  that  the  continuance  of  a  General  Conference  iras 
needful  for  the  prosperity  of  the  denomination.  Sdll,  some  feared 
that  its  resolves  might  yet  be  so  oonstnied  as  to  form  a  dikc^Mnef 
jmd  thus  aa|)|>Iant  one  ot  the  Arst  principles  of  the  dcnominatisil. 


-  *  nttoagb  some  means,  or  some  misnndentuidin*,  these  psrtlcitUurs  coa- 
aunimg  Ibuonrj  never  foand  fdaee  in  t^e  miirates  cv  the  Genenl  ConfJBrenoB. 
ttis,heii(«iTw,b«t  iaittoadd,llMttheitsBdiiigd«*iia«t»liMOB.  Bels 
a  SM»  whom  I  bigu^y  estessk 


"ikkfT'yi'S^  ■'  .iKJf.''*^-  .i^.T-'^ri^Ji'^^'.v*''''-''"^' '^'•'^'TT 


'"  ^'Tr'''i^'^ '  "^i*'~~' 


DATID 


a 


in«. 


via.  <*Ta  hold  the  New  TeitMaeni  m  the  onlj  wvittett  hm  er  rale 
for  the  goterainent  of  the  ohurdk"  I  undenlood,  however^  that 
•11  the  memben  of  the  Oonferenee  eouddered  the  okrjceA'  of  this 
ooDTeotioD  to  be,  fMl  Id  mttk$  lmm»  for  the  chnreh,  but  to  eeueh  Ibr 
Ml  undentanding  of  the  pmrftet  Um  that  Chriot  bee  made,  and  hold 
it  up  for  the  beneAt  of  aU.  For  **iin  A*  wntHitmM  ^  •ommdhrt 
there  i$  eafetjf.** 

The  meeting  of  buiineis  oontinved  three  days ;  Md  during  the 
time,  meetings  of  worship  were  held  <«  everj  ereninig,  at^onoy  ftwo» 
or  three  phMes,  and  once  «r  twiee  ia  the  aiWnoon.  On  ane  etaa- 
ing  I  BpoVe  at  the  Ridge  meeting  house,  firom  James  4:1<^:  ".flWfii- 
Ne  jfour$elve$  in  the  eight  of  the  Lord."  On  the  Sabbath,  meetings 
were  held  at  two  meeting  houses  in  Sandwich.  In  the  fbrenoon,  a 
(taneral  discourse  was  preached  on  the  death  of  Bidet  Thoipas 
Jackson,  at  one  place  i^  Elder  J.  White,  and  at  tha  other  hj 
Elder  A.  CkTenm.  A  solemn  seaaoa  waa  enjoyed  vt  the  old 
meeting  house ;  and  at  the  Ridge  I  understood  that  it  WM  a  tine 
of  much  weeping.  In  the  aft^oon  I  spoke  at  the  otd  meetfog 
house;  and  in  the  evening  worship  was  attended  ia  varioas 
nrts  of  the  town,  and  aonra  appearancea  of  a  rerital  stjiofeed  oar 
hearla. 

On  Konday  I  went  to  the  houM  of  dster  C^lsihy,  ik  widow  hi 
IsraeL  I  was  in  this  family  Ibor  years  beftnpe,  ana  now  under* 
stood,  that  at  the  first  meeting  which  I  thea  held,  while  I  was 
ffpeakSagof  the  sttflMan  of  Christ,  it  pleaeed  the  Lord  to  Mess 
the  wora  to  the  awakening  of  Hosea,  a  son  of  sister  Qalnby.  In 
about  two  months  he  obtained  peace,  soon  became  a  pr|lu;her  and 
was  now  clerk  of  the  General  Oonferenee.*  *0  Lord,  help  kirn 
and  m«  to  be  humMe  as  the  apostolic  Clurifldans,  and  meeh  as  the 
holy  Jesus.' 

The  ensuing  week  was  occupied  ia  ]Nreaehmg  ia  IVffsonsfield, 
Newfield,  lii^^rick,  and  atten^ng  the  Parsonsfidd  quarterly  meet- 
ing in  Umington,  Me.  .  In  the  laUer  place,  seteiti  had  been  re* 
~  oently  converted,  and  the  church  had  at  tUs  time  between  two  and 
three  hundred  members. 

Having  smt  appointments  to  Wears  quarterly  meeting,  and  al- 
so to  the  north  part  of  Vermont,  Tuesday,  Oct.  1, 1  left  Inother 
Van  Tuyl,  expecting  to  meet  him  in  Sntttm,  Veraoont,  and  preadh- 
ed  in  the  evening  at  Weeks'  corner  ia  Parsonsflek).  The  school 
house  was  filed,  about  liftj  stood  widiout,  and  thoagh  the  eveniiig 
was  ecdd,  they  continued  to  hear  till  the  dSscourse  was  dosed. 
Many  wept.    Monday  evening  I  spoke  to  three  0r  fouJ:'  hundred 

.  *  Mk  <2b1ii^  k  new  priaetpd  tf  ItadthtiRo  jMiiauyi  fA  $•  Ifl>«o4 
17 


*'^" 


114 


IRMOnS  ov 


In  Sandwich  I  aAer  which!  receired  an  interesting  letter  ftt>m  a 
Toang  man  of  that  town,  who  informed  me,  that  at  the  meeting*  I 
had  latelj  attended  in  that  place,  his  mind  was  much  wrought  up- 
on hy  the  Spirit  {  that  he  bad  been  brought  to  repent  of  hi«  sins, 
and  that  now  hii  heart  was  filled  with  the  love  of  Gk)d,  Ac*  '  O 
that  the  Lord  may  bless  and  lieep  him  in  the  truth  of  Jesus. 


•  This  young  min  wm  Bamtbl  Bbbdb,  •  Quaker.  Ha  wss  well  educated, 
sod  poeeeMed  more  than  a  common  intellect  Ai  rabeequently  he  became  a 
Bromioeiit  oian  in  th«  Free-wiU  Baptist  denominatioD,  and  exMted  much  in- 
floeaoe  orer  the  rat^ject  of  thii  memoir,  the  reader  maj  be  intereeted  in  an 
extract  from  thia  letter.    [Bo.] 

'•  My  Chriatian  Brother, 

Thou  mayeat  think  strange  at  being  thus  addressed  by  a  stranger, 
but  after  a  little  explanation,  thou  mayest  not  wonder  that  I  ihonld  hare  a 
desire  to  do  thus.  On  Thursday  the  9th  inst,  I  met  a  stranger  in  the  street 
whose  countenance  greatly  struck  me,  and  I  said  with  myself,  *'This  is  a 
hwrrealy  messenger.  On  the  erening  oi  the  following  dav,  I  attended  meet- 
ing whcm  I  had  been  told  that  DaviaMarks,  a  stranser  from  the  west,  was 
ejqiected  to  preach.  He  waa,  the  man  whom  I  met  in  the  street  And  indeed 
he  did  pnoM—taoA  he  preached  tho-  gotpel  too,  which  touched  my  heart,  and 
smote  my  breast  with  deep  repentance,  and  kindled  the  most  ardent  desiraa  to 
become  a  true  follower  or  Jesns.  The  next  day  I  attended  meeting  in  the  P. 
M.,  but  I  saw  nothing  of  David  again  till  Uie  ISth,  in  the  A.  M^  I  saw  him 
weeping.  Probably,  thought  I,  his  heart  is  filled  with  the  Iotc  of  Jesus,  and 
with  a  sense  of  the  undone  situation  of  poor  sinners,  and  these  things  cause 
him  to  weep.  I  thought  then,  David  will  have  something  for  us  this  after- 
noon, and  my  expeqtiUions  were  realised ;  for  the  sospel  was  again  proclaim- 
ed, and  reached  the  hearts  of  manv.  Blessed  be  God  our  Savior,  for  the  love 
of  Jesus  that  filled  my  heart  I  snail  never  forset  it  while  I  live.  When  the 
meeting  closed,  I  felt  as  though  I  must  speak  with  David  before  he  left  the 
itown;  'Dut,  as  I  could  not  then,  I  concluded  to  attend  the  evening  meeting 
wlMure  Elder  Bowles  was  expected  to  preach.  FertiiqM  thou  mavest  recollect 
that  as  thou  wast  about  to  enter  the  house,  a  person  inquired  tcy  name,  and 
4hen  Ibll  into  weeping.  That  was  the  person  who  now  addresses  thee.  80 
unexpected  an  interview,  together  with  a  sense  of  the  low  state  of  Zion,  and 
of  tfie  wickedness  of  my  own  heart,  filled  me  with  such  tenderness,  and  such 
4esires  for  the  prosperity  of  the  church,  and  the  repentance  of  sinners,  that  I 
could  not  refrain  from  weeping.  But  ah  I  my  friend,  when  I  come  to  speak 
of  the  meeting,  words  and  language  mnst  fail  me.  The  blessed  jovs  of  that 
heavenly  season  cannot  be  expressed.  I  was  never  at  such  a  meeting  before. 
Hie  power  of  the  gospel  was  poured  forth  as  a  river.  It  seemed  to  me  the 
tdKde  audience  were  umost  persuaded  to  be  Christians.  Several  I  know,  were 
smitten  to  the  heart  and  almost  ready  to  come  forward  and  confess  Jeans 
thdr  Savior :  and  I  wOl  tell  thee,  my  fHend,  that  I  was  one  of  those  myself 
who  had  long  been  almost  persuaded  to  be  a  Christian.  My  situation  and 
ftdiiws  were  told  me  t^  Elder  Bowles  and  my  friend  David  much  better  than 
I  oonfil  have  told  them  myself.  *  *  My  soul  was  completely  filled 
with  the  love  of  Jesus,  and  I  thought  that  if  it  should  appear  to  be  my  duty,  I 
should  be  willing <o  tMdfy  for  Jesus  at  that  meeting.  But  I  could  not  see 
that  1  had  any  imag  more  to  do  at  that  time  than  submit  to  the  will  of  Qod, 
and  lell  my  nelings  to  thoae  who  had  handled  His  word  so  dcillftdljr  for  the 
^ood  of  my  souL    Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord  fiw  the  peace  I  find  in 


DATIO  MABKf. 


190 


■  I  ntxt  Tiiited  leTeral  churches  in  Weare  quarterly  meeting.  In 
Bradford  I  found,  to  tnj  great  joy,  that  Qod  waa  again  pouring  out 
hiR  Spirit  on  thii  people,  and  thi^  eightj  persons  liad  professed  to 
pass  rrom  death  unto  life.  Seyeral  of  the  converts,  I  understood, 
dated  their  awakening  from  the  revival  in  this  place  nearly  flva 
years  before.  I  held  two  meetings  with  them,  and  we  w«rp  hap* 
pier  than  the  kings  of  the  earth.  Fishersfleld  had  also  been  blessed 
with  some  revivm.  Thursday,  October  80, 1  rode  fifty-nine  miles 
to  Lisbon  and  preached  in  the  evening.  My  soul  was  happy. 
The  day  following  I  held  a  meeting  in  Waterford,  Vt  Some  wept, 
othurs  rejoiced  and  thought  this  a  good  meeting ;  but  to  me  it  was 
a  dark  time. 

On  Saturday  I  was  joined  by  brother  Van  Toyl.  Sabbath  w« 
met  about  four  hundred  people  assembled  in  the  me^ng  house 
built  by  Elder  John  Colby.  A  large  number  of  this  assemblj 
were  disciples  of  Jesus.  In  the  forenoon  I  spoke  fr  .n  Isa.  25:^ 
7,  8 :  and  in  the  afternoon  fh>m  Mark  16:15,  16.  In  boUi  meet- 
ings, I  be^eve  the  Lord  stood  at  my  right  hand  and  blessed  the 
word  of  truth.  In  the  evening  we  were  accompanied  by  Elder 
Jonathan  Woodman  and  wife,  to  the  house  of  brother  David  Colby, 
a  preacher  of  the  gospel,  and  a  brother  to  John  Colby,  who  now 
rests  from  his  labors.  We  held  a  meeting  in  the  neighborhood, 
and  spent  the  night  at  the  dwelling  of  brother  Colby.  In  this 
house.  Elder  John  Colby  lived  in  youth,  and  from  it  commenced 
his  extensive  travels  and  gospel  labors,  which  wore  out  his  liitD  in 
the  morning  of  his  days.  Mj  mind  was  filled  with  solemn  refieo- 
tion,  while  viewing  the  places  that  had  witnessed  his  tears,  and 
lodging  in  the  room  which  he  finished  for  his  place  of  rest,  study, 
and  devotion.  In  the  morning  we  visited  his  father,  Dea.  Thomas 
Colby,  whom  we  found  in  the  evening  of  life,  strong  in  the  Lord, 
and  waiting  in  fiill  expectation  of  the  rest  that  his  son,  and  some 
others  of  his  family  had  gone  to  enjoy.  After  a  short  and 
agreeable  visit,  we  returned  with  brother  Woodman,  from  whom 

submitting  my  will  to  His.    Do,  my  friend,  pray  for  m«  and  the  others  who 
were  with  me  tenderly  affected  at  that  meetine. 

Since  that  evening,  my  soul  has  been  filled  with  tenderness  and  prayor. 
Weeping  and  monming  over  Zion  have  been  my  constant  companions.  My 
very  neart  seems  willing  to  leave  all  and  follow  Jesns.  I  almost  long  to  go 
wiui  David  to  proclaim  salvation  to  dving  sinners.  If  my  God  should  call 
me,  I  feel  as  though  I  could  sav  with  tnee,  "  I  will  preach  the  gospel,  if  I  beg 
my  bread."  Do  assure  thyself  that  as  an  ambassaaor  of  Jesus,  thou  hast  the 
highest  affection  of  my  soul  in  the  love  of  the  gospel.  My  spirit  goes  with 
thee  in  carrying  the  gospel  to  sinners.  My  daily  pravers  are  tor  thy  success 
and  prospenty  m  Uie  truth.  May  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  thee  hence- 
forth  and  f<Mrever.    Amen.  Yours  in  love, 

Saxubl  Bexdb. 

Sandwich, Oci 21, 1828.'»»  "^^  mmwm^-m^^.  m 


IM 


KUfOK::  99 


ife  rec«i«ed  sobm  fiivon.    **  JRi$  mor«  Utued  to  gim  than  t»  re- 

Oar  intoii'view  with  brother  Woodmaa  was  ioterosting.-  He  had 
jilH  returoed  ftvm  MontpeUer,  where  he  had  served  as  ch^Iain  to 
thia  kgislatare  in  its  last  session.  He  was  called  to  the  ministry  at 
aa  early  age,  and,  through  the  Messing  of  God,  his  labors  have 
bMB  Tery  useful.  He  is  still  bat  a  young  nian.  For  the  sake  of 
^km,  may  his  life  be  oontbued  Iwig  <m  the  earth.  On  Tuesday 
fiurenoon  we  held  a  meeting  in  the  north  part  of  Danville.  It  na* 
aL  aelbmn  season,  yel  if  the  £ord  sent  us  to  this  plaee^  k  might  be 
said  to  the  pecqple,  '^I  was  a  hnngM^  and  ve  ^ave  me  no  meafc^-«* 
I  was  a  stranger  and  ye  to<A  me  not  in ;"  ror  no  one  invited  ns  to 
ti^  tnsjf  re^ishment-~«e  we  proceeded  «a  oar  wmr  in  the  rain. 
Bvt  'A  it  enough  tiM^  the  servant  he  as  his  Lovd*  Contimnisg  onr 
janratsy*  we  iMended  meetmgs  in  Topsham,  Orange,  C<Hinth,  Tun* 
bpM^  )»pd  ea  Saturday  «nrived  at  Randolph.  These  opportmii- 
tise  wer«  blessed  of  the  JmA,  *  O,  that  I  nay  meel  seme  fhots 
of  then  in  heftvMi.* 

,^8«hbath,  Kov.  d,  1828,'  I  preaehed  with  iireedom  to  about  seven 
IVMM^Mepie  in  Bandolph,  frnss  Fs.  6(h21,  83.  The  nest  da^, 
cfMsingthe  Ofeen  mountaiiPA  to  West  Rutland,  I  preadied  m 
^}ng»buriv  but  had  a  dark,  teying  time.  Yet  the  saying  of  our 
IjjWd,  **  Bhtud  art  th»  poor  in  tg»ir^,**  icCky  ecHnierted  me.  We 
jagfft%  held  meetings  in  Wilton  and  Broad  Albin ;  and  on  Saturday 
aiKived.  aA  Fkin^c^  N*  T.  Sabbath  forenoon,  we  enjoyed  a  good 
seasfHi  at  the  Free  Communion  Baptistmeeting  house  in  WinfieU, 
aid  in  thi%  afiernoco  I  preached  to  a  fow  iki  the  Seveath»Day  Ba|H 
ti^fe  meeting  house  afe  Brookfield* 

»  Wednesday,  Nov.  19,  we  proceeded  to  Norwii^  and  were  kind> 

If  reoeived  by  brodier  Bicbmond  and  family.    A  few  had  been 

'JBffStVBttod  and  U9  had  been  bi^pdzed  since  my  former  visiL    In 

^tbia  evening  we  hefet  a  meeting  j  and  the  next  day  went  to  an  ap- 

;;:  p«iatineal  all  the  whito  meetti%  house  on  the  UnadlBa  river ;  Imi 

^  tiie  day  being  stormy,  the  door  was  locked,  and  only  one  person 

'<■■  aj^peared.    We  kneeled  <^  the  steps,  united  in  prayer,  and  then 

^  departed.    Soon  we  met  with  several  whose  attention  had  been  a|- 

'  triiiQtedj  and  they  soUoited  us  to  return.    The  door  being  opened^ 

sihout  twenty  assembled,  and  I  spoke  from  Luke  10:42. 

On  Friday  we  held  a  meeting  in  Eaton,  and  were  bkssed  w^th 
g  A9  free   Bi^rit     We  proceeded  to  Fabins  and  ettiA  over  the 
-■^^^bbath.    1  gav«  two  discourses  and  tHPother  Van  Tuyl  one. 
Vwiaj  we  met  a  large  assembly  in  SfMffm^  asA  saw  some  signs 
of  a  good  work.    Oi^  said,  that  v^en  we  came  to  ^s  place  be- 
fore, she  was  in  her  sins,  but  the  Lord  sent  the  word  to  her  heart, 
and  she  believed  he  had  converted  her  souL    After  [^aching  in 
,  .       ,  ^.  ...... 


it 


DATID  MABXfl. 


197 


tbe  north  part  of  tho  town,  we  held  meetings  as  we  proceeded,  in 
Elbridge,  Cato  and  Meats.  Friday,  Nov.  28,  we  airived  at  ..17 
fiither's,  and  unexpectedly  found  my  sister,  whom  we  left  at 
the  pdnt  of  death,  still  alive.  Her  health  was  partially  re- 
stored, and  she  appeared  muoh  ooncemed  fpr  the  salvation  of  her 
souL  ^ 

Sabbath,  Not.  80,  tfaottrii  laboring  under  much  indisposition,  I 
attended  two  meetings.  In  Junius ;  and  the  next  day,  on  our  way  to 
Gsnandaigna,  preaofaed  to  a  few  in  Waterloo  witn  freedom.  We 
were  affectionatelv  l«oeived  by  our  friends  in  Oanandaigua.  Here 
brother  Van  Tuyi  left  me,  and  returned  to  his  parents  in  Jerusa* 
lem.  During  ihe  time  he  Jutd  aooompanied  me,  he  generally  laboor^ 
ed  under  great  trials  respecting  his  duty  in  the  drarch.  He  |»«y- 
ed  mudi,  and  sometime  after  the  journey  of  the  day,  spent  half 
the  night  in  supplication  to  Gbd.  Still  he  seemed  to  have  as  deep 
a  sense  of  his  unworthincss  as  any  Christian  I  ever  saw.  But 
about  the  time  of  our  return,  he  became  settled  in  the  belief,  that 
God  had  called  him  to  the  gospel  ministry,  and  that  he  would 
strengthen  hun  in  obedienoe.  He  had  generally  spoken  by  tichor- 
tation ;  but  now  he  resolved  to  give  himself  up  to  God,  and  vul- 
ture forth  preaching  the  doctrine  of  the  gospel,  and  his  peace  be- 
came settled.  We  had  journeyed  with  each  odier  fifteen  hundred 
miles ;  our  hearts  were  uiit  toiler,  and  we  enjoyed  tha  sweetest 
union :  yes,  we  truly  knew  the  joys  of  Christian  friencbhip.  Fre^ 
vions  to  our  separation,  we  retina  and  joined  in  solemn  prayer. 
#  17» 

fi-.  .  .    •  .  .« 

■-V::  ■  •  ■  ,    '  '--n 

■u  ■    -i 

■       -if 
.  ■       ,    ■  -M- 

-■    ■* 
1/^ 


,.s#i 


-^^: 


KftI 


MSMonui  er 


0' 


fVitm-. 


T^.ifir  fA't 


•rr  ■':,  -f^-T^k  -^"^  ^wf  "l^t  ^  -^^'ft 


CHAPTBR  XX. 


■« 


^i^jj; 


a^oalUy 


vitE  the 


SaliwaMv  Pe&  6v  18a8»  I  aiteacled 
«kwQli  ia  CmaadiHgHa,  and  our  heorls  ymm  ooorfbrtocl  to^^^ter. 
I  OoatiwMiA  in  tli«  town  »  £b«  dajByKoAheUtaeyvni  miMlniglb  £di 
tWftnst  of  IJmm^  ill  ple«Md  the  Lord  to  send  the  wwd  wtUi  power 
tihlho-  hoort of  otiowig  man  niun hod  been  auKh  (qtpeeed  to  CM 
Old  Ut  people^  Othwt  aleobeoome  tecioafl,  and  an  eneoaragHg 
pooapeet  caiiaed  joy  to  apriog  up  in  emf  heatte.  1 1 

Panog  this  months  I  irant  to  the  Holhmd  Porohaae,  Tinted  nai^ 
ehvtfchefs  «Bd  enji^ed'  Boaie  precioua  seaaooa.  In  Clarkson  and 
iFotma,  ftreiriTal  had  ceeaoaencad  under  iha  labora  «£  £ldev  £b 
Wawnihal^  and  waa  prograosiog  i^rtoosty.  in  the  task  of  the 
mmA  I  roliirned  ea9twttrd,  and  on  Satwr&r^  ood  Sabbath,  Jan.  9 
and'4»  189^  evaded  th^  Ontario  qaarterljp  meeting  at  Golea^ 
Sevend  were  awokeaed  and  one  hopefhlij  eooverted.  it  waa  aaid 
that:  oo>«e8uon«£  this  qnarteri^  meeting  had  been  so  ii^erestiag 
!•  HMk  Several  receiTod  letters  d  eowsieadatioa  to  preaeh  Ae 
gsapd,  and  three  churchea  ooirtahimg  aboat  ninety  m^nbers^  were 
steeived  ia^  Ae  quarterly  meeting. 

Fieaa  Galeo  X  letiiMrBHd  ta  Gantuidaigua,  an^  t»  n^  great  joy,  I 
found  an  increasing  attention  to  the  things  of  God.  On  the  9th 
and  10th  of  January,  several  others,  with  myself,  went  from  Can- 
uidaigua  to  attend  the  Benton  quarterly  meeting  at  Middlesex. 
Among  the  number  was  the  young  man,  thai  waa  awakened  at  my 
first  meeting  after  my  return  from  New  England,  and  also  his  com- 
panion,  whom  he  had  just  married.  She  was  also  seeking  the  Lord. 
We  enjoyed  a  comforting  season  through  the  meeting,  and  at  the 
close  the  young  man's  wife  was  brought  into  liberty.  On  Monday 
we  returned  to  Canandaigua,  and  in  the  evening  had  a  meeting. 
After  several  had  spoken,  the  young  man  said,  it  had  been  a  sub- 
ject of  much  query  with  him,  why  he  did  not  find  a  pardon  of  his 
sins.  "  But,"  said  he,  **  I  have  concluded,  it  is  because  I  have  not 
given  up  my  young  companions,  for  still  I  fear  their  persecutions 
and  dread  their  vain  laughter.  I  will  ^ve  them  up."  Then  he 
foil  on  his  knees  and  solemnly  bade  his  associates  farewell,  declar- 
ing, that  by  the  help  of  Grod,  he  would  go  with  them  in  sin  no 
longer.  He  arose,  sat  awhile,  then  fell  again  on  his  knees  and 
SBMr"  O  Lord  God,  thou  hast  converted  my  companion,  and  why 
may  not  my  poor  soul  be  converted !"  Soon  his  voice  seemed  to 
Muec.  and  atier  a  iittie  pause,  he  said,  "  Lord,  it  begins  to  owne ; 


H 


VATm  XUtKfl. 


SH 


I  thaak  thooi  but  there  b  a(mie  1i>iirdeii  jet  left;  Lord,  take,  k  all 
away."  He  geamed  to  plead  witk  God,  as  a  man  jUxadsth  to  tlie 
ftiOft  «f  a  frieDdi  till  lus  bufdea  waa  all  removed.  Thea  he  aroee 
aad  fvaised  tke  Lord  akwd^  and  took  every  uaconverted  pereon  iu 
the  aaienil^  by  tiie  liand»  «id  exhiiHrted,  ee^  to  forsake  am,  and 
begin  with  mm  to  seek  for  ioumertalitv.  I  aever  aaw  the  haad  ef 
God  more  visible  in  the  eeaveruon  cf  a  aonV  than  in  this  iastaoee. 
The  asaeoibly  waa  amaU,  and  there  was  net  oae  whose  heart  was 
anmoved*  «r  that  refiiaed  to  bend  the  knee.  ^  From  this-tune  Ike 
seidouweas  el  aevoad  begaa  to  increase. 

Havu^f  been  i^ipmnted  with  brother  Van  Tayl  to  pvea<&  oue 
f»  two  weeks  with  th*  churdieB  in  the  Benton  qnarterly  meetmg) 
the  ensuing  two  wedKs  were  occupied  w&h  my  first  tour.  Some 
of  the  assemblies  were  very  large,  and  were  scenes  of  thrilling  iap 
teres!.  ^^ 

^  Sahbathf  FdlK  1, 1829^  was  as  beantiftil  a  winter  di^  aa  I  ev«r 
saav.  It  seemed  to  mo  that  the  earth  was  fiill  ci  the  gk«y  of  tlM 
Lordk  I  spoke  to  a  omiBiderable  assem^r  in  Milo^  and  in.  the  lat> 
tor  put  ci  the  me^iog  much  solemnly  rested. on  the  people. 
'  O  that  men  would  ^ve  "  earnest  h^o^  to  Ihe  things  which  he£»g 
to  thcur  eternal  peaee,  a  the  day  (^  titeir  visitatiott.'  My  health 
had  beeome  so  io^Nured  by  my  excessive  labmrs^  thai  I  thooj^t  k 
duty  terest  alittk^  and  scAised  the  entreaties  of  some  frirada  to 
aMiead  a  meeting  ki  the  evening.  But,,  notwkhstaading,  they  gave 
oi«t  the  aj^ointmei^  I  endeavored  to  speak  te  the  people^  thoiq^ 
SI  mech  weakness,  and  with  hitle  Uberty.  t 

Feb*  7,  I  attended  a  meeting  in  Caaandaigoa,  and  found  the 
pKMfiect  so  j^miwo^  titoti  decked  te  remain  and  leloot  for  a  Ikde 
aeas(x»  with  thepeople^  The  next  cby  waa  the  Sal^ath.  AAer 
the  close  of  my  evemag  sermon,  a  dau^ter  of  a  noted  deist  »osc, 
coaiessed  her  need  of  salvation  and  determination  to  seek  it 
Forfoitt  days  I  visited  and  prayed  from  house  to  house,  aad  re- 
joiced to  fiad  a  few  reserved  to  seek  salvation.  I  attended  two 
meetingB,  isL  one  of  vdkich.  I  spoke  from  the  saying  of  eertaia 
Greeks,  *^  ;S^,  iM  w^mi&i  «9«  jMtis."  A  destre  to  see  Jesus  was 
tnereased  in  the  minds  of  some,  sevend  kneeled,  their  cries 
and  groattft  were  heard  tluseiigh  the  awesd»Ly^  and  one  was  o(»> 
verted. 

On  Saturday  and  Sabbath  I  attended  appointments  in  Poukney, 
aad  ia  ^  ea^y  part  of  the  week  held  three  meetings  in  Canan- 
daigua ;  some  eeirfeflsed  the^  sins,  and  one  {u^ftssed  to  be  bom  of 
God.  I  visited  a^maa  that  had  been  rick  the  greater  part  of  two 
j«ax*f  and  was  ae«w  fgnwa  ever  by  hu  physiciaa.  He  said  that  he 
had  never  been  confined  a  day  till  this  sickness;  yet  he  had  nei- 
thj^r  feared  nor  setved  yedj  s«^  now  heww  conMeat  he  lii»|biit 


too 


o*MKM<yDM    OV 


few  days  to  liyo— was  still  unprepared,  and  had  awfnl  fears  of  the 
change  to  which  he  was  swiftly  hastening.  With  bitter  weeping 
he  laoiented  his  neglect,  and  cried  to  God  for  men^,  and  asked 
others  to  pray  for  him.  Alas  1  what  mnltitndes  thus  neglect  God,  and 
are  filled  with  confusion  when  death  begins  to  cast  its  gloomy  shade 
around  them.  They  see  the  end  of  tiieir  associates,  yet  refuse  to 
take  warning,  till  the^  themselves  are  plunged  into  the  same  wo. 
"  O  that  men  were  unee^  that  they  would  eorteider  their  latter  end." 
Friday,  Feb.  20,  brother  Williwn  Van  Tuyl  had  an  appointment 
to  preach  with  us ;  but  as  he  did  not  come,  I  gave  a  discourse.  We 
enjoyed  a  favored  season:  two  spoke  and  requested  prayers.  Our 
meetings  on  the  Sabbath  were  solemn.  I  gave  a  discourse  from 
Jer.  8:20:  *^The  harvest  tspcutj  the  summer  is  endedy  and  we  are 
not  saoed." 

i  On  Tuesday  I  left  Canandaigua  to  go  to  the  Susquehanna  riv- 
er, intending  to  return  immediately.  I  was  informed  at  Waterloo, 
that  brother  William  Van  Tuyl  was  sick  with  the  mumps,  which  was 
the  reason  he  did  not  attend  his  appointment  On  Thursday  eve- 
ning I  arrived  at  the  hous^  of  Elder  £.  Dodge  in  Dryden,  and 
here  I  heard,  "  William  Van  Tutl  is  dead!"  For  a  few  min- 
utes I  was  ''  slow  of  heart  to  believe  ;**  then  the  reality  rushed  up- 
on me  like  a  flood ;  and  for  half  an  hour  grief  so  overcame  me,  that 
I  could  scarcely  retain  my  breath.  William  was  dear  to  me,  and 
it  seemed  but  yesterday  that  he  held  my  hand  and  prayed  by  my 
side.  I  felt  that  the  hand  of  the  Lord  had  indeed  touched  me. 
William,  my  companion  in  travel,  and  in  the  bonds  of  the  gospel, 
is  gone;  and  I  shall  not  see  him  again  till  I  go  to  the  other  world. 
O  what  a  satisfaction  it  would  be  could  I  have  one  m6re  conversa- 
tiaa  with  him.  But  no !  if  I  visit  his  grave,  it  will  be  silent ;  tead 
if  I  speak  at  his  tomb,  it  will  not  answer  me.  William  was  my 
friend.  I  knew  of  none  on  earth  that  loved  me  more.  Many  a 
half  night  have  we  spent  together,  when  the  fields  witnessed  our 
devotions,  and  the  Lord  heard  our  prayers.  I  anticipated  comfort 
with  him  in  days  to  come.  But  now  he  is  cut  off  fnHn  life  at  the 
erarly  age  of  twenty-three.  O,  how  suddenly  was  he  -called !  In 
the  vigor  of  health,  and  in  the  strength  of  youth,  he  has  fallen. 
Leaving  Dryden,  I  rode  more  than  twenty  miles,  to  Owego,  with- 
out stopping ;  and  for  several  miles  I  could  not  refrain  from  we^ 
ing  aloud. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  week  I  went,  by  request,  to  visit  a  revi^ 

>al  in  Greece,  near  Rochester.    It  was  thought  <me  hundred  in  the 

vicinity  had  experienced  a  saving  change  witlun  four  months.    I 

preached  three  times  with  much  fireedom,  and  rejoiced  to  hear  the 

converts  praise  the  Lord.    They  were  much  engaged ;  their  testi- 


— mv   tt^mmt^Mvp  •»««««  aaa  u«r 


I  f 


]>ATID  XAKKS. 


Reluniing  to  CwfuidaiguA,  I  qpent  the  SaMmth^  Maidi  15,  with 
tlieohurdi.  Our  •veniog  meeting  was  rendered  rery  adleornhj 
the  power  of  God.  FWe  apoice  in  a  very  i^ecting  maaaer^aa^ 
expretaed  maeh  anxiety  to  tmd  salvation.  At  the  ckne  of  tha 
meetini^  twenty  perionii  pnnniaed  to  observe  the  next  diqr  at  a  sol- 
emn  fast  Then  a  yoang  convert,  who  had  acknowledge  that  tha 
Seriptores  required  him  to  be  baptiaed^hat  had  neglected  this  eom- 
mandmeat,  because  he  felt  no  p&rticuhur  impression  to  obey  il^ 
arose  and  ffudt  that  he  now  eonsidered  it  his  duty  to  keep  all  his 
Ltwd'a  preeeptSi  and,  aa  the  next  day  was  ansoiated  for  a  faat,  he 
woold  follow  his  Lord  in  baptism.  Accor^ngly,  at  the  Iwnr  i^ 
pointed,  the  people  assembled,  and  the  Lo^  met  with  na.  Tha 
young  man  was  baptised,  and  becaraa  a  useful  member  of  the 
chardu 

Duvmg  the  wedc,  I  commeneed  a  aeoond  tow  thrmii^  tha  charch^  i 
ea  of  Bfioimi  quarterly  meeting,    liareh  27, 1  m^t  an  aa*ariilar\aa  • 
the  adMtol  house  ia  Milo^  where  brother  Van  Tuy  1  had  preachad  Ma 
laafc  diaoonrsa.    I  atood  ia  the  place  oace  ooeupied  by  him,  and 
with  many  teara  ip^ve  vent  to  the  feelinga  of  my  heart    I  apeaitha 
night  at  the  house  of  brothw  Baad<dph,  where  brother  Tan  Tnyl 
ckaed  hia  eyea  in  death.    Tha  fiwnily  g^ve  me  the  Ibllowmg  jpav» 
ticulara :  Aner  returning  frem  his  ^>pointment,  he  laid  faimaelf  o» 
tha  bed  aad  aaid,  **  IthtM  no  mor#  ariM.**    They  than  sent  twelve 
milea  to  hie  pareata,  and  mfiMrmed  them  af  hia  aitnaticm*    Whea 
his  mother  entered  hia  apartment,  ahe  was  aurpriaad  athiale^' 
ble  i^ppearanoe,  iMad   axdakned,  '*0  WtUiam,  my  aon,  da  yen* 
tbiak  you  shall  get  well  ?*    He  replied,  "  Dear  mother,  it  ctmoema 
ma  litde,  wh<^h«r  I  live  or  die."    Having  taken  oold  wUle  travel* 
Kng  \»  meet  hia  appointmenta,  hia  disorder  was  past  cure*    He  ea- 
du^  severe  diatresa  wUh  much  patience,  and  often  expressed:,  hia 
willingneaa  to  depart    Ho  adjusted  Yog  temjxmd  concerns  with 
calmness,  and  gave  a  suit  of  clothes-  to  a  poor  preacher.    Hia  eo»* 
stitutioQ  was  naturally  strong,  but  in  one  week  it  yielded  to  tho  vi> 
dence  c^  disorder,  and  he  approached  the  gate  of  death.    Hia 
ftiends,  seeing  that  he  was  failing  fast,  asked  him  the  state  of  hia 
mind.    Being  unable  to  talk,  he  requested  ahyaan  bdok,  aad  poii^ 
ed  th^Ett  to  the  twenty-seventh  hymn  of  the  first  book' of  Dr,  yft/dm, 
aa  expressive  tii  hia  fe^m^i. 

**  Deadimaj  dissolve  mr  body  now, 
And  bcnrmy  spirit  nonn ; 
Wb]F  do  my  minntas  moT«  so  slow, 
Nor  my  aelirerer  come,"  &c.        ^ 

During  hia  aiekneaa,  he  had  not  once  expressed  a  de^ra  to  r^ 
cover,  bat  seenaed  to  r^oice  in  the  expectation  of  his  eha^|a.  Be- 
i^^<6dK  h^&^  wiUini  w  depart,  ha  aaidi^  <«Yea."    'AMLwaa- 


■\ 


202 


mifonts  ov 


hiB  last  word ;  then,  with  sweet  composure  in  his  eonntennnce,  he 
lifted  his  hand  towai^  heaven,— it  fell  on  his  bosom,  and  he  sunk 
in  the  embraces  of  death.  He  had  requested  that  I  should  preach 
at  his  funeral ;  but  his  parents  not  knowing  wl),ere  they  could  find 
me,  called  on  Elder  Bignally  who  delivered  a  sermon  on  the  occa- 
sion. 

Previous  to  his  journey  to  New  England,  he  had  intended  to 
study  medicine,  and  made  an  engagement  for  that  purpose ;  but, 
at  the  yearly  meeting  in  Middlesex,  the  earnest  requests  for  fireach-  ' 
ing  that  were  presented  from  almost  every  direction,  touched  his 
heart,  and  reminded  him  of  his  call.    Retiring  with  me  to  a  field, 
he  fell  on  his  fiu»,  and  for  a  long  time  wept  aloud ;  then  he  cove- 
nanted to  abandon  his  temporal  prospects,  and  submit  himself  to  . 
God.    After  returning  from  New  England,  he  preached  constantly 
till  his  last  sickness  with  freedom,  and  to  general  satisfaction.    I 
saw  him  for  the  last  time  at  the  January  term  of  the  Benton  quar- 
terly meeting,  and  then,  expecting  to  meet  soon,  we  parted  without 
Uddin^  each  other  farewell.    Thus  thousands  of  friends  separate, 
expectmg  soon  to  see  each  other,  but  meet  not  ag|in  in  this  world. ' 
On  Saturday  morning  I  spent  more  than  two  hours  at  his  grave  in ' 
solemn  reflection,  and  felt  that  it  wa.  better  for  me  to  go  to  the  * 
t<Hnb  of  a  friend,  Uian  to  visit  the  house  of  mirth. 

I  held  four  meetings  in  Milo,  and  one  in  Barrington ;  and  on' 
Wednesday  preached  in  Middlesex.  Signs  of  revival  in  this  vicin*  \ 
ity  had  encouraged  the  brethren,  and  ten  now  covenanted  to  seek  | 
t^  Lord.  Some  of  them  wept  aloud,  and  appeared  to  be  near  the ' 
kin^om  of  Grod.  Shortly  afterwards,  the  greater  part  of  these ' 
{MHofessed  to  find  Christ  I  held  meetings  in  two  other  neighbor- 1 
hoods  in  Middlesex,  and  on  Saturday  returned  to  Canandaigua.      j 

Sabbath,  April  5,  I  preached  in  Canandaigua,  and  baptized  a ' 
young  convert,  who  was  'added  to  the  church.  The  church  was 
happily  united;  there  were  several  serious  inquirers,  and  their 
sighs  firequently  gave  additional  solemnity  to  our  meetings.  The 
ensuing  week,  I  held  meetings  in  several  towns  between  Canandai- 
gua and  Scriba,  and  on  Sabbath,  April  12,  preached  to  a  crowd  of 
people  assembled  at  the  latter  place.  Nearly  a  year  had  passed  = 
since  my  last  visit  to  this  town.  Though  the  church  had  enjoyed 
little  preaching  in  the  time,  its  members  remained  steadfast — and 
of  the  twenty-three  that  I  baptized,  I  believe  none  had  turned  back 
after  satan.  This  gave  me  much  joy.  I  spent  eight  days  in  Scri- 
ba and  the  towns  in  its  vicinity.  Our  meetings  were  favored  seasons. 
In  one,  eleven  anxious  sinners  presented  themselves  for  prayer.— 
At  another,  I  baptized  three,  who  were  added  to  the  church. 

On  Monday  I  attended  a  meeting  three  miles  south  of  Oswego 
village.    As  it  oommenced,  a  violeut  ghower  nrose,  and  I  spoke 
"y-\^:y-'  ■-  '  ■'■■  •-■■"  ■  "'■•■■■' 


DAVID  MABKB. 


208 


from  Matt.  24:27,  <*  For  at  the  lightning  e<mtth  out  ofthtMut  tmd 
thituth  evm  unto  the  westf$o$fMUaliO  the  coming  of  the  Son  qfman 
be.**  The  Spirit  moved  on  the  people,  and  the  frequent  flashes  of 
lightning  illustrated  the  solemn  subject  In  the  taree  days  following 
I  jpreacbiBd  in  Victory  and  Cato, — ^proceeded  to  Weedsport,  and  was 
affectionately  receiv«l  by  brother  Joseph  Finck.  He  had  been  ed- 
ucated for  a  lawyer,  and  now,  with  his  wife  and  a  daughter,  wdi  a 
member  ot  the  church  in  Cato.  Though  they  lived  at  a'  disMboe 
from  their  brethren,  they  appeared  to  be  true  Christians,— ^were 
strict  in  their  attendance  on  family  prayer,  morning  and  esfvikig. 
Every  child,  servant  and  visitant,  was  required  to  attend  the  exer- 
cises. A  part  of  the  family,  with  myself,  was  about  to  go  to  an 
evening  meeting ;  but  lest  some  should  retire  before  our  return,  or 
be  too  weary  to  be  profited,  they  were  called  together  for  family 
devotion.  O,  that  every  Christian  would  keep  such  order,  and 
honor  the  family  altar.  If  all  were  thus  faithful,  what  good  would 
result  to  the  rising  generation !  How  many  might  be  converted, 
that  for  want  thereof,  will  probably  die  in  Uieir  sins,  and  sink  to 
everlasting  ruin  1 

Sabbat]^  I  preached  in  Spafford,  and  many  were  much  affected. 
A  young  man  said,  that  during  a  discourse  in  my  last  visit,  convic- 
tion touched  his  heart,  and  he  resolved  to  seek  the  Lord  till  he 
should  find  salvation.  He  related  his  experience  for  baptism,  and 
was  received  by  the  church.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached  with 
the  second  church  in  Spafford,  and  baptized  the  young  man.  On 
Monday  I  went  to  Conquest,  and  attended  a  meeting  of  business 
to  settle  a  difficulty  in  the  church  of  Cato  and  Conquest,  oecasi(m- 
ed^by  an  impostor,  whom  they  had  received  without  letters  of  com- 
mendation, judging  from  lus  own  testimony,  and  his  aj^eearuue, 
that  he  was  a  good  man.  The  result  of  this  meeting  was,  that  tike 
ohurdi  generally  became  convinced  he  was  a  deceiver,  and  agreed 
to  hold  no  fellowship  with  him.  But,  four  members  were  dissatisfi- 
ed with  this  decision,  and  withdrew  from  the  church — took  part 
with  the  impostor  for  a  few  months,  when  he  got  drunk,  and  con- 
ducted so  wii^edly  that  he  was  put  iilto  the  state's  prison.  Then, 
I  understood  they  gave  him  up,  and  concluded  that  he  was  a  bad 
man.  This  is  one  instance  among  several  within  my  knowledge, 
in  which  churches  have  suffered,  and  the  cause  has  been  brought 
into  contempt,  by  the  reception  of  a  stranger  without  suitable  fet- 
ters of  commendation.  Some  good  people  have  thought  them  to 
be  unnecessary,  and  have  supposed  that  they  possessed  a  spirit  of 
discernment,  which  enabled  them  to  know  a  man's  heart  by  his 
own  testimony  and  i4;>pearance.  By  referring,  however,  to  Acts 
18:27,  and  2  Cor.  8:1,  it  is  evident,  that  letters  of  commMidation 
were  in  use  amonir  the  aDostles  and  primitive  Christiasi 


---'it 


F 


m 


ov 


hardir  seemi  poMiUe,  tiwt  M17  Ohriilim,  after  rtfaodoa,  mn  lup- 
poM  hioaelf  to  be  w  maoh  laore  ipiritiMl  in  dliMramenk  than  the 
primitive  ChriatiaiM,  that  he  maj  Mfely  diapenw  with  the  use  of 
*  lettera  of  ooamendation.' 

After  prMching  oiioe  in  Oonquoity  I  went  to  Tyre,  fermerlf  a 
part  of  Jmiius  and  found  mj  &ther  very  mk.  He  oonld  apeak 
with  diflknlty,  and  wae  in  oonstant  ezpeotation  ef  death.  I  etop- 
ped  a  dhy,  and  then  appeiatmente  ealled  ne  to  leave.  I  had  aome 
qneriee  ro^peeting  duty  t  but  recollecting  oar  Lord^  repljsto  ese, 
who  laid,  "  softer  me  first  to  gpo  and  bo^  my  ftither,"  I  condvded 
it  was  dutj  to  fulAU  mj  engagements,  linth  «  sorrowful  heart, 
I  took  leave  of  mj  fttther,  and  00  Friday,  May  1,  arrived  at  Oan- 
andaignai  On  the  Sabbath,  the  Lord  aoeompanied  his  wotd  with 
power  to  the  hearts  of  many,  and  we  enjoyed  a  pleasant  season  in 
attendmg  to  baptism.  -k: 


*^»fc^»  ^Oi^*^<w^^^iw^^^^WW^*^»^^^w^<<lH^WM>i»»*'<»W>» 


CHAPTSB  XXI. 


JIfy  7[%it^  md  FnrthJimmiei  to  <^  Dittriet  ^  Lomdm^  l^tfm 
OammUh<*itdot^parHcular8.iiilM0mki^t  l^^**         "" 

Wednesday,  May  Id,  1829,  I  started  to  go  to  Upper  Canaiift, 
-aiqpeiatments  havhig  been  previonsly  given ;  and  dnnng  the  week, 
I  attended  two  meetings  to  Greece,  one  in  Ghuksoa,  and  one'  in 
.  Bsrraa.  In  Qreeee,  a  few  came  forward  tw  prayen  €Mbbath, 
Maj  17, 1  preached  in  Parma  on  the  atonement.  Afterwards  tbis 
sermon  was  publicly  opposed  by  some  advocates  of  aparticnlar 
atonement  A  considerable  number  of  converts  were  present,  ana 
we  eq^yed  a  mod  season  in  communion.  A  revivid  bad  latoty  tt- 
Joked  many  m  this  vicinity,  and  Elder  Hannibal  had  baptiisid 
twenty.  In  the  evening,  I  preached  to  a  crowded  assembly  Jn 
CSaikson,  and  enjoyed  ft*eedom.  The  Lord  had  poured  out  -his 
Qf&rk  in  this  place  also,  and  seven  had  lately  be^  added  to  ^he 
dMndL  On  Tuesday,  I  spcA^e  two  hours  wiih  freedom,  to  a  erOwd- 
0<  assembly  on  the  town  line  of  Balavia  and  Elba.  Many  were 
itaiKt  serious  impressions,  and  about  twenty  came  forward  fi>r 
^yer.  I^k  years  had  ptuned  since  I  labored  in  tiiis  place  r  and 
iiw  my  heart  agahi  ngcdced,  to  HiA  tteat  anotiier  revival  had  «om- 
Ifeetaced,  and  four  persons  had  already  been  converted.  Among 
iiKow  waa  Esq.  Foster,  son  of  Judge  Foster,  lately  deceased.  He 
appeared  to  be  Ifte  a  little  child.    Thai,  pure  nllgion  make«  aU 


,  1 


DAVIV  VAftM. 


Mi 


itg  sabjeetB  1nnoc«nt  as  children,  and  aflRsetionate  Kfte  toethren.  1m- 
fldels  have  nothing  in  their  gysterm  that  can  do  thif. 

I  next  preached  twice  fai  Royalton,  and  spoke  to  an  attentir^  as- 
semblj  in  the  court  house  at  l/ookport»  On  Friday,  being'  vofy 
desirons  to  attend  the  Bethany  quarterly  meeting  at  Attica,  I  oofr 
chided  to  return  fUky  miles,  though  it  would  obBge  me  to  travrt 
with  much  speed  to  reach  ray  next  appcrfntment,  m  Gtaada.  The 
reports  from  the  churches  were  very  refreshing.  On  the  SaMMth, 
about  ^ht  hundred  people  were  present  at  an  early  hour.  An  in- 
teresting discourse  was  preached  by  Elder  Brown.  I  then  felt  k 
duty  to  address  the  people.  The  iJord  filled  me  with  bis  Spirit,  M. 
glory  be  to  his  name !  for  without  his  grace,  all  preaehing  u  but  as 
^  sounding  brass  or  a  tinkling  cymbat.**  The  meeting  ckfled  wilft 
great  solemni^,  and  several  were  apparently  much  proAted  by  the 
services. 

In  the  «vening,  I  rode  eighteen  miles  to  br«0ier  Idler's  in  Ba* 
tavia;  and  fincBng  the  famify  mostly  absent  at  *  meeting,  I  retired 
to  rest  at  11  o'clock.  At  two  I  arose,  and  found  theA  the  fain^y 
returned  fieom  meeting  only  an  hour  before;  tUti  Uka*  irince  I 
preached  in  the  place  five  days  previous,  it  was  beKeved  six  or  seT- 
on  had  been  converted.  Now,  we  spdce  of  the  loving  kindness  of 
the  Lord  and  were  Very  happy.  Between  three  uid  foot  o'clock, 
I  went  on  my  way  to  Canada,  and,  though  the  weather  was  ox- 
tremel^  warm,  I  reached  my  appointment  in  Sovfhwold  dn  Thurs^ 
dtoy  at  six  o'clock,  having  travelied  two  hundred  ted  iburtOen 
miles  in  four  days.  Friday,  I  held  a  meetti^  iHth  brofiher  Sf  rMglk 
in  Another  part  of  Southwotd.  In  this  vicing,  the  stale  of  rehd^n 
was  quite  low ;  yet  it  pleased  the  "  good  Shepherd"  to  manmst 
himself  to  his  flock  at  this  time,  and  one  came  forward  for  prayer. 
We  spent  the  Siabbath  in  Dnnwieh,  and  each  gave  a  discounie, 
with  considerable  freedom,  to  a  large  assembly.  Here  also  Ihere 
was  a  bck  of  engagedness,  and  many  seemed  to  h«ve  bee»  chilled 
as  hy  the  north  winid.  Yet  I  believe  the  brethren  genendly  were 
determined  to  strive  for  heaven. 

On  Wednesday,  three  brethren  accompanied  me  twelve  miles  on 
horseback  in  a  ron^  road,  to  a  Scotch  settlement  Here  we  met 
a  considerable  assembty,  composed  mostly  of  emigrants  from  Sool- 
land.  They  spoke  the  GaeKc  language,  and  usually  heard  preadi- 
ing  in  that  tongue  every  Sabbath.  Tic  Lord  gaye  me  liberty,  and, 
though  they  understood  English  very  poorly,  they  iq>peared  serious, 
and  requested  us  to  hold  another  meeting.  Thmaiiay,  I  spoke  hi 
l^otlhrald  from  Eev.  2:t.  We  had  a  solienm,  confessing  tint. 
Many  were  revived,  spoke  of  their  unfiiithfulness  aOd  of  their  dofy 
in  a  very  feeling  manner.  At  times  there  was  such  weepmg  io  lite 
18 


S06 


MUlOIBf  Of  4 


auemblj,  thi^  k  seemed  enough  to  toueh  lihe  hardeit  heart    One 
WM  AwaJkened,  and  requested  prayers. 

On  Saturday,  I  attended  the  monthly  meeting  of  the  church  in 
Dunwich.  Some  of  the  brethren,  I  understood,  were  at  home,  en- 
gaged in  worldly  cares ;  others  were  at  the  raising  of  a  building, 
Ac,  so  that  our  number  was  small ;  still  we  ei^joy^  a  comfortable 
waiting  on  the  Lord.  I  endeavored  to  urge  upon  those  present, 
the  impropriety  of  brethren's  absentina  themselves  from  monthly 
meeting  on  such  occasions  ;  and  remarked,  if  worldlings,  o%other8, 
wished  to  invite  the  assistance  of  their  Christian  neighbors,  they 
might  choose  another  day,  rather  than  the  one  set  apart  by  the 
church  for  a  sacred  purpose.  But  if  woridlings  will  not  regai^ 
the  appointment  of  the  church,  then  Christians  should  well  know 
in  such  cases,  which  call  is  binding,  and  obey  the  exhortation  of 
Paul,  Heb.  10:25,  "  Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  ourselves  to- 
gether." Were  it  not  that  Christians  meet  for  worship,  church 
visibility,  if  not  Christianity  itself,  would  soon  become  extinct  in 
the  earth ;  and  this  probably  would  be  the  consequence,  should  ev- 
ery Christian  neglect  t^e  meetings  of  the  chivch.  Yet  strange  it 
is,  that  there  are  some  professed  Christians,  who  think  themselves 
excusable  in  neglecting  the  appointments  of  the  church.  I  remark- 
ed, that  I  thought  such  members  as  neglected  meetings  that  are  es- 
sential to  church  visibility,  and  attended  to  worldly  concerns  on  the 
day  of  tiieir  appointment,  as  much  violate  their  obligation  as 
Christians,  and  as  church  members,  as  they  would  by  profaning 
the  Sabbath.  A  church  consists  of  individuals,  and,  to  be  as  "a 
eil^  sei  on  a  Mil,**  its  members  must  attend  worship,  and  let  their 
light  shine.  It  is,  however,  but  just  to  remaric  that  this  case  was 
an  exception  to  the  general  faithfulness  of  the  brethren  in  Canada ; 
for  I  have  found  no  people  that  take  more  pains  to  attend  their 
meetings. 

Sabbath,  June  7, 1  preached  on  the  town  line  of  Dunwich  and 
Sottthwold,  but  my  mind  was  in  trials.  Others,  however,  appeared 
to  be  happy.  In  the  after  part  of  the  day,  the  Lord  poured  heav- 
enly consolation  into  my  soul,  and  opened  my  mouth  to  praise  him. 
On  Tuesday,  I  was  greatly  depressed  -tnih  a  sense  of  my  un wor- 
thiness and  little  spirituality.  O,  why  this  dull  and  stupid  state  ? 
Why  so  little  power  in  my  preaching  ?  and  why  are  my  labors  at- 
tended with  so  little  success?  O  Lorci,  revive  thy  work  in  my 
souL  At  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  I  spoke  from  1  Corinthians 
1:25,  "  Because  the  foolishness  of  God  is  wiser  than  men,**  &e.  It 
pleased  the  Lord  to  open  to  my  mind  the  excellencies  of  the  gospel, 
«id  refresh  me  with  the  streams  that  "make  glad  the  city  of 


w- 


li 


DATID  MAllKS. 


':m 


On  Wedneidaj,  brother  Straight  and  myself  started  for  Oxford, 
to  attend  the  annual  conference  of  the  Free  Communion  Baptists 
in  this  province,  and  held  a  meeting  in  the  east  part  of  Westmin** 
ter.  We  understood  that  in  thb  neighborhood,  though  thickly  set- 
tled, there  was  scarcely  a  professor  of  Christianity.  While  speak- 
ing to  the  few  that  attended,  I  was  so  affected  with  a  sense  of  their 
situation,  that  I  gave  vent  to  my  feelings  by  many  tears. 

Friday,  June  12,  1829,  the  conference  opened  at  10  o'clock,  A. 
M.,  at  the  house  of  Dea.  Burtch.  Being  requested  to  preach,  I 
spoke  from  1  Pet  2:5.'  The  Lord  favored  me  with  one  of  my 
best  seasons,  and  comforted  the  hearts  of  many.  Our  yearly  meet- 
ing had  appointed  brother  Straight  and  myself  to  attend  this  con- 
ference to  open  a  correspondence,  and  labor  to  effect  a  union  with 
this  people.  They  received  us  affectionately,  and  advised  their 
churches  to  appoint  messengers  to  meet  in  conference  with  us  in 
two  weeks.  On  Saturday  morning  a  sermon  was  preached,  and  the 
remainder  of  the  day  was  occupied  by  the  brethren.  On  Sabbath 
forenoon,  I  spoke  of  the  fullness  there  is  in  Christ  for  lost  and  per* 
ishing  sinners,  from  Matt.  18:11,  "  For  the  Son  of  man  is  come  to 
save  that  which  was  lost"  In  the  afternoon,  brother  Straiffht 
preached  from  1  Thess.  4:16, 17, 18,  «  For  the  Lord  hmtelf  tkali 
descend  from  heaven  with  a  shout "  Ac  Many  were  comforted. 
The  awakening  power  of  God  reached  the  hearts  of  sinners,  and 
several  left  the  assembly  under  serious  impressions.  We  then 
united  in  communion,  and  had  a  very  solemn  season. 

On  Monday  I  rode  forty  miles  to  London,  and  was  kindly  re- 
ceived by  brother  Huckins  and  family.  Next  morning  a  messen- 
fer  came  in  haste,  and  told  us  that  sister  Sophronia,  wife  of  Dea. 
'ierce,  was  thought  to  be  dying.  We  hastened,  and  on  coming 
near  the  house,  heard  death-like  groans.  She  was  in  great  di»- 
tress :  soon,  however,  her  struggles  abated;  she  gave  me  her  hand 
and  called  me  by  name,  saying,  "  The  Lord  is  good  to  me."  I  had 
often  seen  her  when  here  a  year  before,  and  many  times  had  heard 
her  sing  with  joy  in  the  meetings  at  London.  But  now  the  features 
of  death  marked  her  countenance.  She  said  she  thought  her  time 
was  short,  and  asked  me  to  pray ;  after  which  I  repeated  the  fol- 
lowing lines  of  Dr.  Watts: 

"  Death  may  dissolve  my  body  now, 
And  bear  my  spirit  home,"  &c. 

She  said,  "  Amen"  and  desired  the  brethren  that  were  present  to 

sing.    They  began  to  sing, 

"  I  know  ihat  my  Redeemer  lives— 
What  comfort  this  sweet  sentence  ^ves ! 
.  ,.         .   He  lives,  he  lives,  who  once  was  de^ 

.cf,*  ji.^  ^^^4.  He  lives  my  everlasting  head."       »r  v.  — 


^1- 


:  r^»j» 


Mi.  MXMOIIIf  OF 

Soon  itbo  joined  her  hollow  voioe,  and  though  her  breath  wm  ihort^ 
and  her  framfl  trembled  at  though  she  was  sinkiiiff  in  death,  yet 
she  k<  j>t  the  tune,  and  sung  the  hymn  through  with  ecstacies  of 
jOT*  Sfityer  did  such  glorv  adorn  an  earthlv  palace,  as  now  seem- 
ed to  shine  on  the  Hed  of  death.  All  were  in  tears  except  the  dy- 
iag  saint.  O,  that  erery  infidel  could  have  witnessed  this  scene. 
I  retired  for  a  moment^  lest  I  should  be  overcome  by  its  touching 
Bublimitr.  Soon  afterwards,  she  sung  the  following  lines  with 
jreat  anlmaUoo :  ;.. 


*0  Ohrfatfuii,  are  joa  ready  now 
*">'  To  orofi  Um  narrow  flooa  I 

Oa  Caaaaa't  happy  riior*,  MioM 
And  4M  a  •mlUtig  God. 

-  *  To  see  a  pflgrist  as  he  dies,  %<-»f 

,  With  glory  in  14»  view ; 

To  hearen  he  llfU  his  longing  ejss, 
^  And  bids  the  world  adiea  t 

'*' 

While  friends  stand  weeping  all  aroand, 

*  And  loth  to  let  him  go. 

<  He  ■faoate  With  his  expiring  breath, 

d  And  kaves  them  all  below.' 

i 

When  she  had  finished,  she  clapped  her  hands  and  shouted  for 

{*oy.  Language  cannot  describe  the  touching  glory  of  this  scene ; 
mt  the  hofy  serenH"  4nd  heavenly  rapture  that  were  then  witness- 
ed amid  the  stru^ies  of  dying  nature,  were  too  deeply  engraven 
on  the  minds  oi'  Me  spectator  to  be  easily  forgotten,  ller  husband 
sat  by  her  and  wept  bitterly.  She  entreated  him  to  forbear,  and 
exhorted  him  to  be  reconciled,  saying,  "  I  shall  soon  get  through ; 
life  is  short,  and  you  will  follow  roe  in  a  little  time," 

Immediately  after  this,  one  of  her  brothers  arrived,  took  her 
liand,  and  asked  if  she  knew  him.  She  said,  "  Yes,  and  I  think  I 
shall  leave  you  soon."  Then  she  began  to  grow  cold,  her  breath 
grew  short,  her  pulse  '  faint  and  few' — she  gasped — and  all  was 
still.  The  friends  began  putting  her  in  a  position  for  laying  out ; 
but,  to  the  astonishment  of  all,  she  ope  .1  In-.r  eyes,  groaned,  and 
said,  "  0  Lord,  hotn  hngT*  In  about  X*^\.  r,-  u  ♦"la,  she  ;  '^"'n  ap 
peared  to  be  breathing  her  last — agai  i  vtvvV^,^,  utd  wishes  u)  hear 
singing.  Thus  she  continued  through  the  day,  much  distressed  for 
want  of  breath,  occasionally  growing  cold,  and  apparently  sinking 
in  death,  and  then  again  reviving. 

I  At  her  earnest  request,  a  meeting  had  been  appointed  at  the 
houao  at  5  o'clock,  P.  M. ;  but,  as  she  fell  into  a  sleep,  the  assem- 
bly repaired  to  an  a^aoent  ^rove.  The  interview  was  impressive. 
I:r  the  evening  she  sung  with  great  animation.  Many  spectators 
were  deepi  •'  ufifiscted,  and  holy  manna  seemed  to  fall  upon  us  like 


M 


DATID  ttilKf. 


a99 


lyj 


'A 


the  dew  from*  he«veu.  A  friend  Mid  to  her,  "  Sinipng  wMurlet 
you ;  you  '  ould  do  b<  r  to  forbear,  till  you  r<<'eive  tiew  lun,  ' 
and  a  new  \ui<!e."  She  replit^d,  "I  cannot  wear  out  in  a  better 
way."  She  now  grew  wealt — her  puk^  ceased — her  lirobi  became 
motionleM  and  entirt  Iv  cold,  and  her  breath  Mhort  and  faint.  The 
body  also  became  cold,  and  some  parts  turned  purple  and  spotter^ 
She  continued  in  this  state  about  six  hours,  and  tlien,  to  the  aston- 
ishment of  all,  the  body  regained  its  heat,  the  ^  >ulne  beat,  and  signs 
of  life  increased.  I  returned  with  brother  Iluckinn,  and  early  next 
morning,  a  messenger  again  called  us  to  go  and  see  her  die.  We 
found  her  in  great  agony  of  body,  but  composed  and  happy  in 
mind.  She  desired  prayer ;  after  which,  the  brethren  began  to 
ding.  She  attempted  to  join,  moved  her  lips,  but  could  only  ^oea- 
sionally  utter  a  sound.  She  continued  through  the  day  in  a  ery 
happy  state  of  mind,  and  in  the  afternoon  sung  with  great  anima- 
tion, 

'  O,  sUtert,  will  you  meet  me,'  &c. 

In  the  evening  I  read  a  chapter,  and  seTe-al  that  were  present, 
.sung  her  favorite  hymn, 

'I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liTes,'  &< 

She  said,  "  I  can't  keep  from  singing,"  and  sung  with  them  thro«agb 
the  whole  hymn.  At  the  doise,  she  clapped  her  hands,  and  eaE->^ 
claimed,  "  Glory  to  Glod,  glory,  glory,"  Ac.  Her  joy  appeared  ia- 
expressible,  and  a  cloud  of  glory  seemed  to  overshadow  us.  Ske 
desired  us  to  pray,  and,  though  in  great  distress-  she  said,  « I  am 
well." 

Thus  she  continued  through  the  week,  and  on  Sabbath,  June  28, 
I  addressed  a  large  assembly,  seated  under  a  temporary  bower  in 
sight  of  the  dying  saint.  After  sermon,  a  young  iady,  in  an  affect- 
ing manner,  confessed  her  sins  and  resolution  to  '  turn  and  Kvt^ 
Next,  a  man  of  gray  hairs  arose,  and  apparently  with  much  peni> 
tence,  expressed  his  fears,  that,  by  his  sins,  he  wris  lost  for  ever. 
Then,  an  interesting  youth,  lately  from  Lower  Canada,  confessed 
with  much  emotion,  that  he  was  a  lost  sinner,  an^l  earnestly  re> 
quested  the  prayers  of  Christians.  Though  nearly  the  whole 
church  was  present,  I  think  every  member  spdie  of  the  goodnosa 
of  God,  and  we  enjoyed  a  very  refreshing  season.  On  WednesdajT) 
June  24,  sister  Pierce  still  remained  in  the  same  happy  frame,  and 
waiting  every  hour  in  constant  expectation  of  her  change.  But,  to 
the  surprise  of  all,  she  continued  three  weeks  longer — and  then 
fell  asleep. 

On  this  day  I  started  for  New  York  in  company  with  brother 
Straight  and  his  wTe,  and  on  Thursday  evenmg  preached  in  Ox" 
18* 


I 


no 


lusMomfl  or 


■:  ^ 


i^j^ . 


. 


s    :. 


ford.  Oa  Friday,  Saturday,  and  Sabbath,  we  attentlled  the  confer' 
ence  with  the  moaaeagera  of  the  Free  Communion  Baptis!;  church- 
es. There  were  six  measengers  from  the  Free-will  Baptbt  connex- 
ion* viz.,  four  from  the  churdiea  in  Canada,  brother  S.  and  myself; 
and  fourteen  from  the  Free  Communion  Baptist  coonexicai.  After 
a  full  investigatiim  of  oar  sentiments  andpra(^ee,  several  resolves* 
were  passed  with  unanimity.  These  were  presented  to  the  Hol- 
land Purchase  yearly  meeting  at  the  term  in  August  following,  and 
were  approved  unammoualy. 

Meetings  of  won»hip  on  Saturday  and  Sabbath  were  interesting^ 
and  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bless  the  word  to  the  awakening  of 
some.  Sabbath  evening,  I  preached  at  the  house  of  Dea.  Burtch, 
and  many  were  deeply  impressed.  Aft«r  meeting,  one,  in  great 
distress,  prayed  for  mercy  a  considerable  time.  Soon  afterwards 
he  fbwid  peace  in  believing.  We  attended  a  meeting  in  Blenheim 
the  day  following,  and  on  Wednesday  met  about  six  hundred  peo- 
ple in  a  beautiful  pine  grove  at  St.  Catharines.  A  stand  for  the 
speaker,  and  seats  for  the  people,  had  been  prepared.  I  preached 
with  some  freedom,  an4  brotlier  Straight  followed  me. 

On  Wednesday,  July  2,  we  left  the  province,  and  in  two  days 
rode  eighty  miles  to  Crreece,  where,  according  to  a  previous  en- 
gagoment,  we  attended  a  two-days'  meeting  on  Saturday  and  Sab- 
bi^,  July  4  and  5.  The  assembly  was  lai^,  the  power  of  the 
Lord  was  present,  and  one  was  hopefully  converted.  Monday  I 
preached  near  lake  Ontario,  and  baptized  four.  During  the  week 
following,  I  held  ten  meetings  in  Og^n,  Byron,  Elba,  Batavia,  At- 
tica, Middlebury,  and  Warsaw.  In  the  latter  my  son)  was  filled 
with  great  mourning  and  pity  for  sinners.  July  16,  I  attended 
meetinga  in  Leicester  and  Moscow.  The  meeting  in  the  latter 
place  was  a  precious  time^  The  Lord  had  lately  visited  this  vieitw 
ity  bi  mercy,  and  fbrty  persons  had  professed  to  have  passed  from 
deetii  unto  life.    On  Friday  I  preached  in  Greneseo,  and  spent  the 


-  ■  *  These  resolvca  were  as.  tbUows :  "  First,  that  we  find  only  one  difference 
IB  theorjr  between  the  two  deBorainatiens,  Bamely,  whereas  the  Free-will  Bap- 
tists maintaia  that  a  saint^  in  this  state  of  probatioQ,  may  losa  that  grace  and 
that  character  which  constitute  him  such ,  and  thus  Anally  perish ;  the  Free 
C^ommanion  B«ptist»  geaeraTly  maintain  the  reverse.  Secondly,  we  find  bnt 
oa*  diffwenc*  fai  {uraelwes  nanwly,  that  tlte  Free  Gommanioft  imiptists  have  a 
^m  "  written  a^ tieles  of  fiuth,"  abstract  from  th«  Smptores,  while  the  Firee- 
will  Baptists  acknowledge  m  tfandard  but  the  BMe.  Toirdly,  agreed,  that  vm 
do  not  think  these  differences  to  be  of  sufficient  importance  to  warrant  propri- 
etrin  onr  maintaining  separate  Tisibility.  Fonrthly,  agreed,  that  w6  noM  a 
ffwndly  cormpeaMtence  with  eachother-~"  fallow  after  Me  things  whicb  make 
for  peace" — baptize — break  bread,  and  ordain  with  each  other  as  •coasibn 
Viay  reqaif*;  also  t^aiwe  assist  each  other  in  church  labors,  &c.,  with  tbe 
samp  free4oii|,  a^  thont^h,  we  wei-e  but  on&  denoounati<>ii." 


*e 


FJOi''' 


I 


»» 


DAVID  lUflKS. 


Sll 


greater  part  of  the  next  day  moarning  on  account  of  my  unwoiihi' 
,  nets,  and  praying  the  Lord  to  revive  his  work  in  my  soul. 

Sabhath,  July  19,  I  spoke  to  a  solemn  congregation  in  Conesus. 
It  was  a  time  of  much  seriousness  among  the  people,  and  one  liad 
lately  experienced  a  change  of  heart,  A  sudden  death  that  bad 
happened  a  few  daya  berore,  had  been  instrumental  of  exciting 
inuch  seriousness  in  this  vicinity.  The  circumstances,  as  related 
to  me,  were  as  follows.  A  young  woman,  who  was  teadiing 
school  in  the  neighborhood,  returned  from  worship  on  a  Sabbath 
afternoon.  A  shower  soon  after  arose.  She  was  seated  near  the 
door,  beside  a  young  man,  to  whom  she  was  engaged  in  marriage. 
As  the  thunder  increased,  the  young  man  arose,  and  remarked  tibit 
he  thought  it  unsafe  to  sit  in  the  dcwr.  The  young  woman  replied 
with  a  smile,  "  I  will  change  places  with  yon,  for  I  (un  the  last  one 
to  be  afraid  of  lightning."  She  had  scarcely  taken  her  seat,  when 
an  arrow  of  lightning  passed  through  the  roof  of  the  house,  through 
the  chamber  mwr,  Mid  struck  them.  They  both  fell,  and  likewise 
every  person  that  was  standing  in  the  house,  excei^  a  lad  about 
twelve  years  old.  He  passed  over  their  bodies,  supposing  the 
whole  family  to  be  dead,  and  carried  the  tidings  to  a  neighbonng 
house.  Assistance  was  immediately  afforded,  and  all  soon  recover* 
ed,  except  the  young  woman  that  feared  not  the  lightning.  On 
her  th«  message  of  wrath  was  exeeuted,  and  she  was  now  in  eter- 
;  aitgr«vn.The  li^tning  melted  a  knife  in  the  pocket  of  the  yow^ 
man,  rent  his  pantaloons,  and  tore  his  boots  from  his  ieet ;  yet  be 
received  no  material  injury.    Thus  was  one  "  U'ken  and  the  other 

hftr 

Elder  Josiah  Fowler  who  resided  in  this  place,  told  me  that  he 
had  often  conversed  with  this  young  woman,  and  exhorted  her  to 
repentance.  She  wonld  freely  ccmfess  her  need  of  an  interest  in 
Christ ;  yet  she  made  vain  excuses,  said  she  was  young — ^had  time 
enough  yet,  and  she  hoped  that  she  should  repent  before  death. 
But  how  was  she  mistaken  I  Aud,  alas!  thousands  of  others  are 
walking  in  the  same  way,  who  will  neither  see  nor  feel  the^  dan- 
ger, till  they  "  stumble  on  the  dark  mountains."  0  that  men  would 
take  warning. 

Elder  Fowler  had  but  lately  taken  a  residence  in  this  place,  and, 
though  in  consequence  of  renouncing  his  allegiance  to  Free  Ma- 
sonry, as  before  stated,  a  storm  of  peraecHtion  had  fallen  upon  him ; 
yet  the  Lord  stood  at  his  right  hand,  and  renewed  the  blessings 
that  formerly  crowned  his  labors.  In  Sparta,  an  adjacent  town, 
his  preaching  had  been  instrumental  of  awakening  many  who  had 
already  been  converted.  Since  the  commencement  of  the  reviral 
in  that  place,  he  had  baptized  a  number  and  gathered  a  church  of 
gixieea  members.    Several  of  the  converts  attended  my  meeting 


W: 


21S 


MSMOffts  or 


at  Conesus,  and  gave  animating  exliortations.  One  of  thctn,  a  lad 
apparently  about  thirteen  years  of  age,  affectionately  entreated  his 
fellow  youth  to  come  to  the  Savior,  saying,  '<  The  sun  is  not  more 
fuU  of  light,  nor  the  ocean  more  full  of  water,  than  Christ  is  of 
grace  for  perishing  sinners." 

For  the  four  weeks  ensuing,  I  held  meetings  in  Fenfield,  Onta- 
rio, Reading,  and  Canandaigua,  and  also  attended  the  Benton  quar- 
terly meetiii^'  at  Gatlin.  Wednesday,  Aug.  19,  I  left  Canandai- 
gua, to  attend  the  yearly  meeting,  and  make  another  visit  to  Up- 
per Canada.  During  the  journey  of  this  week,  I  preached  in 
Greece,  Clarkson,  and  Byron  ;  and  at  the  latter  place  baptised  a 
young  couple  that  had  been  lately  married,  and  lately  espoused  to 
Christ  On  the  Sabbath  I  spoke  to  a  crowded  assembly  on  the 
line  of  Batavia  and  Elba,  on  die  subject  of  our  Loi'd's  <  great  com- 
mission.' I  next  held  meetings  in  the  south  part  of  Batavia,  in 
Bethany,  and  Orangeville.  The  glory  of  the  Lord  appeared  in  the 
latter  assembly,  to  the  joy  of  saints  and  conviction  of  sinners.  A 
small  church  had  lately  bctu  gathered  in  this  place,  through  the  in- 
strumentality of  Elder  J.  iMiner.  On  Wednesday  I  spoke  to  a  very 
solemn  assembly  in  Sheldon.  During  the  sermon.  Elders  Fowler, 
Bignall,  Straight,  and  some  other  brethren,  came  into  the  meeting, 
and  we  had  a  pleasant  inteiTiew  ;  for  as  '*  iron  sharpeneth  iron,  so 
a  man  sharpeneth  the  countenance  of  his  friend."  These  brethren 
were  on  their  way  to  yearly  meeting,  and  the  next  day  we  proceed- 
ed in  company. 

On  Friday,  August  28,  1829,  the  yearly  meeting  commenced  in 
Eden,  and  continued  four  days.  The  exercises  in  the  meetings  of 
worahip  were  very  interesting.  Many  were  refreshed,  and  several 
backsliders  came  forward  for  prayer.  Elder  James  Harris,  from 
Upper  Canada,  Elders  Cheney  and  Walker  from  Ohio,  and  Elder 
Newbold,  from  Pennsylvania,  attended.  The  Wayne  quarterly 
meeting  in  Ohio  *made  application  to  unite  with  the  yearly  meet- 
ing. A  council  was  appointed  to  examine  into  their  standing,  and 
if  they  thought  advisable,  to  receive  them  into  the  connexion. 
This  was  done.  The  Wayne  quarterly  meeting  contained  eight 
churches,  five  elders,  one  unordained  preacher,  and  one  hundred 
and  forty-eight  members.* 

*  Free-will  Baptists  commenced  their  existence,  as  a  denomination,  in  N. 
England,  at  a  period  when  many  entered  the  ministry  to  gain  a  livelihood, 
and  when  sometimes  the  last  cow  of  a  poor  man  was  sold  to  pay  the  minis- 
ter's tax.  This  state  of  things  they  viewed  with  otter  abhorrence ;  and  al- 
though in  their  early  rise  they  adopted  the  plan  of  supplying  the  wants  of  the 
minister  and  the  poor  of  the  chnrc^,  from  a  diarch  stock,  raised  by  a  tax  on 
the  members  proportioned  to  their  property,  this  system  was  not  adopted  by 
the  churches  that  were  subsequently  organized.  Another  and  strange  rale, 
to  g^re  to  ministers  when  Uiey  felt  an  impression  so  to  do,  prevailed  In  some 


DAYID  UABSd. 


ii$ 


i  On  Monday  I  attended  a  solemn  meeting  with  Elder  Harris,  in 
Eden.  Next  morning  we  continued  oar  journey  to  Upper  Canada, 
and  ou  the  Thursday  following  arrived  at  Oxford.  Here  a  royival 
had  been  progressing  since  the  annual  conference  at  this  place  in 
June  previous.    I  began  to  hold  meetings,  and  when  I  witnessed 

portions  of  the  denomination.  Great  evils  of  course  necessarily  followed.  At 
this  session  of  the  H.  P.  yearly  meeting,  Mr.  Marks  was  appointed  to  write  a 
circular  to  the  quarterly  meetmgs  on  the  subject  of  the  support  of  the  minis- 
try, and  lay  berore  them  a  regvTar  system  for  this  sjpedflc  object.  The  fol- 
lowing brief  extract  from  this  circalar  will  show  his  views  on  this  point. — En . 

"  Dmir  Brethren  .'—If,  in  the  apostolic  age,  the  suffering  of  the  Hebrew  wid- 
ows called  the  attention  of  the  primitive  church  at  Jerusalem,  and  engaged 
the  apostles  of  the  Lord  Jesus  to  devise  means  for  their  relief,  [Acts  6,]  snould 
not  the  neriect  of  the  daily  ministration  to  the  miniater$  of  the  sanctuary,  call 
our  attantSm  t  Was  the  necessity  of  those  widows  more  wordiy  the  notke 
of  the  apostles,  than  the  neoessitr  of  our  ministers  is  of  our  notice  1  Did  h 
excite  tne  attention  of  the  apostles,  and  obtain  a  record  on  the  pages  of  in- 
spiration, that  the  widows'  lack  excited  the  murmnrings  of  the  Ghrecians,  and 
is  it  nothing  to  us  that  the  lack  of  ministers  has  exc&d  the  murmniinss  of 
spectators  more  numerous  than  the  Grecians  1  When  necessity  pressed  the 
ancient  widows,  did  the  apostles  say  as  we  have,  "I^eave  it  to  everf  one  to 
give  when  and  as  he  pleases,  without  any  to  oversee  except  as  God  shall  put 
It  into  their  hearts?"  No<  They  had  abeady  effectually  proved  the  insuf- 
ficiency of  this  method,  and  called  the  wh<rile  multitude  of  disoiplee  unto  then, 
and  appointed  seven  to  attend  upon  this  business. 

Our  ministers  are  compelled  to  neglect  the  Macedonian  cries  among  the 
chnrches,  to  turn  from  the  requests  of  broken-hearted  penitents,  and  to  leave 
revivals,  to  attend  to  their  temporal  affairs,  tend  when  these  are  half  adjusted 
they  return  to  the  field.  But  6,  the  change  I  The  espedal  season  fc  doing 
good  is  past;  converts  have  joined  other  denominations,  and  some  for  want 
of  instruction  and  care  have  sunk  under  trials,  perhaps  to  rise  not  again !  Our 
chnrches  are  small,  and  several  of  them  are  losing  ground,  and  untu  they  can 
have  more  preaching,  circumstances  are  likely  to  m  no  more  fiivorable.  But 
until  we  can  agree  upon  a  better  method  of  suf^rting  ministers  than  we  have 
yet  practiced,  our  mmisters  must  dig  upon  their  farms,  and  our  chnrches  be 
destitute.  Are  these  things  nothing  to  ns  ?  Shall  we  be  tenacious,  dfvided, 
and  agreed  upon  nothing  effectual  1  Shall  thecotwtotM  man,  whose  sin  is  uM- 
atry,  pass  undetected  among  ns  ?  Some  will  say,  my  alms  I  will  give  in  se- 
cret before  God,  but  I  cannot  submit  to  rules  for  givmg  regularly.  Alms  are 
one  thing,  and  paying  an  honest  debt  is  another.  Must  those  who  are  called 
°  to  preach,  spend  ful  they  have  before  remittances  are  made  to  them,  and  then 
become  be^ars,  and  be  treated  as  town  paupers  ?  What  advantage  has  dis- 
order, irregularity,  or  confusion  1  Have  they  enabled  us  to  support  our  min- 
islers  so  that  they  could  devote  themselves  to  the  work  ?  Grod  is  a  Grod  of 
order.  All  his  works  are  in  oitier.  The  sun,  moon,  and  planets,  all  rise  and 
tiet  with  regularity.  The  day,  the  night,  the  seasons,  and  even  all  nature's 
laws  move  in  regular  and  invariable  order.  Men  only  are  in  confusion. 
Dear  brethren,  what  have  we  gained  by  the  absence  of  order  and  regularity  in 
the  support  of  our  ministry  ?  *  *  *  *  Having  now  effectually  tried 
and  found  the  insnfiiciency  of  no  regular  method  for  sustaining  those  who  la- 
bor in  the  vineyard,  is  it  not  time  for  us  to  agree  upon  some  system  which, 
by  the  blessing  of  God,  will  obviate  the  difficulty." 

[A  plan  was  then  submitted  for  carrying  ont'this  object.— Ed.]  r 


.  J  ,t»fmmnmmmmim0mmm 


2U 


MEMOIRS   Of* 


■ 

s 


'' 


the  grace  df  God  in  this  work,'  my  heart  rejoiced,  and  I  gladly 
pointed  mourners  to  **  the  Lamb  of  God,  that  taketh  away  the  sin 
of  the  world."  Several  that  had  been  converted,  dated  their  awa- 
kening at  the  meetings  held  in  my  former  visits.  This  was  a  com- 
fort to  my  heart ,  but  the  glory  belongeth  to  Grod.  I  continued 
^several  days  in  Oxford,  and  in  Zorra,  an  adjacent  town,  and  held 
meetings  in  different  neighborhoods.  The  attention  of  the  people 
appeared  generally  called  to  the  things  which  belonged  to  their 
peace,  and  we  enjoyed  some  interesting  seasons.  Sabbath,  Sept. 
20, 1  preached  twice,  and  baptised  three  in  Oxford.  I  believe  the 
Holy  Spirit  seriously  impressed  the  minds  of  several,  particularly 
at  the  time  of  baptism. 

Sabbath  evening,  Sept.  20,  1829, 1  entered  into  one  of  the  most 
solemn  and  important  engagements  of  life.  It  was  a  union  in  mar- 
riage with  Marilla  Turner,  of  Zorra,  Upper  Canada. 

Sin  compliance  with  the  solicitations  of  several  judicious  friends,  the 
owing  extracts  are  given  from  private  letters  in  relation  to  the  matter 
here  alluded  to.  The  first  extract  is  taken  from  a  letter  to  Miss  Tuxr 
ner,  the  other  from  a  tetter  to  her  parents. — En. 

"  In  no  engagements  of  life  are  there  more  severe  disappointments 
than  in  natrimony.  Caution  is  scarcely  security  against  disappoint- 
ment. *  It  is  not  in  man  to  direct  his  stops.'  In  the  opportunity  I  had 
with  you,  I  never  thought  that  you  would  expect  or  wish  my  marriage 
to  you  would  sacrifice  my  reliffious  duties  of  laboring^  in  the  vineyard  of 
the  Lord,  as  God's  Spirit  and  Zion's  need  may  require  ;  or  tj^at  riches 

^  or  honors  should  be  any  condition  of  our  union.  I  consider  that  the  du- 
ties of  religion  and  those  of  a  husband  perfectly  agree  and  never  inter- 
fere. An  unkind  husband  cannot  be  a  Christian,  or  at  least  a  good  one. 
I  would  never  ffive  my  hand  to  a  woman,  unless  I  thought,  without  ex- 

jteption,  I  could,  and  should,  and  would  befriend  her  as  myself  in  sick- 

jiess,  sorrow,  poverty,  and  all  the  depths  of  human  woes ;   and  further, 

f  unless  I  could  oveilook  her  imperfections  and  bear  them  as  my  own. 
Neither  do  I  want  the  hand  of  one  who  is  not  at  least  firmly  resolved  to 
do  the  same.  If,  dear  Marilla,  you  ever  consent  to  become  my  partner 
in  life,  you  will  find  me  a  man  of  like  passions  as  other  men  ;  and  yet, 
you  may  assure  yourself,  that  as  a  Christian  I  shall  at  least  feel  the  ob- 
ligation '  To  love  you  even  as  Christ  loved  the  church,  and  gave  himself* 
for  it.'  But  to  promise  worldly  riches,  honors,  or  ease,  I  think  is  not 
my  province  ;  for  these  are  things  I  have  not  only  not  promised  myself, 

:  but  rather  contented  myself  with  the  following  and  some  other  Scrip- 
tures :  '  It  is  enough  that  the  servant  be  as  his  Lord.'    '  Ader  all  these 

I  things  do  the  Gentiles  seek,  and  your  Heavenly  Father  knoweth  that  ye 
have  need  of  them.'    *  No  good  thing  will  he  withhold  from  them  that 

i^  walk  uprightly.'  " 

'    /  [To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Turner.^ 

;;  #  •  *  «« If  I  mistake  not,  jour  principal  objection  to  our  union  is 
my  itinerant  life ;  no  dwelling  of  my  own,  &c.  &c.  The  objection  is 
worthy  of  consideration,  and  a  more  definite  reply  ihan  it  has  as  yet  re- 


DAVID    MABKS. 


ai5 


oeived.  Having  been  accustomed,  where  men  generally  promise,  only 
to  encourage,  where  they  encourage,  to  be  silent,  and  thus  avoid  disap- 
pointing grievously ;  and  jealous  that  in  such  an  hour,  I  might  give  ex- 
ftectations  which  would  rather  restrict  from  duty's  path,  I  think  I  made 
ittle  reply.  In  all  my  hopes,  I  would  calculate  for  the  worst,  so  that  if 
disappomted,  it  would  be  for  the  better.  But  to  the  objection.  If,  to 
remove  this  objection  satisfactorily,  I  must  abandon  the  gospel  ministry 
as  the  great  work  of  my  life — it  cannot  be  removed.  It,  for  a  wife,  I 
would  abandon  the  cause  of  my  God,  I  should  be  jealous  of  my  own 
heart,  and  that  the  same  depravity  might  lead  me  to  abandon  the  wife  of 
my  youth,  whom  I  could  have  no  more  reason  to  love  than  Him  who 
with  his  life  redeemed  my  soul."] 

,^  Monday,  Sept  21,  we  bade  the  parental  home  adieu.  To  our 
parents,  and  to  us  all,  this  was  a  solemn  parting.  In  the  evening, 
I  preached  with  freedom  at  Burford,  and  on  Wednesday,  at  St. 
Catharines.  At  the  latter  meeting,  I  understood  that  several  were 
seriously  affected,  among  whom  were  two  or  three  Roman  Catho- 
lics. Next  day  we  visited  the  monument  erected  on  Queenston 
heights  to  the  memoi^  of  Gren.  Brock,  a  British  officer,  who  fell  in 
batUe  near  this  spot  during  the  late  war.  We  ascended  the  spiral 
staircase  to  the  height  of  one  hundred  and  tyrentj  feet.  The  pros- 
pect was  beautiful  and  extensive.  Yet  when  I  considered  this  work, 
I  was  reminded  of  the  saying  of  Solomon,  **  Vanity  of  vanities^  <M 
it  vanity.**  0,  how  great  a  contrast  between  the  reflections  occa- 
sioned on  visiting  the  monument  of  an  officer,  and  the  tomb  of  a 
Christian!  At  the  former,  we  witness  dhe  solitude  of  glory  that 
has  faded  away ;  and  at  the  latter,  we  hear,  as  it  were,  a  voice,  say- 
ing, ^  Blessed  are  the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord." 

On  Friday  momitig,  while  we  were  riding  near  Lockport,  a  black 
cloud  arose,  and  a  loud  roar  of  thunder  continued  six  or  seven  min- 
utes without  cessation.  Man  and  beast  were  frightened,  and  all 
around  appeared  solemn  like  the  judgment.  But  when  the  last 
trumpet  shall  be  blown,  and  its  roar  be  continued  till  all  the  dead 
shall  awake,  and  every  one  appear  before  Grod,  alas !  what  fear 
and  trembling  will  then  take  hold  on  the  wicked.  In  the  afternoon 
we  arrived  in  Royalton,  and  were  received  affectionately  by  our 
relatives.  I  held  three  or  four  meetings,  and  reached  Canandai- 
gua  Oct.  Ist.  On  the  Sabbath,  I  preached  virith  the  church ;  and 
on  Tuesday,  in  company  with  brother  Straight,  pro  teeded  toward 
Spafford,  where  the  General  Conference  was  soon  to  meet.  We 
held  a  meeting  in  Junius ;  and  while  brother  S.  was  exhorting  sin- 
ners to  repent,  a  Universalist  threatened  him  with  violence,  if  he 
did  not  stop  preaching  that  the  wicked  should  be  damned.  But  he 
waxed  bold  and  spoke  vrith  more  power.  Thus  the  Lord  maketh 
"  the  toraih  ofmmC*  to  praise  him.  Thursday,  I  preached  at  a  fh- 
neral  on  the  island  west  of  Montezums,  and  also  at 


»T 


ccuspon. 


'  'f  ■: 


: 


fl6^  wanrnM  of 

Siveartai  w^if-d  ditfacCe^.  On  the  day  following  tiee  ejrriVed  at  Spaf- 
ford^aad  met  with  numy  brethren,  whose  presence  r^oiced  my 
heait 

Saturday,  Oct  10,  1829,  the  third  session  «f  the  General  Con- 
ference opened  in  this  town,  at  9  o^elock,  A.  M.  Ten  messengers 
were  present  from  the  New  England  states.  8abbath  morning,  at 
tiic  hour  of  nine,  the  house  was  filled,  and  at  the  opening  of  the 
meeting,  it  seemed  as  though  we  were  all  "  by  one  Spirit  baptized 
into  ODi«  body."  Eld.  S.  Curtis,  a  youag  maa  from  Maine,  preach- 
ed from  John  4:13,  14,  « Whosoever  drinketh,"  A«.  The  Holy 
Spirit  made  considerable  impression  on  the  assembly.  After  a 
SiJCi't  intermission,  Elder  N.  Brown  preached  from  2  Pet.  1:3,  4, 
*'  According  as  his  divine  power,"  &c.  The  solemnity  in  the  as- 
s^ably  continued  to  increase,  and  Elder  E.  Place  next  arose,  and 
repeated  Jer.  12:5,  ^  If  thou  hast  run  with  the  footmen,  and  they 
have  wearied  thee,  then  how  canst  thoa  contend  with  horses  ?  and 
if  in  the  land  of  peace,  wherdin  thou  trustedst,.  they  wearied  thee, 
then  how  wilt  thou  do  in  the  swelling  of  Jotdan  ?"  He  said,  the 
Lord  had  sent  him  from  New  Hampshire  to  this:  meeting,  and  giv- 
en him  a  witness  that  he  should  here  see  souls  converted.  This 
saying  made  me  tremble,  for  fear  he  had  apokea  presumptuously ; 
for  I  knew  the  state  of  the  church,  and  of  the  people  in  this  plaqe ; 
and  it  was  such  that  it  seemed  impossible  sinners  should  be  con- 
verted. But  when  he  began  to  describe  th&  **  UMllmg  efJwrdan,** 
hia  soul  was  led  into  the  sanctuary  of  God — ^he  saw  the  end  of  the 
wicked.  The  place  became  awful,  and  the  scene  surpassed  de- 
scription. Every  eye  was  fixed  on  the  speaker,  till  unnumbered 
faces  were  bathed  in  tears,  and  many  frames  convulsed,  while 
toudiing  grotUEis  burst  from  sinners'  hearts^  "  and  aU  around  seemed 
like  the  judgment."  My  feelings  were  so  powerfully  affected,  that 
I  qaeried  whether  I  should  lose  my  breatk  or  live  through  the 
scene.  Many  sinners  were  awakened— ^wept  for  their  transg^ss- 
ions,  and  we  now  expected  to  see  souls  converted.  On  Monday, 
the  meeting  of  business  deUuned  me  from  the  meetings  of  worsh^) 
t\\k  the  Conference  a4Journed  in  the  evening.  On  entering  the 
meeting,  I  found  that  many  were  on  their  knees  praying  earnestly. 
They  contmued  wrestling  with  the  Lord,  till  five  were  brought  to 
rcgoice^  The  meeting  closed  9i.  two  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Next 
dwjT,  woiship  was  attended ;  and  in  the  evening  more  than  thirty 
came  forward  for  prayer.  The  exercises  continued'  till  midnight, 
aad  two  or  three  professed  to  find  peace  in  believing.  On  Wed- 
aescla;^  two  sermons  were  preached,  tuid  the  power  of  God  attended 
them.  One  of  the  converts,  a  young  woman,»  was  safilled  with  the 
Spirit  of  Ae  Lord^  that  her  strength  failed,  and  she  remained  near- 
ly motionless  through  the  meeting.    One  of  her  brothers  was  angry 


DATI9  MiJUU. 


S17 


and  took  her  away.  In  the  evening  the  Gonfeitenee  closed.  Iti 
kusmefls  was  conducted  with  great  nnaniiaity ;  and  althoua^  eveij 
part  of  the  denomination  was  here  represented  by  defegiitea— - 
manj  sublets  considered,  and  much  business  tcansacted,  jet  the 
greatest  point  of  difference  that  appeared,  was,  "  wheUier  a  private 
labor,  according  to  MaAi.  18;)  5, 16, 17,  Aould  be  taken  with  ai| 
offending  brother  whose  crime  !^as  been  committed  puUioly,  or 
whe^er  he  should  be  immediately  called  to  an  account  by  the 
church.*'  A  large  minority  of  the  Conference  decided  ia  finvor  of 
the  latter  position. 

On  Thursday  morning,  the  young  man  who  took  his  sister  from 
the  meeting  the  day  before,  kneeled  f<M*  prayer ;  and  in  the  evening 
meeting,  tl^  number  of  the  anxious  increased  to  nearly  forty.  We 
continued  our  stay  in  Sp«ffi)rd  nearly  a  month,  attended  meetings 
day  and  night,  and  enjoyed  many  blessed  seasons.  The  number  of 
converts  increased  to  abocM;  forty,  and  I  enjoyed  i^  privilege  of 
bcptizing  eleven.  In  this  time  I  preached  in  several  other  towns. 
In  Semprcmius  a  revival  commenced,  and  a  number  were  convert* 
ed.  In  one  meeting  ttiat  I  {^tended,  some  of  the  "  bastr  torf 
raised  an  opposition — ^threw  dowo  candles — cast  stacks  into  the  as- 
semUy — ^threw  a  large  ball  of  mud  «t  me  -whilis  I  was  speaking—^ 
out  harnesses,  &c. 

iV  On  Sabbath,  Nov.  22, 1829,  X  had  the  privilege  of  )m9dmg  my 
companion.  As  some  circumstances  attending  her  eonvendon  were 
rather  remarkable,  I  have  thought  a  short  sketoh  of  her  reli^iHis 
experience  introduced  here,  mi^t  not  be  altogether  unacceptable 
to  the  reader,  and  I  have  hoped  might  be  mstrumeetal  of  good  to 
some  poor  soid  that  may  have  fallen  into  a  like  sitaation. 

She  was  the  eldest  daughter  of  Capt.  Duiiel  Turner,  formeriy  oi 
Arlington,  Yt,  now  of  Zorra,  Upper  Canada.  TUl  the  age  of 
^ghteen  years,  she  resided  mostly  with  her  par^ts  in  Arlington, 
aad  attended  school.  She  was  taught  to  respect  religion,  and  usu- 
ally attended  puUic  worship  witli  die  Episcopalian  ^urch.  Alter 
her  parents  removed  to  Caoaia,  she  sp^it  nearly  three  years  teadi- 
ing  school  in  Oxford.  In  March,  1829,  a  little  bef<»e  she  was  twen- 
ty-two years  old,  she  was  first  famight  seriously  to  feel  her  need  of 
the  Savior.  It  was  deeply  impressed  on  her  mind,  that  if  she  did 
not  imme^ately  turn  to  Grod,  she  should  be  cast  off  forever.  Then 
she  resolved  to  seek  the  Lord,  and  4U^ed  for  her  neglect  c^ 
the  Savior.  Her  sorrow  increased  till  she  felt  constatained  to  aban- 
don her  usual  studies,  and  devc^  her  wholie  time  to  reading  the 
Bible,  to  meditation,  and  prayer.  In  about  two  weeks^  while  read- 
ing a  sermon  on  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  she  thought  she  c&tdd  and 
vMfdd  believe  in  the  Son  of  God  ;-'-<she  thought  she  did  btMev».  mid 
her  borden  left  her.    For  a  day  die  rejoiced^  aad'indulged  the  hope 


218 


HBMOIBS   Of 


that  God  had  foiigiven  her  all.  But  the  next  day,  while  reading 
the  Scripture,  "  We  know'  that  we  have  passed  from  death  untd 
life,  because  we  love  the  brethren,"  she  thought  her  evidence  was 
not  clear,  and  that  the  change  in  her  attachment  to  Christians  was 
not  such  as  they  had  experienced.  So  she  resolved  to  renew  her 
aupplicaUons  as  a  penitent,  lost  sinner.  She  has  since  related  her 
exercises  on  this  occasion,  as  follows : 

'*'  "  Now,  alas  1  I  could  not  feel  a  sense  of  my  sin.  I  labored  for  it, 
but  it  could  not  be  obtained.  I  tried  to  hope,  but  my  spirit  sunk, 
and  I  despaired.  Every  thing  confirmed  me  in  the  belief,  that  there 
was  no  mercy  for  me.  I  regretted  my  existence — envied  the  idiot 
^b>and  would  have  gladly  exchanged  places  with  the  reptiles— or 
plunged  into  non-existence.  My  food  became  loathsome,  my  sleep 
departed,  and  often  when  I  took  a  drink  of  water,  I  thought  I  should 
soon  be  with  the  rich  man  in  hell,  where  I  could  not  obtain  even 
one  drop.  Whole  nights  were  sometimes  spent  in  prayer,  without 
any  relief — ^my  flesh  wasted  away,  and  I  drew  near  the  grave.  My 
friends  looked  on  me  ,and  wept.  I  could  not  comfort  them,  for  1 
was  comfortless  myself.  Then  I  said,  my  life  is  useless,  and  I  am 
.fk  cause  of  grief  to  all  that  are  dear  to  me." 

Her  parents,  alarmed  on  account  of  her  gloomy  state,  invited 
ministers  of  different  denominations  to  converse  with  her,  hoping  it 
might  be  instrumental  of  her  gaining  some  c<»uiolation.  But  all 
seemed  to  be  in  vain.  Deep  sorrow  was  depicted  on  her  oounte- 
nanoe,  and  she  appeared  extremely  disconsolate.  In  conversation 
with  one  who  visited  her,  she  said,  "  I  have  not  seen  the  mag- 
nitude of  my  sins  in  neglecting  the  Savior ;  and  now  my  heart  is 
not  susceptible  of  penitence.  I  think  there  is  no  mercy  for  me  ; 
not  because  God  is  a  respecter  of  persons,  or  his  grace  insufficient, 
but  because  I  have  refused  his  mercy.  I  try  to  pray ;  my  lips 
«peak,  but  my  heart  will  not  draw  near  to  Grod.  Every  effort 
seems  to  be  useless,  and  all  my  former  joys  are  fled.  Still,  I  know 
it  is  not  the  love  of  the  world  that  prevents  me  from  coming  to 
-Christ ;  for  could  I  have  a  thousand  worlds  by  turning  my  hand 
t>ver,  I  am  confident  I  should  not  do  it ;  yet  if  I  could  obtain  an 
interest  in  Christ  by  passing  through  the  pangs  of  death  ten 
thousand  times,  I  would  joyfully  submit  to  these  terms.  But, 
alas !  I  believe  ther6  are  but  few  days  for  me  on  earth ;  and 
while  I  have  them  I  am  constantly  reminded  of  their  short  dura- 
lion.  These  reflections,  at  times,  so  affected  me,  that  I  tremble, 
and  my  strength  fails."  While  making  these  statements,  she  wept 
profusely,  and  all  her  emotions  seemed  to  exhibit  a  state  of  confirm- 
ed despair. 

Upon  this  account  of  her  state,  the  following  Scriptures  were  re- 
•cited  to  her :  "  Come  unto  me  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  ia- 


tSi 


DATID  MASKS. 


219 


den,  and  I  will  give  you  rest"  "  Look  unto  me  and  be  ye  saved, 
all  the  ends  of  the  earth."  "  Thou  shalt  find  him,  if  thou  seek  him 
with  all  thy  heart  and  with  all  thy  soul."  "  In  the  last  day,  that 
great  day  of  the  feast,  Jesus  stood  and  cried,  saying,  If  ant  man 
thirst,  let  him  come  unto  me,  and  drink."  '*  Him  that  cometh  to  me 
I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out."  "  But,"  said  she,  "  these  promises  can- 
not  apply  to  me.  To  come  to  Gk)d,  we  must  have  faith:  'whatso- 
ever is  not  of  fMth  is  sin.'"  She  was  then  exhorted  to  pray  for 
faith.  She  replied,  "  I  cannot  pray  acceptably ;  to  pray  with  lips 
only  is  mockery.  Once  I  might  have  prayed — ^but  now  my  heart 
will  not  feel — it  cannot  feel — and  how  can  I  come  to  a  holy  God?" 
She  was  answered,  "  Come  repenting."  "  I  cannot  repent,"  she 
replied,  "  genuine  repentance  is  a  deep  sorrow  for  sin.  True,  I  re- 
gret my  neglect  of  GUkI,  and  feel  in  some  measure  the  miseries  of 
sin.  And  Uie  damned  in  hell  may  do  this ;  may  feel  as  much,  and 
more ;  but  what  does  this  avail  them  ?  surely,  no  more  than  it  does 
me.  I  might  have  repented,  if  I  would  have  improved  my  day ; 
but  now  I  am  only  reminded  that  mv  probation  is  concluded,  that 
after  a  few  solitary  days,  I  must  lie  down  in  qtemal  sorrow." 
'  But,'  it  was  replied,  *  &od  is  long^suffering>~not  willing  that  any 
should  perish :'  and  "  his  tender  mercies  are  over  all  the  woiks  of 
his  hands."  She  answered,  "  True,  and  this  increases  my  guilt ; 
for  I  have  rejected  his  long-suffering,  and  trodden  upon  his  tender 
mercy.  And  I  am  now  justly  condemned,  and  the  throne  of  God 
will  be  forever  clear  in  my  eternal  damnation."  All  the  Scripture 
promises  suited  to  her  case,  and  all  endeavors  to  apply  them,  she 
would  either  evade  by  argument,  or  by  saying  that  she  felt  they 
could  not  apply  to  one  in  her  situation.  She  said,  *'  I  have  tried . 
to  hope,  but  it  is  vain — ^it  is  deeply  impressed  on  my  mind,  that 
nothing  remains  for  me,  but  to  *  go  away  into  everlaisting  punish- 
ment.' Yet  I  cannot  murmur  against  God.  My  feelings  are 
changed ;  I  am  a  stranger  to  the  former  reflections  of  my  mind ;  in- 
different to  my  former  pursuits,  and  I  loathe  the  gayety  of  the  world. 
The  months  I  have  spent  in  useless  needle-work,  witness  against 
me,  and  I  am  reminded  that  I  have  done  worse  than  to  waste  them 
for  nought  Had  I  spent  that  time  seeking  the  Lord,  I  might  now 
have  been  happy." 

It  was  remarked  to  her,  that  if  she  ever  found  peace,  it  would 
be  in  prayer ;  that  the  Lord  had  answered  the  prayers  of  wicked 
men  and  of  devils,  Mark  5:12,  13 — 17 ;  and,  much  more  would 
he  answer  the  prayers  of  those  who  sorrow  for  their  sins  and  forside 
them.  Then  it  was  proposed  to  her  to  kneel  and  pray  three  times 
a  day  for  a  year.  She  declined,  saying  it  would  be  of  no  use.  But 
afler  some  reflection,  concluding  it  could  do  no  harm,  she  made  the 
covenant.     T«n  dava  aftsr  this,  ghe  utteuded  the  conference  of  the 


Ton    <1«'.'c 
XvAa  \Aajt 


nitvi   I/UI9, 


no 


MWMOatB  09 


Free-will  and  tke  Free  Commniiion  Baptists  in  Oxford  i  and  Mver- 
■1  friends  spent  a  night  in  pn^er  with  her — still  she  found  no  re- 
lief, and  the  next  day  her  diatress  increased.  She  observed,  "  If 
so  many  prayers  of  the  saints  in  my  behalf,  gain  no  access,  the 
cause  must  be,  that  my  doom  is  unalterably  fixed."  The  state  of 
her  mind  continued  about  the  same  for  several  months,  as  appears 
by  the  following  extracts  from  her  letters : 

July  80,  1829,  she  writes : — "  Still  it  appears  to  me  the  door  of 
merer  is  forever  and  ituAtf  closed  against  me ;  for  Qod  has  called, 
and  1  have  refused ;  he  stretched  out  his  arm,  and  I  would  not  re- 
gard. And  what  am  I,  that  I  have  dared  to  refuse  obedience, 
and  to  rebel  against  an  almighty  God,  who  had  power  any  mo- 
■lent  to  sink  me  into  an  abyss  of  wo  and  misery !  But,  instead  of 
this  deserved  doom,  kis  sparing  mercies  ha>  ?  followed  tte,  and 
temporal  blessings  have  been  bestowed  with  &>  liberal  band.  I  re- 
view these  mercies,  and  at  times  indulge  tiie  vain  hope  that  they 
will  lead  me  to  love  and  place  an  unbounded  corfidenoe  in  their  di- 
vine Author.  But,  O  the  depraivity  of  my  heart  I  The  thought 
(hat  happiness  bas  forever  fled  my  bosom,  makes  me  at  times  al- 
most indfifferent  to  my  fiite.  Yet  I  am  in  the  hAndi  of  Qod,  and 
1rith.Uia  all  things  are  possible.  My  sister  appears  to  be  serious; 
she  itrose  in  meeting  two  days  since  and  expressed  a  determination 
to  seek  the  Lord.  She  is  two  y\  c  /s  younger  than  myself ;  and,  did 
I  possess  miltions  of  worlds,  I  would  joyfully  give  them  up,  if  I 
oould  by  that  means  recall  two  years  of  my  life.  But,  alas!  vain 
wish  I  Why  do  I  spend  a  single  thought  on  that  which  cannot  be, 
when  soon  I  may  have  an  eternity  to  roflect  in !" 

Aug.  20,  she  writes  — "  What  infatuation,  what  fatal  madness  hi» 
deceived  me,  and  caused  me  to  treat  the  mercies  of  Heaven  with 
such  neglect  and  indifference  I  What  has  the  Lord  not  done  for 
me,  that  would  have  beeti  likely  to  inspire  my  soul  with  gratitude 
and  love,  and  secure  ray  obedience?  Oilen  does  my  heart  recur 
to  the  scenes  of  childhood,  when  I  fondly  pictured  to  myself  and 
my  heart  glowed  in  contemplating  what  I  then  believed  to  be  the 
virtuous  principles  that  would  be  engraven  on  my  soul,  and  the 
usefulness  that  would  mark  my  future  life.  But  when  I  look  back 
for  these  fruits  of  piety,  what  do  I  find  in  their  stead  ?  I  am  led 
to  exclaim^  < wretched  ingrate  that  I  have  been!'  O  the  de- 
ceitf  ulness  <^  sin !  Justly  may  it  call  for  the  vengeance  of  a  holy 
God. 

^  I  mentioned  in  my  former  communication,  that  my  sister  was 
serious.  She  has  found  comfort,  and  gone  forward  in  the  ordinance 
of  baptism.  I  walked  with  her  to  the  water,  but  could  go  no  fur- 
ther. It  appeared  to  me  that  we  should  soon  be  separated  for  a  long 
eternity ; — wia  to  be  a  partaker  of  the  glori<H:s  rest  provided  for 


DATID  MARKt. 


if  I 

vain 
iot  be. 


the  children  of  God,  while,  alas  I  I  should  have  my  portion  witii 
unbelievers.  '  O  that  it  were  not  forwer  I*  The  certain  convic* 
tion  that  this  must  be  my  fate,  if  I  die  in  mv  present  condition, 
causes  me  to  refer  mv  hopeless  case  to  Him,  who  alone  can  cleanse 
my  soul  fh)m  all  its  impurities.  But  I  am  sensible  that  my  pray- 
ers want  that  quality,  which  alone  can  render  them  acceptable ;  for 
when  asking,  it  appears  to  me,  I  am  requesting  that  which  will  nev- 
er be  granted ;  that  I  am  pleading  Him  to  do  more  for  me  than 
He  ever  did  for  any  one  in  my  situation,  or  more  than  He  has 
promised  to  do.  This  thought  rests  on  my  mind  with  such  weight 
that  all  the  arguments  I  can  urge  will  in  no  manner  affect  it.  Again, 
at  times,  when  I  reflect  on  His  power,  and  that  He  is  not  willing 
any  should  perish,  I  think  I  may  possibly  experience  his  salvation. 
But  no  sooner  do  I  recollect  my  situation,  than  this  also  vanishes. 
Sometimes  I  say  within  myself  '  I  am  in  His  hands,  and  will  whol- 
ly resign  myself  to  Him ;'  but  I  can  no  longer  do  as  I  would.  My 
soul  is  in  possession  of  the  powers  of  darkness,  and  it  is  an  Al- 
mighty arm  alone  which  can  rescue  me.  The  grave  will  soon  be 
my  bed ;  and,  were  I  prepared,  I  could  this  moment  greet  death  as 
a  welcome  friend.  But  while  life  shall  be  spared,  I  will  strive  to 
seek  the  Lord.** 

During  the  summer  the  food  she  allowed  herself  to  support  nar 
ture  was  reduced  to  almost  nothing,  and  her  sleep,  on  an  average, 
to  about  two  hours  in  twenty-four.  Her  health  dedined  till  she  was 
reduced  to  a  mere  skeleton,  and  apparently  stood  on  the  brink  of 
the  grave.  Not  a  smile  cheered  her  countenance ;  much  of  her 
time  was  spent  in  weeping,  and  her  friends  mourned  for  her  as  for 
one  that  was  dead. 

This  was  the  situation  of  her  mind,  both  at  the  commencement  of 
our  acquaintance,  and  at  the  time  of  our  marriage.  Yet,  I  believ- 
ed the  Lord  by  his  Holy  Spirit  had  shown  me  that  he  designed 
this  visitation  of  his  sterq  justice  to  prepare  her  for  his  service.  In: 
these  circumstances,  our  engagement  for  life  was  attended  with 
much  solemnity  and  weeping.  And  I  should  have  preferred  still 
deeper  mourning  on  this  occasion,  rather  than  to  have  entered  into- 
the  marriage  covenant  with  that  inexcusable  vanity  and  trifling,, 
which,  too  often,  at  such  times,  corrupt  men,  and  offend  God.  Af- 
ter our  marriage,  she  still  continued  in  her  despairing  state,  and 
passed  much  of  her  time  in  bitter  weeping.  My  faith,  that  she 
would  yet  be  brought  to  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  seemed  to  give  her  a 
little  hope ;  but,  from  her  own  feelings,  she  still  judged  her  case  to 
be  hopeless ;  and  remarked,  that  she  thought  I  should  have  to  bear 
her  afflictions  but  a  few  days,  and  then,  with  her,  all  would  be  lost.- 
Our  days  passed  in  mourning,  and  much  of  our  time  was  spent  in 


ira  %mj  va  • 


19* 


■W 


Wm  MBMoms  or 

On  our  arrival  at  SpaSSwd  to  attend  the  General  Conference,  a 
preacher,  who  was  my  fHend,  on  becoming  acquainted  with  the 
^eomj  state  of  mj  companion,  said  to  me,  "  I  am  Burprited  that 
\vn  have  married  a  person  in  her  state  of  mind—she  cannot  lire 
long  in  this  situation,  and  I  think  it  probable  her  despair  will  end 
in  insanity."  I  replied,  *  I  am  aware  that  many  spirits  have  gone 
oat  into  the  world,  and  that  often  man  is  deceived.  Yet,  I  knoWf  if 
God  ever  spoke  by  me,  I  shall  yet  see  her  happy  in  the  Lord/  In 
the  evening,  on  Monday,  Elder  Place  begged  a  dismission  from 
business,  that  he  might  goto  the  assembly  of  worship ;  "  For,"  said 
he,  "  I  ha.'*^  a  message  nrom  the  Lord."  Soon  after  entering  Um 
meeting,  he  tuldressed  my  companion,  and  said  to  her,  "  I  have  a 
SMssage  fVom  God  to  you  ;"■'— then  told  her,  he  knew  in  God  there 
was  mercy  for  her,  exhorted  her  not  to  despair,  and  said,  he  knew 
the  Lord  never  gave  his  children,  in  behalf  of  one  whose  case  was 
hopeless,  such  a  travail  of  soul  as  he  felt  for  hen  After  speaking 
to  her  case  about  half  an  hour,  he  exhorted  her  to  kneel  in  presence 
of  the  assembly  and  pray  for  mercy.  She  did— a  ray  of  hope  pierc* 
ed  her  direful  gloom.  The  chains  which  for  seven  long  months  had 
bound  her  mind,  now  gave  way ;  and  she  began  to  believe  that  the 
Lord  would  grant  her  the  joys  of  his  salvation.  The  cries,  "  Lord, 
have  mercy  1"  "  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner  1"  were  now 
heard  in  every  part  of  the  assembly.  About  this  time,  the  mem* 
bers  of  Conference  a^umed  their  business  and  repaired  to  the 
house  of  worship.  I  found  my  companion  rejoicing  in  the  woric  of 
the  Lord,  though  she  hardly  dared  to  think  she  had  found  ai^  com- 
f<H>t  that  would  be  permanent.  But  from  the  time  of  the  Confer, 
ence,  her  faith,  hope,  and  joy  gradually  increased,  till  she  gained 
victory  over  her  desponding  state  of  miiid. 

On  Sabbath,  Nov.  22,  she  related  her  experience,  and  was  re- 
ceired  by  the  church  at  Ganandaigua.  After  sermon,  we  retired 
to  the  shore  of  the  lake,  where  she  was  baptized.  For  this  oppor* 
tonity,  my  joy  was  unspeakable,  and  I  said  in  my  heart,  as  did  one 
on  another  occasion :  "  My  soul  dotb  magnify  the  Lord — For  he 
that  is  mighty  hath  done  to  me  great  things ;  and  hoiy  is  his  name." 
She  was  now  a  help  in  my  ministry,  and  accompanied  me  in  my 
travels.  The  furnace  through  which  she  had  passed  for  seven 
months,  appeared  to  have  weaned  her  from  the  worid,  its  pride,  and 
Hs  vanity ;  and  she  seemed  to  hare  no  object  or  desire,  except  to 
devote  herself  to  Gk>d  and  his  cause.  If  at  any  time,  I  expressed 
lorrow  for  the  want  of  any  convenience  of  life,  she  would  remind 
ne  of  the  poverty  our  Savior  endured,  p***!  say,  **l8  it  not  ertmtgh 
that  the  servant  be  as  his  Lord  T*  or  recite  some  other  similar  Scrip- 
tare,  assuring  me  that  she  felt  it  a  privilege,  if  the  Lord  called,  to 
suffer  for  his  .sake.    She  dated  her  experience  previous  to^  her 


DAVID  MARKS. 


n9 


•inking  in  despair.  Thi«  is  one  instance,  among  many  tliat  might 
bo  named,  in  wiilch  after  souls  liave  received  the  pardoning  grace 
of  Qod,  they  have,  in  con8e(|uence  of  yielding  to  doubts,  waded 
through  the  waters  of  affliction ;  for  months  have  sighed  in  the 
deepest  anguish,  and  trembled  for  fear  they  should  rest  on  a  false 
hope,  while  they  would  not  knowingly  sin  for  a  world.  Too  often 
ther  are  censured,  when  they  ought  to  be  treated  with  tenderness 
and  encouraged  to  persevere.  Thev  try  to  believe,  and  if  there 
appears  to  be  any  hope,  they  tremble,  and  weep,  and  say,  **  It  is 
not  for  me."  I  have  observed  that  such  persons  rarely,  if  ever, 
are  delivered  suddenly.  Their  light  and  hope  generally  increase 
gradually. 


•••     (>:»!•:«  •s.^v 


■l";!w- 


.* 


;,i(p-» 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


I.  ■'  1 


Particulars  of  my  TVaveh  and  Labors  from  November,  1829,  to 

September,  1880.  '**?• 


my 
even 
,and 
pt  to 
essed 
imind 
tottgk 
Jcrip- 
jd,  to 

her 


Monday,  Nov.  3d,  we  attf»)ded  a  meeting  in  the  west  part  of 
Middlesex,  and  found  a  revival  progressing  among  the  Methodists. 
On  a  Sabbath  previous,  one  of  their  preachers,  as  I  was  told,  went 
down  into  the  water  with  the  converts,  and  baptized  seventeen. 
W«  attended  meetings  in  different  neighborhoods  in  the  town.  In 
one,  at  Flint  creek,  twenty  arose  for  praver.  A  revival  had  just 
commenced  under  fl;e  labors  of  Elder  Wire,  and  two  had  obtained 
a  hope.  I  next  preached  in  Italy,  and  the  word  was  attended  with 
the  power  of  God.  Here  also  five  or  six  had  lately  found  the  Sa- 
vior; and  it  was  said  that  in  an  adjacent  neighborhood  all  the 
young  people  had  '<  turned  to  the  Lord." 

After  ^aching  in  several  other  churches,  I  met  the  church  in 
Ganandaigua  in  monthly  meeting,  on  Saturday,  Dec.  4 :  five  came 
forward  for  prayer.  On  the  Sabbath,  we  enjoyed  u  refreshing 
time.  On  Monday  evening,  I  rejmoed  to  find  the  work  of  the 
Lord  progressing  in  Conesus.  Next  day,  I  held  two  meetings  in 
Sparta,  where  the  Lord  manifested  his  power.  The  revival  that 
commenced  under  the  labors  of  Elder  Fowler,  immediately  after 
he  renounced  Free  Masonry,  still  continued ;  and  the  church  that 
he  gathered  in  the  spring,  had  now  increased  to  the  number  of  for- 
ty. Saturday  and  Sabbath,  Dec.  lO  and  11,  we  attended  a  two- 
days'  meeting  at  Be^atty,  in  which  saints  were  happy,  and  sisner;? 


224 


MEMOIRS     or 


were  awakened.     The  Lord  had  lately  poured  out  his  Spirit  in  thit» 
place,  and  about  thirty  had  found  the  Savior. 

The  following  week  we  attended  meetings  in  Batavia,  Byron, 
Clarkson,  and  Greece;  then  returned  to  Canandaigua.  The  last 
of  December,  we  visited  a  few  churches  of  the  Ontario  quarterly 
meeting,  and  on  "  New  Year's  day,"  1880,  attended  a  session  of 
said  meeting  at  Galen.  The  week  ensuing,  I  preached  in  different 
towns,  and  attended  the  Benton  quarterly  meeting,  at  Flint  creek 
in  Middlesex.  Nearly  sixty  had  been  converted  in  this  place  since 
our  last  visit  A  school  teacher  was  one  of  the  first.  Several  of 
his  scholars,  from  the  age  of  ten  to  fifteen,  became  serious ;  and 
some  of  them  retired  to  a  wood,  at  the  time  of  intermission,  to  pray 
for  mercy — forgot  their  school  till  near  its  close,  when  they  return- 
ed happy  in  the  Lord.  Nineteen  of  the  children  had  professed  to 
be  converted ;  and  while  I  heard  them  tell  what  God  had  done  for 
their  souls,  I  rejoiced  that  the  Savior  had  said,  "  Suffer  little  chil- 
dren to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not."  This  was  also  a  day 
of  good  tidings  from  other  churches.  During  the  meeting  on  the 
Sabbath,  a  woman  of  about  three  score  years  was  converted,  and 
for  the  first  time  shouted  the  praises  of  Emmanuel. 

January  16  and  17,  we  attended  the  second  session  of  the  Alle- 
gany quarterly  meeting,  held  in  Sparta.  The  revival  in  this  town 
had  spread  into  Springwater,  Conhocton,  and  Dansville.  Elder 
Fowler  had  lately  baptized  fourteen,  and  the  number  of  the  church 
had  increased  to  fifly-five.  During  the  meeting  five  souls  were 
hopefully  converted.  This  quarterly  meeting  was  organized  about 
three  months  before ;  and,  at  this  time,  consisted  of  four  churches, 
containing  one  hundred  and  forty-four  members,  three  elders,  and 
two  unordained  preachers.  The  largest  of  th&  churches  was  in  the 
town  of  Independence.  It  was  gathered  by  a  Free  Communion 
Baptist  minister.     They  were  now  blessed  with  a  revival. 

Jan.  22,  24,  we  attended  the  Bethany  quarterly  meeting,  in  the 
south  part  of  Penfield.  ThC'  reports. from  the  churches  were  in- 
teresting, and  some  of  the  preachers  came  in  the  fullness  of  the 
blessing  of  the  gospel.  On  the  Sabbath,  for  want  of  room,  meetings 
■  were  held  in  two  places.  Elder  Jenkins  preached  to  one  assembly 
in  the  forenooA,  and  to  the  other  in  the  afternoon,  with  great  pow- 
er. Unuiiaal  solemnity  rested  on  the  people,  and  many  were  melt- 
ed into  tears. 

Monday  morning,  a  young  man  who  was  teaching  a  dancing 
school,  and  a  professed  Universalist,  begged  some  of  the  preachers 
to  pray  for  him.  He  requested  a  prayer  meeting  to  be  appointed 
in  the  evening  on  his  account ;  and  though  it  was  very  stormy,  a 
large  house  was  crowded  with  people.  Thirteen  kneeled  for  pray- 
er, and  one  or  two  were  brought  to  praise  the  Lord.    The  next 


.  V  iiktliJViVi.  _-— jL  «)i"^  L^-.'  ; 


DATID  UAttKt. 


SS^ 


evening  of  my  meeting,  thirty  came  forward  for  prayer,  and  two 
were  brought  into  liberty.  Leaving  Penfield,  we  returned  to  Can- 
aodaigua,  and  held  a  few  meetings  in  different  towns. 

In  the  early  part  of  February,  we  journeyed  to  Zorra^  Upper 
Canada }  and  ^n  the  way  held  several  meetings,  which  were  re- 
flreshing.  But  as  the  sleighing  left  us  suddenly,  afler  a  very  short 
stay  with  our  relatives,  we  returned  in  haste ;  and,  on  the  20th  of 
February,  arrived  in  Penfield.  Since  the  quarterly  meeting,  many 
a  proud  sinner  had  been  brought  to  bow  at  ihe  feet  of  Jesus.  The 
brethren  had  just  returned  from  monthly  meeting ;  in  which  ^ey 
said  irinetyHBix  spoke  of  the  goodness  of  God,  fineen  united  with 
the  church,  and  one  soul  was  converted.  The  next  day,  I  stood  in 
a  window  of  a  large  stone  itchool-house,  and  spoke  nearly  two 
hours  to  about  eight  hundred  people,  half  of  whom  stood  without* 
After  this  I  had  the  privilege  of  baptizing  three :  one  was  a  little 
girl  that  experienced  religion  at  the  age  of  sixi  She  had  anxious- 
fy  waited  fin:  this  opportunity ;  and  when  raised  out  of  the  water, 
exelaimed)  "  OI017  to  the  Lord."  In  the  evening  we  had  a  very 
happy  meeting}  many  converts  spoke,  sinners  confessed,  and  a 
boy  twelve  years  of  age  professed  to  find  Jesus,  and  was  so  fitt- 
ed with  joy,  that  he  only  cried,  "  Glory — I  am  happy — glory, 
gVwy,"  &c 

After  attending  meetings  in  some  other  towns,  We  returned  to 
Canandaigua.  Sabbath  evening  1  preached  in  the  asylum  for  the 
poor  of  Ontario  county,  and  enjoyed  the  presence  of  the  Ixnxl.  We 
understood  the  expense  of  this  establishment  was  about  eight  thous- 
and dollars ;  apd  we  were  highly  gratified  on  viewing  the  ample 
provisions  for  the  oomfort  of  the  afflicted.  At  this  time,  the  asylum 
contained  nearly  one  hundred ;  the  greater  part  of  whom  were 
brought  to  this  place  through  intemperance.  They  enjoyed  many 
religious  privileges. 

In  the  early  part  of  March,  we  returned  to  Penfield,  and  found 
the  revival  stiU  spreading  with  great  power.  Seventy,  as  we  were 
informed,  had  already  obtained  a  hope.  Meetings  had  been  at- 
tended every  evening,  and  nearly  every  day  since  the  quarterly 
meeting.  We  attended  an  evening  meeting  with  Elders  Hannibtd 
and  Straight.  Many  powerful  exhortations  were  given,  and  sev- 
eral came  forward  for  prayer.  The  next  day  I  preached  with 
unusual  liberty,  and  in  the  evening  attended  a  conference  meeting. 
A  man  who  had  lived  in  sin,  and  in  Univei-ualism,  arose,  apparent- 
ly in  the  agonies  of  despair,  and  said,  *'  I  need  not  ask  Christians 
to  pray  for  me--4here  is  no  mercy  that  can  reach  my  case."  One 
of  his  daughters,  who  was  a  young  convert,  addressed  him  very 
affectionately,  and  earnestly  entreated  him  to  look  to  Jesus  for 
help }  then  turning  to  the  assembly  in  a  flood  of  tears,  she  said  to 


■ri.;  ••!'.,.  i--f''^ 


236 


MBM0IR8  or 


I 


the  wicked,  "  Behpld  the  awful  consequences  of  sin."  About  for- 
ty arose  for  prayer,  and  it  was  a  time  of  great  mourning.  Al-  ^ 
most  every  house  in  the  vicinity  had  become  a  house  of  prayer, 
and  the  work  was  more  glorious  than  any  I  had  ever  before 
witnessed.  The  dancing  master  and  fiddler,  wi(h  their  pupils, 
were  converted  to  God,  and  their  ball-room  was  open  for  wor- 
ship. 

We  were  told  about  this  time,  that  a  boy  eight  years  of  age  was 
in  a  barn  praying  for  mercy.  As  he  arose,  he  looked  on  a  horse 
that  was  named  <  Dick,'  and  with  astonishment  exclaimed,  '*  Dick 
is  praising  God  1"  He  was  filled  with  wonder ;  and  as  he  ran  to 
tell  his  parents,  he  passed  the  cattle,  and,  with  increased  surprise, 
cried  out,  "  Why,  the  cattle  are  praising  God !"  Before  he  reach- 
ed the  house,  he  saw  the  geese,  and  seeming  quite  amazed,  he  ex- 
claimed, "  And  the  geese  are  praising  God  too  T  When  he  came 
to  his  parents,  he  said,  with  great  animation,  "  Dick  is  praising 
God,  and  the  cattle  are  praising  Gk)d,  a:id  the  geese  are  praising 
Qod."  He  scarcely  had  finished  his  story,  when  he  cast  his  eyes 
on  the  cat,  and  with  transport  exclaimed,  "  Why,  puss,  you  are 
praising  Grod  too  I"  This  simple  exhibition  of  a  change  in  the 
child,  which  he  supposed  to  be  in  the  things  he  saw,  melted  the 
hearts  of  his  parents,  and  they  confessed  the  work  to  be  of  God. 
This  little  child  followed  his  Lord  in  baptism.  At  an  evening 
meeting,  I  heard  him  give  an  exhortation  that  was  extraordinary 
for  one  of  his  years.  Ailer  attending  another  meeting  in  Penfield, 
in  which  former  scenes  were  repeated,  I  preached  in  several  other 
places;  and  on  Saturday,  March  6,  attended  monthly  meeting  with 
the  church  in  Canandaigua.  On  Uie  Sabbath,  we  had  a  refreshing 
season. 

Monday,  March  8,  we  started  with  a  wagon  for  Scriba,  rode 
thirty  miles  in  a  tedi'^us  storm  of  snow,  and  arrived  at  Lyons  late 
in  the  evening.  Next  day  we  proceeded  in  a  sleigh,  and  in  the 
evening,  called  on  a  family  of  professed  Christians.  I  desired 
something  to  eat.  They  told  us  they  had  nothing  cooked,  and' they 
could  not  accommodate  us;  so  we  rode  about  eighteen  miles  fur- 
ther, much  of  the  distance  on  bare  ground,  and  afler  midnight  arriv- 
ed ajt  the  house  of  brother  K.  in  Scriba.  Mrs.  K.  was  not  a  pro- 
fessor; yet  she  arose  with  apparent  gladness,  and  prepared  us  a 
meal.  The  occurrences  of  this  evening  reminded  me  of  two  say- 
ings of  our  Lord,  and  their  application  :  "  I  was  a  hungered,  and 
ye  gave  me  no  meat"~-"  I  was  a  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  meat." 
Here  I  found  an  empty  scat.  The  father  of  the  family  died  a 
week  before.  He  was  a  member  of  the  church,  and  ever  when  I 
saw  him  was  much  engaged  in  the  service  of  the  Lord.  He  once 
,e,  he  hoped  and  believed,  that  when  his  time  was  fulfilled,  he 


DAVID  MARKS. 


927 


should  go  to  his  home  suddenly.  I  was  informed  that  he  took  his 
dinner,  apparently  as  well  as  usual,  then  suddenly  fell  from  his 
chair.  He  was  taken  up  immediately — ^but  ho  was  dead.  'O 
Lord,  may  I  also  be  ready.'  I  held  six  meetings  in  Sctiba,  and 
found  the  two  churches  in  this  town,  and  the  one  in  New  Haven, 
in  a  state  of  engagedness ;  and,  though  destitute  of  an  administra- 
tor, they  appeared  to  maintain  gospel  order.  On  Monday,  March 
15,  we  left  Scriba,  and- after  a  tedious  journey,  arrived  at  Canan- 
daiguo. 

During  the  week  following,  I  journeyed  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles,  and  suffered  much  from  a  tedious  storm.  Sabbath,  March 
28,  I  preached  twice  to  a  small  assembly  in  Geneva.  Next  day 
we  attended  a  meeting  in  Fayette,  and  tarried  at  the  house  of  Mr. 
Whitmer.  Here  we  saw  two  or  three  of  his  sons,  and  others  to 
the  number  of  eight,  who  said  they  were  witnesses  of  a  certain  book 
just  published,  called  the  "  Golden  Bible"  or  " Book  of  Mormon.'* 
They  affirmed  that  an  angel  had  showed  them  certain  plates  of 
metal,  having  the  appearance  of  gold,  that  were  dug  out  of  the 
ground  by  one  Joseph  Smith ;  that  on  these  plates  was  written  a 
history  of  the  ten  tribes  of  Israel  which  were  lost,  and  revelations 
to  different  prophets  that  arose  among  them.  They  stated  the 
writing  could  be  read  by  no  person,  except  by  the  said  Smith ;  and, 
that  the  Lord  had  inspired  him  to  translate  and  publish  the  book, — 
that  none,  but  twelve  chosen  witnesses,  had  been  allowed  to  see 
these  plates,  and  that  now  they  were  "  hid  up  unto  the  Lord." 
They  further  stated,  that  twelve  apostles  were  to  be  appointed,  who 
would  soon  confirm  their  mission  by  miracles — and,  that  if  any  one 
read  their  bible  and  did  not  believe,  they  would  be  given  up  and 
lost  forever.  These  eight  were  in  company  with  Smith  and  three 
others.  A  copy  right  was  secured  by  Smith  in  his  own  name. 
The  book  contains  about  six  hundred  octavo  pages  of  small  print. 
Five  thousand  copies  were  published — and  they  said  the  angel  told 
Smith  to  sell  the  book  at  a  price  which  was  one  dollar  and  eight 
cents  per  copy  more  than  the  cost,  that  they  "  might  have  the  tem- 
poral pro^,  as  well  as  the  spiritual."  Tbey  urged  me  to  purchase 
a  copy,  and  finally  offered  me  one  for  $1,25.  "  But,"  said  I,  "  I 
understood  you  to  say  the  angel  told  you  to  sell  it  for  $1,75."  They 
replied,  ''  The  angel  said*  we  might  sell  it  for  that  sum,  but  did  not 
say  we  should  not  sell  it  for  any  less." 

When  I  was  in  Ohio,  I  had  quite  a  curiosity  to  know  the  origin 
of  the  numerous  mounds  and  remains  of  ancient  fortifications  that 
abound  in  that  section  of  the  country ;  but  could  not  find  that  any- 
thing satisfactory  was  known  on  the  subject.  Having  been  told 
that  the  *  Book  of  Mormon*  gave  a  history  of  them,  and  of  their  au= 
thors,  some  desire  was  created  in  my  mind  to  read  their  story,  bui 


t9« 


rMEMQiRs  or 


I  eoald  not,  in  good  coasdenoe,  purchase  a  copy,  lest  I  fthoiild  mp* 
port  a  deception ;  so  they  lent  me  one,  and  I  read  two  hundred  imd 
flAy  pages ;  but  was  greatly  disappointed  in  the  style  and  interest 
of  the  work.  So  far  from  approaching  the  sublimity  <^  the  in- 
spired writers,  they  would  bear  no  comparison  with  the  Apocry- 
{Aia,  or  the  Alcoran.  Indeed  the  style  is  so  insipid,  and  the  worit 
so  filled  with  manifest  imposture,  that  I  could  feel  no  mterest  in  a 
further  perusal.  It  contained  several  extracts  from  the  Scriptures ; 
and,  with  a  little  variation,  Christ's  sermon  on  the  mount.  From 
aU  the  circumstances,  I  thought  it  probably  had  been  written 
originally  by  m  infidel,  to  see  how  much  he  could  impose  on  the 
credulity  of  men,  and  to  get  money.  T^,  I  expected  they 
would  make  converts ;  for  ^re  are  many  people  who  are  foi^ 
of  new  thmgs ;  and  there  is  scarcely  any  system  so  absurd  as  to 
obtain  no  advocates.  Shortly  after  this,  I  understood  that  one  ef 
the  "  witnesses"  baptized  Smith,  fla»d  then  Smith  baptized  others. 
If  one  believed  the  book  he  was  considered  a  fit  sid>ject  for  bap- 
tism. 

On  revievring  this  tpretended  revelatioa,  I  was  fbreibly  stnidc 
wkh  t^  contrast  between  the  introduction  of  the  gospel  of  Chrisl^ 
and  th»t  of  the  *  Book  of  Miormon.'  The  former  came  down  from 
heiaven ;  the  latter  is  said  to  have  been  df^  oat  of  the  eurth.  The 
gasp^  was  fir^  preached  openly  with  power,  in  tiie  sight  of  ajl 
men,  and  written  afterwards  ^  the  <  Bocdiof  M«*mon'  was  first  writ* 
ten»  secreUy,  and  out  of  sight  of  all  men,  except  twelve,  and  preach- 
ed aflerwairds.  Kone  of  the  works  of  Christ  and  the  ^[MStles  were 
in  secret,  but  open  to  the  examination  of  all  ;^  the  ori^  of  thisbocA 
is  hid  in  the  dark.  The  gospel  of  Christ  was  confirmed  by  un- 
numbered miracles,  wrought  in  the  most  public  manner ;  the  '  Book 
of  Mormon'  is  not;  confirmed  by  any  mirades,  but  its  authority  rests 
on  tb«^  testimony  of  twelve  men  whom  we  do  not  know.  The  gos- 
pel of  Christ  pnesented  to  its  apostles  no  temporal  gain,  but  tte 
loss  of  all  things  ;  the  <  Book  of  Mormon'  has  a  copy  right  secnr- 
ed,  that  its  witnesses  may  "  k(we  the  temporal  proJit"-^90  men  CMir 
not  tell  that  this  ^  profit*  is  not  what  kiduces  them  to  bear  ixuxh 
witness.  The  go^l  is  confirmed  by  a  thousand  profdiecies  Uiat 
prooeded,  and  pointed  to  it,  and  are  still  daily  fulfilling ;  but  we 
know  not  that  any  pix^hecy  pointed  to  the  *  Book  of  Morra<«.' 
The  Bible  is  a  book  of  perfect  harmony,  and  unrivalled  sublimity ; 
the  '  BooJc  of  Mormon*  is  fuU  of  absurdity,  and  too  duU  te  charm 
the  SM»1> 

vii.  Jn  the  eariy  part  of  A{Mil  I  held  a  few  meetings  in  towns  eai^ 

^■iTMrd,  and  attended  a  session  of  the  Ontario  quarteriy  meeting  in 

Conquest.      It  appeared  to  be  a  time  of  mowning  a!m«ig  tfte 

eimrohes;  y«c  we  ei\joyed  some  good  frcm  iifae  Lord.    Moadqgr, 


DATID   HARKS. 


229 


April  19, 1  preached  in  Macedon ;  signs  of  a  revival  appeared,  and 
several  animated  exhortations  were  given.  Next  dav,  I  preadied 
in  Perinton,  near  Fenfield.  Since  our  visit  six  weeks  before,  the 
glorious  work  had  spread  into  adjacent  towns,  and  it  was  now 
thought  that  one  hundred  and  fifty  had  been  converted.  Elder 
Parker,  who  had  labored  constantly  in  the  revival,  had  baptized 
sixty,  and  more  than  seventy  had  been  added  to  the  church.  The 
land  of  darkness  had  truly  seen  a  great  light,  and  the  shadow  of 
death  had  fled  away.  Leaving  iPenfield,  we  visited  several  towns 
west  of  Rochester.  I4, 

In  the  latter  part  of  April,  on  our  way  to  the  Allegany  quarter* 
ly  meeting,  we  called  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Markham  in  Dansville, 
wheise,  on  the  4th  of  January  previous,  a  shocking  murder  was 
committed.  Mrs.  Markham  stated  to  us  these  particulars: — ^A 
well  dressed  stranger,  whose  name  was  Millard,  told  a  man  named 
Smith,  who  was  at  work  for  Mr.  Markham,  to  take  a  span  of 
horses  and  carry  him  to  Howard.  Smith  refused,  and  Millard  be- 
gan to  beat  him.  Smith  returned  the  blows  for  a  minute,  then  toalk 
an  axe  for  his  defence,  and  ran  into  the  house.  Millard  knocked 
him  down  with  a  club,  then  seized  the  axe,  and  with  one  blow 
chopped  off  his  head  I  Mrs.  M.  being  alone  with  her  children, 
fled  through  a  back  window.  Millard  split  open  the  body  of  Smith 
— took  up  his  head  by  the  ear,*  and  his  tongue  fell  out — ^then  he 
pursued  Mrs.  M.,  and  when  he  had  nearly  overtaken  her,  several 
men  came  to  her  assistance,  pursued  Millard  two  hours,  and  took 
him.  Then  he  exclaimed,  '<  Lord,  what  have  I  done !  It  there  a 
Maton  here  f*  One  present  replied  that  he  was  a  Mason,  but  his 
crime  was  "  too  great"  for  mercy  to  be  expected  on  that  ground.* 
Mrs.  M.  was  greatly  affected  while  she  related  the  circumstanoes, 
and  it  appeared  that  this  scene  had  been  instrumental  of  her  con- 
version to  God. 

Friday,  April  30,  1830,  the  Allegany  quarterly  meeting  opened 
in  Bums,  and  we  enjoyed  a  heavenly  season.  A  small  church  had 
b^en  lately  gathered  in  this  town  by  Elder  B.  formerly  a  minister 
of  the  Calvinistic  Baptists,  who  had  lately  united  with  the  quarter- 
ly meeting.f    On  the  Sabbath  the  assembly  was  large,  and  ser- 

1^  A  man  that  was  present  a  few  minntes  after  he  was  taken,  told  me  that 
Millard  appeared  rational  till  two  Maoons  whispered  with  him,  and  that  then  he 
affected  to  oe  iiuane.    Millard  was  not  hang.    I  understood  the  jory  snppos- 

ed  him  to  have  been  deranged.    Dr.  D told  me  that  the  foreman  or  the 

jary  was  a  royal  arch  Mason.        #       #       *        #    .  .^, 

t  Elder  B.  wafi  a  Calvinistic  Baptist  for  many  years.    I  was  informed  Aat 
he  organised  the  first  Bf^itist  church  in  Rochester,  N.  Y. ;  also,  that  he  had 
gathered  fifteen  other  churches,  and  b^tized  about  eight  hundred  in  that  de- 
nomination. Elder  B.  told  me  the  following  particnlars  concerning  his  changA 
20 


MBMOIM  01 


W 


■  m 


^..J^c- 


teoiili  w«re  prteched  bj  brother  Fowler  and  myself.  In  the  latter 
part  of  tha  exercises,  great  solemnit  j,  and  a  deep  state  of  feeling 
pervaded  the  ooogregation)  and  sereral  came  forward  for  prayer. 
A  few  weeks  afterwards,  I  understood  that  a  number  had  been  oon> 
Tertad  in  this  vioinityw  On  Monday  I  preached  with  great  liberty 
In  Dansville,  and  six  or  eight  arose  for  prayer.  I  held  meetings  in 
Groveland  and  Conesus ;  and  on  Friday,  May  7,  attended  the  Ben- 
ton quarterly  meeting  at  Canandaigua.  The  reports  from  the 
ehurehes  were  more  interesting  than  at  any  former  meeting.  The 
greater  part  of  them  were  enjoying  revivals ;  and  since  the  last 
quarterly  meeting,  their  number  of  members  had  increased  nearly 
one  quarter.  This  was  truly  a  day  of  good  tidings ;  gladness  filled 
iMir  hearts,  and  we  did  not  "  hold  our  peace."  All  glory  tQ  Gk)d 
imd  die  Lamb.  May  the  good  work  increase,  till  "  the  kingdoms 
of  the  world  beoome  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  his  ChriBi."  On 
the  Sabbath,  Elder  Wire  preached  to  the  crowded  assembly  with 
power.  Many  interesting  reports  of  revivals  were  then  read,  or 
given  rerbally. 

Monday  m<Htiing,  May  10, 1880,  was  to  me  a  solemn  time.  My 
good  friend,  brother  T.  'Beebe,  with  whom  I  had  ever  found  a  home 
noOk  rtkj  first  coming  to  Canandaigua,  having  sold  his  farm,  re- 
ttioved  this  day  to  Hopewell,  ten  miles  from  thil  vicinity.  His 
house  had  been  to  me  like  that  df  a  father,  and  many  and  great 
had  been  the  favors  I  had  received.  The  church  and  the  people 
getteraMy  in  the  vicinity,  felt  their  loss  on  his  removal ;  for  he  aad 
hM  companion  had  been  a  father  and  mother  in  Zion ;  and  fr6m 
theair  house  the  ne^y  had  never  been  sent  empty  away.  *0  may 
their  kindness  be  rewarded,  and  they  "  find  mercy  of  the  Lord  in 
Hiatday." 

On  this  day  I  received  a  deed  of  ten  acrts  of  land,  for  which  the 
Lord  has  enabled  me  to  pay  a  part ;  and,  if  he  open  Uie  way,  I 
design  to  build  a  house  thereon  for  my  home.  During  the  four 
•days  following  1  preached  with  freedom  in  Hopewell  and  Mace- 
don,  and  twice  in  Walworth.  In  Maoedon,  twelve  came  forward 
fyr  prayer,  and  the  prospect  of  a  revival  seemed  to  be  increasing. 
In  Walworth)  three  or  four  had  been  converted,  and  ten  came  for- 
ward for  prayer.  _  ^ 

bf  wnthnents.  H«  asserted  In  a  sermon,  with  mitdk  embhuis^  thut  "All 
VifaigB  whatsoever  were  for  the  gloiy  of  God."  On  the  Sabbath  after,  Mdlug 
tw«  tmiall  boys  engaf^  in  play,  he  reproved  Hmu  for  violating  the  SAbbath. 
One  of  them  said,  "  Mr.  B.  is  not  this  one  of  the  *aU  Ain^  Whidi  yOa  said 
last  Sabbath  was  for  the  glorj  of  God  ?"  This  answer  fropi  the  child  cansed 
Mm  to  re{le<it;  and  he  queried,  'Do  t  preach  a  doetrine  that  strenfttibens  the 
wiekftd  V  Then,  aiter  a  strict  examination  of  the  Scriptores,  he  emoraMd  the 
4ottrin«,cf  llrM  gMM,  ft«e-will,  ftee  eonmanion,  Ae.  &C. 


/  / 


beling 
irayer. 
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tm  the 
The 
be  last 
nearly 
M  filled  ' 
t^God 
Bgdoms 
it"   On 
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'eaiit  or 

te.    My 

alrome 
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y.  His 
nd  great 
s  pe<^le 
•  faeaad 
(id  fr6m 
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Lord  in 

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the  four 

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ame  fot- 


t  Sabbath. 

^a  B*id 
caneed 
firtheni  ibe 
SraMdthe 


DAVID    MARKS. 


tai 


On  Saturday  we  attended  the  monthly  meeting  of  the  church  in 
Perinton  and  Penfield.    Nearly  one  hundred  spoke  of  the  deal- 
ings of  Qod  with  their  souls,  and  six  were  received  fbr  baptism. 
The  revival  was  still  progressing.     Elder^Parlior  told  me  that 
ninety-six  had  been  added  to  the  church  within  three  months ;  and 
it  was  judged  that  the  number  of  converts  had  increased  to  two 
hundred ;  also,  that  among  all  the  denominations  in  Penfield,  it  was 
believed  that  four  hundred  had  been  converted  within  six  months. 
On  the  Sabbath,  May  16,  I  preached  to  the  church  in  North  Pen- 
flfH.     Here  also  a  revival  was  spreading,  and  brother  H.  Whiteh- 
er  .ras  labwing  in  the  work.    Nearly  forty  had  professed  to  b^ 
converted.    At  4  o'elock,  P.  M.,  we  returned  to  the  south  part  of 
the  town,  where  it  was  thousht  one  thousand  people  assembled  in 
the  early  part  of  the  day.    They  had  listened  to  a  sermon  from 
Elder  Pamer,  and  witnessed  the  baptism  of  the  six  candidates ;  and 
the  greater  part  of  them  remained  while  about  one  hundred  an4 
twenty  or  thirty  communicants  came  to  the  table  of  the  Lord. 
When  we  arrived,  the  assembly  were  seated  or  standing  on  a  green 
in  the  open  air,  and  nearly  all  the  communicants  were  engaged  in 
cashing  each  other's  feet    The  day  was  pleasant,  the  earth  w|^ 
arrayed  in  beantlAil  green,  and  the  blossoms  *  sent  ibrth  a  goo^ 
smell.'    We  looked  with  pleasure  on  the  scenery  that  surrounded 
us,  heard  the  forest  songsters  pnuse  their  Greater ;  but  with  rap- 
turous delight  we  gased  on  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord,  and  hct^ 
the  converts  sins  with  a  melody  that  seemed  to  reach  the  heavens. 
Many  wept,  whue  they  saw  the  gay  youth  of  Penfield,  like  theif 
divine  Master,  washing  the  saints'  feet    As  the  scene  closed,  a  re- 
spectable pihysieian  and  his  wife,  remarked  to  us  with  tears,  that, 
though  they  had  not  believed  in  washing  feet,  it  was  attended  with 
as  much  solemnity  as  the  communion ;  and,  that  when  the  converts 
carae  to  this  service,  they  almost  wished  to  engage  with  them. 
Some  who  had  hitherto  spiritualized  the  words  of  Christ,  ^  If  I 
then,  your  Lord  and  Master,  have  washed  your  feet,  ye  also  ought 
to  wash  one  another's  feet,**  were  here  convinced  that  the  Lord 
mecmt  as  he  »aid.    As  the  time  of  my  appointment  at  5  o'clock, 
P.   M.,  was  near,  the  people  concluded  1o  stay  without  refresh- 
ment; and  I  commenced  'preaching  immediately,  enjoyed  free- 
dom, and  a  multitude  were  l^appy  in  God:  so  was  L     'Hallelujah 
to  the  Lamb  V    I  hope  to  sing  his  praise  when  time  shall  be  no 
more. 

On  Monday  I  preached  in  Uochester,  and  on  Wednesday  ^n  Par- 
ma, from  Gal.  6:7 :  ^  Be  not  deceived,"  &e.  The  Lord  gave  me  a 
great  discovery  of  the  deception  ihet  is  in  the  world.  It  appeared 
that  all  the  sini  which  has  Piud  the  world  with  wc,  and  drenched 
the  earth  with  blood,  has  come  through  deetption.    All  the  (Use 


S88 


MBMOIBS    OF   .; 


: 


; : 


doctrine,  and  un6criptural  practices,  which  corrupt  the  church,  are 
supported  hy  deception.  Therefore,  Christians  ought  to  be  honeet 
and  sincere ;  free  from  the  works  of  darkness,  that  cannot  bear 
the  light ;  fov  if  we  u^e  deception^  we  act  like  ScUan  the  deceiver. 
On  Thursday  we  attended  a  meeting  in  Byron.  Some  had  late- 
ly been  converted,  and  others  were  almost  persuaded  to  be  Chris- 
tians. 

Friday,  May  21,  we  attended  the  Bethany  quarterly  meeting 
near  Batavia  village.  A  larger  number  of  brethren  assembled  than 
I  had  ever  seen  west  of  the  Connecticut  river.  A  council  was  ap- 
pointed to  ordain  brother  Whitcher.  Next  morning  at  an  early 
hour,  the  meeting  was  opened  by  the  deaf  and  dumb  brother,  who 
has  been  named,  [p.  .]  His  inarticulate  sounds — his  flood  of 
tears — and  his  earnest  gestures,  greatly  affected  the  assembly,  and 
the  hardest  hearts  appeared  to  feel.  The  exercises  through  the 
day,  and  the  refreshing  reports  of  revivals  and  additions,  were  very 
interesting.  Four  sermons  were  preached  on  the  Sabbath,  and 
much  tenderness  observed  among  the  people.  At  the  close,  some 
came  forward  for  prater  and  such  as  were  resolved  to  make  ibsxt 
way  from  earth  to  heaven  were  invited  to  manifest  it  by  rising. 
M(Hre  than  one  thousand  arose— on  which,  the  deaf  and  dumb  broth- 
er cried  out  in  his  nu)umful  accento,  and  a  deep  impression  was 
made  on  the  assembly.  During  this  meeting,  we  were  kindly  en- 
tertained at  the  house  of  brother  Gibbs,  in  Batavia  village.  His 
wife  was  lately  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  this  place, 
and  much  esteemed  by  all.  We  had  understood  that  she  had  're- 
lieved the  afflicted,'  and  prayed  at  almost  every  sick  bed  in  the  vi- 
cinity, and  that  her  faith  and  good  works  were  spoken  of  by  thous- 
sandis.  She  was  often,  contrary  to  their  usual  custom,  suffered  to 
speak  in  their  meetings,  and  sometimes  in  their  assembly  on  the 
Sabbath.  But,  to  the  surprise  of  her  brethren|  she  told  them  she 
had  been  convinced  by  the  word  and  Spirit  of  tiie  Lord  God,  that 
it  was  her  duty  to  be  baptized.  She  received  a  dismission^  united 
with  the  Free-will  Baptists,  and  was  baptized  in  the  presence  of  a 
large  assembly.  This  person,  I  was  informed,  was  the  first  that  had 
been  immersed  in  this  village,  though  it  had  been  built  forty  years. 
She  told  us  that  for  seven  years  she  had  set  apart  every  Friday, 
to  fast  and  pray  for  the  ocmversion  of  her  family.  Few  ChristiMis 
are  more  constant  in  prayer  than  this  woman ;  and  since  she  was 
baptized,  her  husband  and  five  or  six  of  her  children  have  been 
hopefully  converted. 

,^  I  After  the  quarterly  meeting,  I  preached  in  Elba  and  Royalton ; 
men  went  into  Upper  Cuiada,  attended  a  meeting  at  Stony  Creek, 
and  on  the  Sabbath  preached  in  Oxford.  We  met  an  affectionate 
reception  from  our  friends,  and  the  next  A9.J  held  a  meeting  in  Zorra. 


i  1 


DAVID  HAfLKB, 


saa 


On  Tae»?  ,^  I  priaached  in  a  new  settlemfent  to  forty  or  fiilj  peo- 
ple who  were  very  serious,  and  one  requested  prayers.  I  preaohr 
ed  thrice  in  Ozfonl ;  and  on  Sabbath  morning,  June  6,  started  wHh 
^Ider  Harrili  and  another  brother,  for  Noryich.  After  passing 
eighteen  miles,  of  which  eight  miles  were  in  a  foot-path,  through  a 
forest,  we  reached  the  place  at  10  o'clock.  Being  wet  and  far 
tigued,  I  thought  I  should  not  spe^  much  over  half  an  hour ;  bot 
the  Spirit  restod  on  the  assembly,  and  I  spoke  an  hour  and  a  half. 
In  the  aflemoon,  we  walked  eight  miles  to  the  lower  part  of  tiM 
town ;  the  way  being  diffieult^  we  arrived  an  hour  past  the  time. 
The  meeting  was  large  and  powerful.  Two  or  three  backsli- 
ders ocMifeBsed,  and  some  desired  prayer.  Monday,  we  paaSf 
ed  throcigh  a  ten  mile  wood,  returned  to  Oxford,  and  held  a  meet- 
ing. 

It  Friday,  June  11,  the  annual  eonference  commenced  in  Sonth- 
wold.  Brother  Straight  and  myself  had  been  aftpointed  by  tha 
HAUand  Purchase  yeaily  meeting  to  attend  this  conference  and  !»• 
bor  for  a  union.  The  subject  was  introdu6ed,  and  dismissed,  witli- 
out  any  new  decision.  After  the  meeting  of  business,  I  preadied 
with  fiome  freedom*  A  woman  under  conviction,  who  had  walked 
more  than  twenty  miles  to  this  meeting,  was  relieved  of  her  borw 
den,  and  rejoiced  in  the  Lord.  Saturday  evening  I  preadbed  in 
Dimwich.  Several  converts  and  females  were  present,  who  had 
walked  thirty  miles.  I  have  often  been  affected  at  the  pains  the 
poor  peo{^e  in  Canada  ttikd  to  attend  meetings,  and  at  their  gladr^ 
ness  to  hear  th»  word  of  the  X^ord.  On  the  Sabbath  two  ser^ 
mens  were  delivered,  and  the  communion  administered.  Sab-> 
bath  evening,  I  enjoyed  a  blessed  season  with  the  Free-will  Baptist 
church  in  the  east  part  of  SouUiwold,  which  continued  till  nud- 
n^t. 

Monday,  I  preached  at  St.  ThcHuas,  and  felt  the  power  of  the 
Jjord.  Tuesday  we  went  to  London,  where  I  preached  with  free^ 
dom.  The  state  of  our  churches  in  Canada  was  nearly  the  same 
as  a  year  before.  A  few  hal  been  added  in  Londcm.  Brotiber 
Huckins  «4)peared  humble  and  en^iged.  He  had  gathered  m 
small  duirch  in  a  place  called  Long  Woods,  which  was  ei^oying  a 
revival. 

I  held  meetings  agua  in  Zorra,  Nissouri,  and  Oxf<Mrd ;  and  em 
I^uraday,  June  24,  we  bade  our  relatives  farewell,  and  retumiag' 
to  New  York,  attended  a  few  meetings  by  the  way.  July  2,  w« 
amved  at  N<Nrth  Penfield.  Several  had  been  converted  since  oar 
W  visit,  and  eigbt^n  added  to  tlie  church.  We  attended  the  Oii-^ 
twrio  quftrterly  meeting,  held  the  8d  and  4tb.  On  ike  Sabbaillir 
during  a  discourse,  the  power  of  the  Lord  fell  <»  a  proud  yonng 
>  had  been  appointed  to  masa^  a  ball  the  sezt  day. 
80* 


tnan     rv 


AJkO 


884 


MEMOIRS   or 


became  much  distrcMed,  went  a  little  distance  from  the  assembly 
into  the  wood,  and  cried  aloud  for  mercy.  He  found  comfort  soon 
after,  and  was  baptized.  After  returning  to  Canandaigua,  we  held 
four  meetings,  and  then  started  for  the  south.  Between  the  12th 
and  18th  of  July,  I  preached  in  Jerusalem  and  Benton,  four  times 
in  Milo,  and  once  in  Barrington.  Some  of  these  meetings  were 
blessed ;  and  at  the  latter  I  rejoiced  to  find  a  revival. 

Sabbath,  July  18,  I  preached  twice  in  Catlin ;  and  Elder  Stid, 
who  attended  with  me,  baptized  six.  Here  the  wilderness  had  be- 
come a  <  fruitful  field  ;'  in  a  short  time  many  had  been  converted, 
and  more  than  fifty  baptized  and  added  to  the  church.  Monday 
and  Tuesday,  I  preached  in  Jersey  and  at  Mount  Washington,  and 
enjoyed  solemn  seasons.  For  eeveral  days  I  had  been  indisposed, 
and  on  Wednesday  was  only  able  to  ride  to  Foultney,  where  I  was 
confined  till  the  next  Sabbath.  We  were  mostly  at  the  house  of 
Dr.  Dean,  \iho8e  skillful  services,  at  this  and  several  other  times, 
were  rendned  gratis.  In  consequence  of  this  illness,  I  disappoint- 
ed sixteen  congregations,  four  of  which  were  supplied  by  a  preach- 
er, whom  I  engaged  tto  attend  in  my  stead. 

Sabbath,  July  25,  I  preached  twice  in  Poultney,  and  on  Tues- 
day arrived  at  Ganandaigua.  Being  still  unwell,  I  stopped  five  or 
six  days,  held  three  or  four  meetings,  and  baptized  one.  The  next 
week  I  attended  the  Benton  quarterly  meeting,  at  West  River 
in  Middlesex.  The  reports  of  the  churches  were  interesting. 
Tuesday,  Aug.  10,  we  left  Ganandaigua,  and  in  four  days  held 
meetings  in  Bristol,  Richmond,  and  Sheldon,  and  visited  my  broth- 
er Ives,  in  Hamburg.  He  accompanied  us  to  Boston,  N.  Y.  where 
we  spent  the  Sabbath  and  held  two  meetings.  My  brother  here 
informed  us  that  he  had  obtained  a  hope  in  Christ,  and  publicly 
confessed  it  for  the  first  time.  He  was  an  apprentice,  separated 
from  his  acquaintance,  and  suffered  almost  constantly  from  a  lame- 
ness ;  yet  he  appeared  resigned,  and  said  he  was  happy  in  saying, 
**  Thy  will  be  done,"  On  our  arrival  at  Batavia,  we  met  Elders 
Brown,  Jenkins,  and  Straight,  with  an  assembly  coming  out  of  the 
court  house,  where  they  had  just  organized  a  church  of  eleven  mem- 
bers. A  revival  was  progressing  under  the  labors  of  brother  Straight, 
which,  we  understood,  was  the  first  that  had  ever  been  in  this  vil- 
lage. After  an  hour's  notice,  about  two  hundred  assembled  in  the 
oourt  house,  to  whom  I  spoke  with  much  ft:«edom.  I  next  held 
meetings  in  Bethany  and  Middlebury,  which  were  solemn  and  im- 
pressive. At  the  latter  place,  I  have  since  understood,  a  revival 
followed.  July  21 — 23,  we  attended  the  Bethany  quarterly  meet* 
ing  at  Qroveland.  The  exercises  were  spiritual,  and  some  came 
forward  for  prayers. 


DAVID    MARKS. 


285 


Friday,  Aug.  27,  1880,  we  attended  the  Holland  Purchase  year- 
ly meeting  at  Uiarkson.  The  reports  from  the  quarterly  meetings 
were  unusually  interesting.  The  general  state  of  engagedness  ap- 
peared to  have  greatly  increased,  and  a  time  of  such  revival  had 
never  before  been  enjoyed.  At  this  time  the  Allegany  quarterly 
meeting  was  received  >— and  it  appeared  that  within  the  year  past, 
the  number  of  members  in  the  yearly  meeting  had  increased  near- 
ly one  quarter.  Saturday,  four  discourses  were  delivered ;  on  the 
Sabbath  the  assembly  was  large,  and  eighteen  ordained  ministers 
were  present.  Three  excellent  sermons  were  preached,  which  were 
.followed  by  weighty  and  spiritual  exhortations.  Many  were  much 
affected.  The  subject  of  Masonry  was  again  introduced ;  and  n 
resolve  passed,  I  think  in  the  following  words  :  "  Agreed,  that,  if 
anything  can  be  proved  by  human  testimony,  it  is  abundantly  man- 
ifest that  the  institution  of  Free  Masonry  is  wicked  in  the  extreme  ; 
and  we  do  most  earaesdy  entreat  all  our  brethren  to  renounce  their 
Maeonic  oUigatiom  ;  and  have  nothing  to  do  with  that  system." 


.i. 


mem- 
^raight, 
lis  vil- 
|in  the 
held 
id  im- 
svival 
meet- 
came 


vi^- 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 
My  Fifth  Journey  to  New  England. 


Having  been  appointed  a  delegate  to  the  General  Conference, 
which  was  to  meet  the  ensuing  Oct.  in  R.  I.,  I  made  arrangements 
to  spend  the  winter  in  New  England.  Monday,  Sept.  6,  we  com- 
menced our  journey,  and  during  the  week  travelled  one  hundred 
and  forty  miles,  and  attended  meetings  in  Tyre  and  Fabius.  In  con- 
sequence of  illness  I  failed  of  three  other  appointments.  Satur- 
day and  Sabbath,  we  attended  the  first  session  of  the  Norwich 
quarterly  meeting  at  New  Berlin.  Two  years  and  a  half  previous, 
Elder  Adon  Aldrich  came  to  this  town  and  gathered  the  first  Free- 
will Baptist  church  in  these  parts.  The  quarterly  meeting  con- 
tained three  churches,  about  one  hundred  and  twelve  members, 
two  elders  and  three  unordained  preachers.  During  the  meeting, 
I  gave  three  discourses ;  the  brethren  were  engaged,  and  convic- 
tion reached  the  hearts  of  sinners.  Saturday,  Sept  18,  wq  arriv- 
ed at  Arlington,  Vermont,  the  native  town  of  my  companion,  and 
.  met  a  kind  reception  from  our  relatives.  We  attended  worship 
with  the  Episcopalian  diurch  on  the  Sabbath,  and  Mr.  Perkins, 
their  pastor,  invited  me  to  preach  in  the  afternoon.  The  invitatioR 
was  unexpected,  but  accepted  with  pleasure. 


236 


MBM0IR8    or  <^ 


lion.  Sept.  27,  we  reRumed  our  Journey,  and  Oct.  1st  arrived  at 
Burlington,  Conn.,  where  we  were  kindly  welcomed  by  my  uncle 
IkbrlM  mnd  fAmily.  Six  yean  before,  I  bad  a  iweet  interview  with 
my  grandfather  Marks,  but  now  his  place  was  empty.  He  died  of 
apoplexy  five  yearn  since.  I  attended  three  meetings  in  Burling- 
ton; and  the  week  following  we  visited  relatives  in  Newtown, 
Danbury,  New-Milford,  and  Southington.  In  Southington  we 
passed  the  house  where  my  mother's  parents  once  resided,  and 
where  I  spent  months  of  my  ciiildhood ;  bnt  nearly  all  the  former 
inhabitants  were  dead,  and  strangers  dwelt  in  their  ulaoe.  O  thne, 
what  changes  dost  thou  make  I  Saturday,  we  visited  my  aunt 
Graves  in  Middletown.  Bnt  O  what  a  change  in  this  fkmily  since 
mv  former  visit  I  Elder  Graves  and  two  of  his  daughters  had 
fiulen  by  the  spotted  fever.  Next  day  we  attended  meeting  with 
the  Calvinistic  Baptists.  Being  invited,  I  spoke  to  the  people  in 
the  aflemoon,  and  felt  the  dootilne  of  the  Lord  distill  upon  me 
'  like  the  dew.'  I  understood  the  church  of  which  Elder  Graves 
had  the  care  severely  felt  the  loss  of  their  pastor,  and  were  in  a 
low  state ;  but  as  the  time  of  Conference  was  near,  I  could  not  vis- 
it them. 

Monday  morning,  ray  aunt  acco.npanied  us  a  little  distance  to 
the  grave-yard,  where  Elder  Graves,  his  parents,  his  two  daugh- 
ters, and  a  young  man  engaged  to  one  of  them  in  marriage,  all  lay 
side  by  side.  At  the  head  of  each  was  a  large  white  marble  slab 
with  appropriate  inscriptions.  Aunt  remarked,  that  this  lonely 
spot  seemed  more  like  home,  than  her  empty  habitation.  Thus 
"  man  Heth  down  and  riseth  not :  till  the  heaw«n»  be  no  more,  they 
$hedl  not  awake,  nor  be  raised  out  of  their  deep!*  Never  did  I 
feel  a  deeper  sense  of  mar^  mortality,  than  at  this  time.  O  what 
is  man  ?  ''He  comet*"  forth  like  a  flower — he fleeth also  as  a  shad- 
ow." In  two  days,  we  arrived  at  Greenville  in  Smithfield,  Rhode 
Iriand ;  and  rejoiced  to  meet  with  many  dear  brethren,  particularly 
Elder  E.  Place,  whose  labors  had  been  a  blessing  to  us  at  the  last 
Conference. 

Thursday,  Oct.  14,  1830,  the  General  Conference  commenced  at 
9  o'clock,  A.  M.  The  meeting  of  business  continued  till  Saturday 
evening.  1  n  f;«neral,  much  unanimity  prevailed,  and  oar  hearts 
were  so  united  by  love,  that  we  oould  say,  as  did  two  disciples  on 
another  occasion,  "  Did  not  our  heart  bum  within  us  ?"  At  tliis 
Conference,  from  the  reports  received,  there  appeared  to  be  in  the 
denomination,  seven  yearly  meetings,  thirty  quarterly  meetings, 
four  hundred  and  thirty-six  churches,  and  three  hundred  and  ten 
ordained  preachers.  Probably  some  of  these  numbers  fall  short  of 
a  correct  enuffierati<».        .      - 


.f. 


i''-U,-_:^!AU.V-'ftVJ-^..r. 


nATID  MABKf . 


387 


edat 
relay 
ewrts 

es  on 

the 
mgp, 
ten 

rtof 


Meuengeni  were  present  from  every  part  of  the  connexion,  ex- 
cept Ohio  yearly  meeting,  from  which  a  refreshing  IcUer  was  re- 
ceived. During  the  sitting  of  Conference,  meetings  of  worship 
were  held  at  the  meeting  house,  except  on  the  forenoon  of  Thurs- 
day and  Friday.  Sabbath  morning,  about  two  thousand  people 
assembled,  and,  unexpectedly,  I  was  informed  that  the  preachont 
thought  it  would  be  my  duty  to  preach.  I  had  no  particular  sub- 
ject on  my  mind,  and  wished  some  other  one  to  go  forward ;  but 
all  declined.  A  sense  of  the  importance  of  this  hour — the  respon- 
sibility of  the  speaker,  and  the  reflection  that  the  aged  and  the 
learned  were  present,  and  that  I  was  but  a  youth,  made  my  spirit 
sink  within  me,  and  it  seemed  as  though  I  was  less  than  the  "  dust 
of  the  balance."     But,  as  Erskine  says, 

"  He  cutt  me  down  to  build  me  np, 
He  empties  me  to  fill  ray  cup." 

Second  Tim.  8:16,  occurred  to  my  mind  with  some  degree  of  light. 
I  thought  it  a  suitable  text  for  the  occasion,  and  concluded  to  speak 
from  it  But  while  the  messengers  were  giving  a  summary  of  the 
revivals  reported  from  different  parts  of  the  connexion,'  my  text 
went  from  me,  and  I  could  not  recollect  it.  The  time  for  speaking 
drew  near — I  was  empty  and  confused — ^I  cried  to  the  Lord  for 
help ;  and  just  before  I  arose,  the  text  was  brought  to  my  remem- 
brance :  ^  All  scripture  ii  given  hy  inspiration  of  Chdy  and  is 
profUiU^  Jw  doctrine.**  Jij  mind  was  composed,  the  subject 
'  lied  with  unexpected  clearness,  and  aAer  some  introduction,  I 
proposed — 

I.  To  present  some  of  the  many  arguments  that  establish  the 
4ivine  authenticity  of  the  Scriptures. 

II.  To  show  what  doctrine  the  Scriptures  teach. 

On  t!je  first  division,  I  argued  the  authenticity  of  the  Scriptures, 
1.  Frjm  the  prophecies  and  their  fulfillment.  2.  From  the  mira- 
cles— whose  authenticity  is  supported  by  a  greater  weight  of  testi- 
mony ihan  any  other  facts  of  equal  antiquity.  8.  From  their  in- 
ternal evidences,  and  agreenu  nt  with  general  history.  4.  From 
their  unparalleled  number  of  martyA,  considering  the  varied  char- 
acter,^rcumstances,  and  manner,  in  which  they  have  suffered. 

On  the  second  proposition,  I  spoke,  1.  Of  God,  his  unity,  and 
attributes.  2.  Of  the  creation  of  man  in  purity,  and  in  the  image 
of  God.  3.  Of  the  accountability  of  man,  and  the  law  under  which 
he  is  placed.  4.  Of  the  transgression  of  Adam,  his  fall,  and  its 
efiect  on  his  posterity.  5.  Of  the  atonemen  t  made  by  Christ. 
6.  Of  regeneration.  7.  Of  the  church  of  Christ.  8.  Of  its  dis- 
cipline and  government.    9.  Of  its  ordinances.     10.  Of  persever- 


238 


1UMOIB8   OF 


ance.  I}.  Of  the  general  judgment.  13.  Of  the  fiiuil  destinies 
cMf  aH  men. 

4  It  pleased  the  Xiiord  to  give  me  unusnal  freedom,  and  I  spoke 
nearly  two  hours.  The  Holy  Spirit  moved  on  the  people,  and 
much  of  the  time  many  wept.  Several  became  resolved  to  seek 
the  Lord.  Among  these  was  a  merchant  at  Greenville,  who  had 
hitherto  trusted  in  morality  ,for  salvation ;  and  a  school  teacher 
who  had  taken  refuge  in  atheism.  In  the  intermission,  I  felt  ex- 
ceedingly  humbled  for  my  unprofitableness,  and  groaned  in  sf^" 
it»  fearing  that  I  had  occupied  a  place  that  might  have  been 
filled  more  profitably  by  another.  In  the  afteinoon,  the  meetii^ 
house  and  academy  were  filled  to  overflowing.  We  attended 
at  the  latter  place,  where  Elder  Place  preached  a  pathetic  discourse 
irom  Luke  2:1 4 :  "  Ghry  to  God  in  iJie  highest"  &c.  He  appear- 
ed to  be  full  of  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.  While  he  was  praying 
for  me,  one  expression  affected  me  much : — "  O  Lord,  he  has  rode 
on  the  King's  beast,  and  worn  the  King's  apparel' — now  may  ha 
ait  c!^  wn,  like  Mordeoai,  in  the  King's  gate,  and  remember  thiU  he 
ia  but  a  man."  t  <t^^ 

«  Sabbath  evening,  I  apoke  with  iVeedom  to  about  fire  hundred 
lieople,  in  the  veatiy  of  Elder  Tobey's  meeting  house  at  Prori- 
denee.  On  Tuesday,  I  preached  in  BurrillviUe  and  Blaekstone. 
At  the  latter  place  a  revival  had  lately  eomraenced.  Several 
kneeled,  while  prayers  were  o^red  for  their  salvation.  Next  day, 
I  preached  in  North  Providence  ;  and  the  day  following  assisted 
in  preparing  for  publication,  the  minutes  of  the  four  sessions  of  the 
Free-will  Baptist  General  Conference.  We  did  this  l^  the  i^ 
pdntment  of  the  Co>iferenoe ;  and  in  the  week  following,  I  pub- 
lished them  in  a  pamphlet  of  twenty-four  pages.  This  is  the  first 
work  of  the  kind  published  in  the  connexion,  and  is  an  in'^resting 
article  to  those  who  wish  to  become  acquainted  with  the  ienomin- 
ation.  It  is  not  designed  as  a  discipline^  but  simply  to  show  what 
we  believe  is  taught  and  required  in  the  law  of  Christ  I  preach- 
ed in  Cranston,  on  "  the  fulhiess  of  times  f  and,  through  ^race,  my 
aoul  was  full  of  comfort  O  that  I  were  as  thankful  as  I  ought  to 
be.  On  Friday,  I  preached  1ft  Johnston  and  Greenville.  At  the 
former  meeting,  some  appeared  seriously  impressed ;  and%t  the 
latter,  several  came  forward  for  prayer.  Reformation  now  began 
to  be  visible  in  Greenville.  Of  the  four  sessions  of  the  General 
Coi^ferenoe,  revivals  have  followed  three.  Saturday  evening,  and 
Sabbi:th,  October  24, 1  preached  four  times  in  Pawtucket,  and  en- 
jc^ed  liberty.  The  assemblies  increased ;  and  at  the  last  meeting, 
the  people  could  hardly  be  convened  in  the  house.  The  word 
was  blessed  to  some,  one  of  whom  I  understood  was  soon  con- 
verted. 


■;  /  j?;Si.4L^o/r:'.^5i  ■'  ■  '.':X'i 


■  •Si;^r.'>iVfej  <i«^4' 


DATID  MARKS. 


289 


Bgan 
leral 
r,  and 
[id  en- 
sting, 
I  word 
cgn- 


On  Monday,  Oct  25, 1  had  designed  to  start  for  Maine,  where  I 
had  sent  apixnntmeats.  But  Elder  Tobey  having  sfaronglj  solicit- 
ed us  to  spend  a  week  in  Providence,  they  had  been  withdrawn, 
and  we  accepted  the  invitation,  making  his  house  onr  hotne.  I 
preached  in  the  evening  at  the  boose  of. Elder  Allen  Brown.  Three 
or  four  preachers  were  present  the  governor's  wife  and  daughter^ 
and  several  of  the  higher  class.  Yet  the  Lord  hid  the  **  fear  of 
man"  from  me,  and  enabled  me  to  speak  with  much  boldness. 
Wednesday  evening  I  tpoke  with  freedom  to  about  two  hundred 
people,  in  the  west  pari  of  the  town;  and  <m  ^e  next  evening, 
again  at  the  vestry,  which  was  filled.  Friday,  I  attended  a  meet- 
ing in  Greenville.  A  few  had  found  peace,  nnd  Sfleen  came  for^ 
ward  for  prayer.  The  day  following,  on  our  way  to  Olneyville, 
while  reading  the  manner  in  which  the  Indians  had  been  **  rooted 
out"  of  their  **  good  land,"  and  reduced  to  a  handful,  I  was  kd  to 
reflect  on  the  iniquity  that  has  polluted  the  earth,  and  the  misery 
that  has  made  "  the  whole  creation"  groan  and  travail  ^  in  pain  to- 
gether until  now."  Such  was  the  scene  of  madness,  folly,  and  sin, 
now  presented  to  my  view,  that  I  wept  for  milei^~-My  heart  was 
filled  with  pMn,  and  I  said,  **  0  that  my  head  were  waters,  and 
mine  eyet  a  fountain  of  tears,  Aat  I  might  weep  day  and  night  for" 
a  rained  world.  On  our  arrival  at  Olneyville,  I  told  Elder  Che- 
ney my  foelings ;  and,  as  I  had  an  appointment  at  his  meeting 
house,  he  gave  me  this  text,  **  We  know  that  «m  are  tf  Gcdy  and 
th«  tfM§  world  H«ik  in  wiek^neu"  I  preached  from  it,  and  had 
a  solemn  time.  Next  momhig,  the  house  was  filled,  and  I  spoke 
again  with  freedom.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached  on  the  atone- 
ment at  Elder  Tobey's  meeting  house  in  Providence ;  and  in  the 
evening,  to  about  one  thousand  people  in  the  same  place,  on  the 
sutgect  of  faith.  The  Lord  assisted  me,  blessed  be  his  name. 
During  our  stay  in  Providence,  Elder  Tobey  showed  uS  many 
fiiVora,  and  through  his  influence  I  received  a  present  of  a  oloak. 

We  had  now  been  in  R.  I.  seventeen  days,  and  had  constantly 
met  with  unexpected  kindness.  I  had  been  unable  to  comply 
with  one  half  of  the  earnest  solicitations  for  preaching ;  and  the  en- 
treaties of  many,  especially  in  Smithfield,  that  I  should  return,  after 
meeting  my  engagements  i&  Maine,  influenced  me  to  abandon  my 
intention  of  spending  the  fall  in  thiat  state,  and  to  leave  appoint- 
ments for  my  immediate  return.  Monday,  Nov.  1,  we  atarted  in 
oompany  with  Elder  A.  Rollins  and  wife  for  Maine.  la  the  even- 
ing, I  preached  in  Boston,  ^foss.,  and  the  next  evening  at  Haver- 
UU,  on  the  Merrimack.  Here  I  was  filled  with  the  love  of  God. 
We&esday  evening,  I  preached  at  Dover,  N.  H.,  and  the  nextday 
visited  the  difierent  rooms  of  the  ealico  manufactory,  a  building  of 
six  stories.    While  examining  the  machinery,  I  remembered  the 


•"nanmnwniv 


S40 


MBMOIBS    OF 


scripture,  "  Man  hath  sought  out  many  inventionfl ;"  and,  thought  T- 
'  If  men  mere  half  as  wise  in  the  care  of  their  souls,  as  thej  arc 
anxious  in  their  care  for  the  body,  the  world  would  be  happy,' 
Nov.  6, 1  preached  in  Parsonsfleld,  Me.,  and  on  the  Sabbath,  spoke 
with  usual  freedom  to  a  crowded  assembly  at  Limerick  comer.  I 
attended  two  meetings  on  Monday,  and  the  next  morning  started 
for  R.  I.  In  the  evening,  I  met  about  eight  hundred  people  in  the 
Methodist  chapel  at  Somersworth,  N.  H. 

Thursday,  Nov.  11,  we  continued  our  journey,  and  on  Saturday 
arrived  at  Fawtucket,  much  fatigued.  In  the  evening  I  preached 
in  this  place,  and  on  the  Sabbath  spoke  in  much  weakness  at  Prov-^ 
idence,  North  Providence,  and  Oreenville.  In  the  latter,  I  enjoy- 
ed a  good  season.  Ader  the  meeting,  I  was  sick,  and  went  out 
little  till  the  next  Tuesday.  During  our  absence,  the  number  of 
the  anxious  had  increased,  and  a  few  had  been  brought  into  liberty. 
Among  these  were  the  merchant  and  atheist  named  before.  The 
former,  I  understood,  on  hearing  that  bis  wife  was  converted,  wept 
aloud  for  two  hours,  and  prayed  for  mercy ;  and  in  ameetim>  short- 
ly after  he  said,  '  I  had  built  what  I  thought  a  fine  fabric — and 
trusted  in  moralityj  But  I  thank  God  that  he  has  thrown  it  all 
down.'  This  seemed  to  ovierthrow  a  refuge  of  the  wicked,  who 
had  often  pointed  to  Mr.  A.,  saying,  <  Show  us  a  Christian  that  is 
more  upright.'  During  the  week  I  preached  in  Scituate,  Green- 
ville, twice  in  Gloucester,  and  enjoyed  usual  freedom. 

On  the  Sabbath,  the  meeting  house  at  Greenville  was  filled  with 
people,  and  I  spoke  on  baptism.  Aft«r  this,£Ider  Allen,  pastor  of 
the  church,  baptized  four.  I  gave  a  discourse  in  the  afternoon  on 
communion.  In  the  evening  we  attended  a  conference;  saints 
were  edified,  and  some  mourners  arose  for  prayer.  Nov.  25,  I 
met  about  four  hundred  people  at  the  second  Baptist  church  in 
Providence,  and  the  day  following,  preached  at  Sprague's  manu- 
factory in  Smithfield ;  two  were  deeply  exercised  and  kneeled  in 
the  time  of  prayer;  one  of  these,  I  understood,  found  peace  the 
next  day. 

Sabbath,  Nov.  28, 1  preached  three  times  in  Chepachet  with 
considerable  freedom ;  and  at  the  close  of  the  third  sermon,  I  had 
such  a  sense  of  the  state  of  the  wicked,  that  I  could  not  refrain 
ftom  weeping  aloud.  During  this  week  I  held  meetings  in  Bur- 
rillville,  Smithfield,  Scituate,  and  attended  a  conference  in  Green- 
ville. The  revival  continued  moderately.  Sabbath  forenoon,  while 
speaking  from  Ecd.  12:14, 1  remarked  that  secrecy  was  a  sign  of 
iniquity ;  and  that  Christians  should  be  open  in  their  conduct ;  and 
quoted  several  scriptures  i^ainst  "  the  works  of  darkness."  In  the 
afternoon,  we  heard  Elder  William  Hurley,  a  mii^ter  of  the  Gen- 


:X^. 


."ifc.-,  J  .-jii.jii 


DATXD  MABK8. 


mr 


ightT. 
9y  arc 
lappy,' 
,  spoke 
ler.  I 
started 
I  in  the 

kturday 
eached 
i  Prov- 
enjoy- 
ent  out 
nber  of 
liberty. 
!.    The 
d,  wept 
•■jshort- 
io — and 
m  it  all 
ed,  who 
diatis 
Green- 
ed with 
tastor  of 
noon  on 
saints 
25,  I 
Lurch  in 
manu- 
eeled  in 
ace  the 

let  with 
,Ihad 
refrain 

in  Bur- 
Green- 

n,  while 
sign  of 

ict ;  and 
In  the 
Gen- 


eral Baptists  from  En^nd.*  He  preached  an  excellent  discourse 
from  Luke  18:24 :  "Strive  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate,"  &c  In 
the  evening  I  preached  near  Smithfield,  and  had  a  very  interesting 
time ;  several  spoke,  and  six  covenanted  to  seek  the  Lord.  The 
next  morning  a  man  asked  me  who  I  meant  in  my  sermon,  yester- 
day, when  I  said,  *<  It  is  a  shame  to  speak  of  those  things  that  are 
done  of  them  in  secret"  I  told  him  that  the  saying  was  borrowed 
from  the  Bible,  and  that  I  meant  all  who  do  in  secret  that  of  which 
they  are  ashamed.  "  But,"  said  he,  "  did  you  not  mean  Masons  f ' 
I  said  if  Masons  do  in  secret  those  things  of  which  it  is  a  shame  to 
speak,  I  did.  "Well,  well,"  said  he,  "you  had  better  mind  how 
you  bring  up  a  respectable  body  of  men  in  public  where  they  have 
not  a  chance  to  answer  for  themselves.  I  thought  I  should  come  to 
hear  you  preach  in  the  evening ;  but  after  hearing  those  remarks, 
I  concluded  that  I  would  not.  He  then  left  me  abruptly.  Tues- 
day, I  met  three  ministers  at  Greenville,  to  ordain  Ethan  Thorn- 
ton, a  brother  of  Elder  A.  Thornton,  deceased,  to  the  office  of  a 
deacon.  By  his  request,  I  preached  on  the  occasion,  and  felt  great- 
ly impressed  with  the  importance  of  the  duties  of  this  sacred  office. 
Next  day,  I  had  a  meeting  at  Gloucester,  and  one  who  had  cove- 
nanted witli  me  to  seek  the  Lord,  gave  evidence  of  having  found 
Jesus. 

Thursday,  Dec.  9, 1  attended  a  meeting  at  the  meeting  house  in 
Greenville,  which  was  designed  to  expose  the  iniquity  of  Free  Ma- 
sonry. Elder declining  an  invitation  to  make  the  introduc- 
tory prayer,  the  request  was  addressed  to  me.  And  as  the  voice  of 
inr  iration  says,  "I  will  that  men  pray  every  where,"  I  accepted 
tli<  '"ivitation.  Afler  this,  we  heard  a  very  candid  and  able  dis- 
cobrbC  on  the  subject,  from  Mr.  Moses  Thatcher,  a  Congregational- 
ist  minister.  Then  an  aged  and  venerable  Quaker,  who  had  been 
a  Mason,  testified  that  the  disclosures  relative  to  Free  Masonry 
were  correct,  as  far  as  he  had  taken  the  degrees.  I  had  said  noth- 
ing on  the  subject  in  any  public  jaeeting  in  New-England,  and  had 
intended  to  be  silent  in  this  meeting ;  but  iiow  a  trembling  seized 
me,  and  I  felt  impressed,  I  believed,  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  to 
state  some  facts  with  which  I  had  been  acquainted,  connected  with 
the  abduction  of  Morgan.  For  I  had  found,  to  my  surprise,  that 
such  had  been  the  power  of  the  deception  used  by  the  fratemitjff 
that  very  many  supposed  that  Morgan  had  never  been  taken  away 
by  Masons ;  or  if  he  had,  that  it  was  only  done  by  a  few,  and  the 


*  There  are  eeveral  sects  of  the  General  Baptists  in  England.  One  of  these 
is  nearly  the  same  in  sentiment  as  the  Free-will  Baptists  in  America;  and  an 
interesting  correspondence  has  existed  between  them  and  onr  denomination 
for  ahont  four  yta.-s.  .  ^l^er  Harley  i^,  a  n^ember  of  i^  9mM»ipnjiut 
responds  with  US.-       •»■■-''•"  i"~  *.;.-^i--:-''^-'—   .i~-?  ;-  :...,■. -^-^^--^i  ,^.„^^. 

21 


243^ 


UXKOIBS  Of 


deed  wai  disapproved  hj  the  institukioii,  Ac  I  was  aoo 
with  facts  which  were  weighty  on  the  subject;  ajid  I  beheved  I 
should  be  condemned  bj  God,  if  I  now  withheld  these  things  from 
the  people,  I  also  knew  there  were  serious  persons  in  the  mu!ti> 
fade  present,  to  whom  the  nlence  of  Christians  respecting  this  evil 
was  a  great  "  stumbling  block."  Therefore,  lest  I  should  be  guil^ 
of  the  blood  of  soula,  I  stated  some  facts,  gave  my  testimony  against 
the  institution,  made  an  apology  for  those  that  had  been  taken  in 
the  snare,  entreating  the  people  to  deal  tenderly  with  them,  and 
warned  sinners  to  be  cautious,  lest  this  subject  sjbould  take  their  at* 
tention  from  their  eternal  interests.  I  spoke  about  fifteen  minutes. 
Most  of  the  assembly  wept,  and  after  meeting,  some  to  whom  this 
subject  had  been  a  trial,  manifested  sei'ieusness  for  the  first  time, 
and  with  tears  asked  me  to  pray  for  them.  From  this  time,  how- 
ever, the  countenance  and  conduct  of  those  that  were  in  heart  at* 
ta£&«d  to  the  institution  were  materially  changed — some  that  had 
wppcared  to  be  my  friends  turned  against  me — and  letters,  wm^ 
Jriend/jf,  cruel,  sad  slanderous,  were  sent  bdbre  me  to  Maine,  ap- 
parently to  hedge  up^my  way.**    Thia  was  unexpected  opposition^ 


*  The  following  i»  a  copy  of  one  of  ihete  letteit  signed  bj  the  pa«tor  of 
North  Providence  chorch.  Another  was  an  anonymoas  communication  troni 
which  a  few  extracts  are  taken.  These  are  here  introdnced  by  the  advice  of 
jttdlcititw  ftieuds  who  thought  their  hiisertion  would  exdtiapliQr  the  spirit  of 
MMomyt  and  thtit  the  recent  revival  df  tiliti  Ol^d«r  demands  that  light  on  this 
stttjeet dioald be  ttoowa before^ the ]Hiblio mind.    [Ed] 

"  North  IVoyide&c6,  Dec.  20, 1830. 

Elder  Marks  has  not  left  this  section  yet  His  last  visit  haa  been  a 
'caose  of  grief  to  most  of  us,  and  we  have  no  doubt  he  came  back  on  purpoce 
lo  hlow  we  coats  of  Antt-MasOnry.  He  for  seme  time  did  it  secretly,  and 
While  reeiiving  such  diingf)  as  he  needed  from  brethren,  most  of  whom  were 
l^onsi    Just  before  he  left  Ch^eaville,  in  the  height  of  revival,  he,  in  a  pub* 

lie  meeting,  spoko  on  the  subject,  and  poor  brother is  now  left  to  labor 

against  prejudices  of  his  creating.  We  few  it  will  stop  the  work,  and  were  I 
the  pemon  who  had  done  it,  I  strould  fbar  lest  at  the  day  of  doom  some  shoald 
reproach  me  as  the  cause  of  their  nan.  We  believe  he  has  done  more  real  in* 
jury  to  the  cause  of  religion  in  this  part,  than  he  will  do  good  elsewhere  for 
mpntiia  to  come.    Believe  me,.y4iu:  affectionate,  though  unworthy  brother. 

^  Mr.  Bf&bcmk,  Sirf— Yon  will  pardon  me  for  intruding  on  your  generosity, 
wMle  th6  feelingis  of  my  heart  piuaapt  me  to  make  a  few  remavks  preparatory 
•gaifldt  the  fowler's  snare.  I  nave  a  pardcniar  regard  for^e  people  whose 
■caas9  yen  vindieats,  and  their  prosperity,  union,  happiness,  and  enurch  feHow- 
ship,  lead  me  to  adopt  this  meuiod  as  a  mecns  of  exertion  for  continued  good 
feemigs  and  friendsnip  among  tlie  Free-will  Baptists.  I  design  this  lettnv  as 
a  oatinon  for  you  to  not  be  too  hasty  in  making  any  insertions  that  may  be 
sent  Or  presented  you  by  David  Marks.  I  am  ^>t  to  thmk  be  will  dip  his  pen 
in  f^i'  against  the  little'  village,  of  Greenville,  or  at  least  «ome  of  its  wcHrthj 
inhabitanw.    When  the  General  Conference  was  held  in  Octo^  last,  he 


DATID  XfARKtS. 


|iero8it7, 

laratory 

|e  whose 

I  fetlov- 

|ed  good 

ett^tras 

I  nay  bo 

jhispon 

llast,  be 


and  such  as  I  had  nerer  before  met  from  ♦  •  •  •  ♦ 
My  heart  was  filled  with  mourning,  and  I  wept  day  and  night.  I 
little  thought,  when  I  came  to  visit  raj  dear  brethren  in  the  east, 
that  for  the  conscientious  diseharae  of  my  duty,  I  should  have  to 
endure  such  opposition.  But  this  is  nothing,  compared  with  what 
my  Lord  has  endured  for  me :  and  he  said  of  the  world,  "  Me  it 
htMteth,  because  I  testify  of  it,  tfiat  the  works  thereof  are  evil.** 
Therefore  I  have  been  enabled  to  commit  these  things  to  him  who 
"judffeth  righteously^  and  pray  that  *  my  misjudging  friendi*  may 
consider  what  these  Scriptures  mean :  ''  Touch  not  mine  anovntea, 
and  do  my  prophets  no  harm.** — *^  Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  un- 
to one  of  the  least  of  these  my  brethren,  yeliave  done  it  unto  me." 

On  Saturday  I  preached  at  Qlney  ville,  and  on  the  Sabbath  gave 
my  farewell  discourse  in  Greenville.  Some  wept  aloud,  and  pine 
covenanted  to  seek  the  Lord  as  long  as  they  lived.  Several  breth- 
ren and  friends,  knowing  that  I  had  made  a  considerable  sacrifice 

(Marks,)  preached  on  Sabbath,  A.  M.,  was  received  by  the  congre^tibn  widi 
fwry  general  api^anse.  by  the  brethren  with  cordial  cheer,  and  their  hoofca  a 
rec^tade,  a  very  velcoiiie  receptacle  for  himself  and  companion,  and  their 
bams  and  granaries  for  iia  horse.  As  a  Ghnstian  minister  he  w«a  sKodvod, 
as  a  Christian  Qiiiuster  he  was  treated,  and  considered  to  be  laboring  for  the 
upbnilding  of  Zion's  cause.  Bat  soon,  to  the  sorrow  and  surprise  of  the  pas- 
tor of  the  chwch,  he  began  to  weave  himself  into  the  graces  of  some  «f  the 
diorch  members  by  traducing  a  certain  claat'  of  people  called  Free  Ma89iM, 
or  the  institntion  from  which  they  derive  their  name,  and  which  is  the  «ame 
thing.  This  circumstance  gave  him  an  introduction  to  certain  families  who 
have  ever  been  opposed  to  Free-will  Baptists,  as  well  as  Masons,  and  he  ex- 
postulated freely  m  ftivor  of  the  Anti-Masonic  cause,  and  has  borne  hard  Vf- 
.  on  Elder  ,  ne  being  a  nominal  Mason.  This  course  he  pursued  wherev- 
er he  thought  it  would  do,  although  he  ever  appefuvd  to  Elder  — — 's  face  to 
be  a  well  wisher  to  him, — ^vet  it  appeared  to  be  his  aim  to  undermine  him, 
fiuit  he  might  slide  into  his  shoes.        #        «        •        # 

A  man,  called  by  some  the  Hon.  Moees  Thatcher,  of  Wrentham,  Mam. 
(and  late,  but  not  successful,  candidate  for  representative  to  Congress,  and  a 
most  violent  seceding  Mason,)  held  forth  at  the  meeting  house  occupied  by 
Elder ^  in  which,  he  (Marks,)  took  a  very  active  part,  and  as  many  can- 
did persons  thought,  who  were  present,  clothed  his  remarks  with  a  hypocriti- 
eal  revenge  #  #  *  He  seous  to  have  spared  no  pains  to  raise 
an  excitement,  and  for  what  purpose  I  cann<rt  conceive,  unless  it  is  to  publish 
his  real  character,  or,  in  other  words,  to  level  down  Elder ,and  level  him- 
self up.  If  he  proceeds  in  the  same  manner  wherever  he  goes,  you  will  find 
your  churches  all  in  an  uproar.  I  do  not  write  this  to  Injure  Mr.  Marks,  but 
to  let  you  know  his  management,  hopmg,  by  these  means,  that  some  check 
may  be  given  to  his  conduct,  and  that  peaee  and  harmony  may  rest  oo,  and 
dwell  among  IVee-will  Baptists,  and  they  not  be  thrown  into  disorder,  by  one 
who  acts  <>r  conducts  like  a  wolf  in  sheep's  clothing.  Therefore,  set  your 
bounds  in  season,  leet  the  publications  Marks  would  palm  upon  you,  might 
seeretly,  and  ere  yon  are  aware,  lead  you  aad  dia  whole  denomination  Into 
trouble.  *  «  #  * 
f**i»^«l  pj  i^wrr#*"  "  /»«/«w,  and  1  &*«%  irvsl  a  possessor  vf  raigm:' 


344 


MEMOIBS  or 


%. 


to  return  to  this  state,  eommunicated  liberally;  especially  as  they 
knew  I  had  received  very  little,  because  I  had  testified  against  the 
works  of  iniquity.  After  preaching  in  North  Providence,  Pr6vi- 
dence,  Pawtucket,  Rehoboth  and  Attleborough,  we  went  to  New- 
port, where  we  spent  six  days.  I  preached  six  times,  and  enjoyed 
some  freedom.  We  were  kindly  received  by  Elders  Eddie  and 
McKenzie.  The  latter  is  a  young  man  of  the  age  of  eighteen 
years,  and  was  ordained  the  spring  before.  He  had  the  care  of  a 
considerable  church,  and  appeared  humble  and  well  engaged.  We 
were  told  that  he  commenced  preaching  in  his  father's  chamber, 
when  a  little  boy ;  and  gathered  a  society  of  about  fiflv  of  his  age, 
each  of  whom  gave  a  cent  every  week  which  was  distributed  to 
the  poor; 

We  visited  the  grave -yard  in  Newport.  It  contained  some  acres, 
and  the  greater  part  is  closely  filled  with  graves.  Unnumbered 
monuments  and  tomb-stones  of  all  kinds  were  standing,  inclining, 
or  lying  on  the  ground.  For  an  hour  we  walked  over  "  the  con- 
gregation of  the  deadf  and  when  I  saw  how  time  had  bafiled  the 
labors  of  men  to  perpetuate  their  memory,  and  that  they  lay  here 
forgotten,  I  fell  on  my  face,  and  cried, '  Alas,  th%»  is  the  end  of  my 
race,  and  ihw  the  glory  of  man  fades  away !  My  eyes  have  seen 
an  end  of  all  earthly  perfection.'  We  also  visited  the  Jews'  syna- 
gogue, which  is  an  elegant  square  brick  building.  While  we  view- 
ed the  altar,  the  ten  commandments  written  on  plates  of  brass,  the 
vessels  of  Mosaic  work,  the  candlesticks,  whose  lights  had  gone 
out,  and  the  burying  ground,  all  of  which  seemed  desolate  monu- 
ments of  wealth  aifd  grandeur ;  and  while  we  reflected  that  not  a 
Jew  remained  on  the  island,  we  were  reminded  of  what  the  cruci- 
fiers  of  the  Savior  said,  "•  His  blood  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children," 
and  of  the  numerous  prophecies  concerning  the  desolations  of  that 
unbelieving  nation.  Truly  God  has  visited  "  the  iniquities  of  the 
fathers  upon  the  children"  that  hate  him ;  and  has  required  the 
blood  of  the  Son  of  God  at  their  hand.  ^ 

.  I  next  held  three  meetings  in  Boston.  Several  were  revived, 
and  some  were  awakened.  On  Saturday,  Dec.  25,  we  attended 
the  Roman  Catholic  celebration  of  Christmas,  or  the  birth-day  of 
Christ  More  than  two  thousand  people  were  present,  seven  hun- 
dred of  whom  we  understood  were  members  of  the  Roman  Cath- 
olic church.  Here  we  saw  their  images,  paintings^,  and  candles 
1  burning  at  noon  day;  and  a  great  many  other  things  not  named  in 
the  Bible.  Several  priests  and  a  Bishop  attended,  clad  in  very 
sumptuous  apparel,  which,  at  a  little  distance,  appeared  to  be 
» doth  covered  with  gold  and  silver,  gems  and  needle-work.  The 
attire  of  the  bishop  surpassed  that  of  the  others  in  show  and  gran- 
deur.   He  had  also  a  mitre  on  his  head,  that  appeared  to  be  gild- 


1 1 


^▲yiO    MABKS. 


945 


not  a 


fended 
Jay  of 
hun- 
Cath- 
landles 
led  in 
very 
to  be 
The 
gran- 
gild- 


ed. A  part  of  the  time  they  stood  with  their  bw^ks  to  the  peo- 
plOf  frequaally  koeeling  before  their  unagea»  and  then  iauaeduite- 
ly  rifling.  '■«ome  of  the  time  they  xead  |»«yers  in  lAtin.  A  yoang 
priest)  <^lad  in  white  eurplice,  preached  to  the  people;  but  his 
voice  was  so  feebl«  that  we  <9o«M  only  occasionally  understand  a 
word.  Christians,  thought  I,  who  desirc  unscripturai  practices,  aod 
worldly  grandeur,  may  come  here  and  learn  instruction.  Here 
they  may  see,  that  afler  men  depart  from  tbe  simpKcity  of 
the  Bible,  thi^  will  not  be  content  till  Uiey  obtain  all  the 
glory  ^  Babylon.  When  I  had  looked  on  the  vanity  thftt 
was  exhibited  on  ^us  occasion,  under  pretence  of  worsbipinng 
God,  my  soul  hated,  mwe  than  ever,  the  worldly  display  of  the 
#  anti-chri8tian  worship ;  and  I  felt  to  thank  God  that  the  pure  aid 

h^y  religion  of  Jesus  Christ  disdains  this  outward  pomp,  and  pos- 
sesses a  glory  that  will  not  fade  away. 

I  preached  at  the  Methodist  idu4)el  in  Charlestown,  then  went 
to  Haverhill  and  held  five  or  six  meetings.  These  were  attended 
with  Qonsiderable  of  the  good  Spirit.  One  of  them,  on  the  last 
evening  of  the  year,  was  what  is  called  a  ^^olch  meeting"  and  it 
.  continued  with  considerable  iirterest  till  afler  midnight  In  this 
meeting  I  preached  two  sermons.  In  another,  I  preached  fitNU 
Ezek.  13:22,  Because  with  lies  ye  have  made  the  heart  of  the 
righteoue  sad,  whom  I  have  not  made  tad;  and  strengthened  Ike 
hands  of  the  wioked,  thai  he  should  not  return  from  his  wicked  way, 
by  pnmiting  him^fe."  In  this  meeting  a  backslider,  who  had  em- 
braced Universalism,  was  convinced  of  his  error,  and  frmn  ^s 
time  sought  the  Lord  tiU  he  found  salvation.  The  brethren  in  tMs 
place  communicated  to  me  liberally.  In  the  early  part  of  January, 
1831, 1  prea(^fted  in  Dover,  Rochester,  and  three  or  four  times  in 
SomersworUi.  The.meeting  ut  fiochester  was  impressive,  and  a 
few  came  forward  for  prayer. 

From  the  10th  of  Jan.  to  the  12th  of  Feb.  1881, 1  spent  in  Vis- 
iting mid  preaching  daily  with  churches  in  the  south-west  part  of 
Me.,  and  in  attendance  at  the  Farsonsfield  and  GUirham  quarterly 
meetings.  I  was  very  kindly  received,  and  in  several  places  saw 
the  salvation  of  God. 
.  T  r  An  ecl^e  o£  the  sun  happened  on  ine  12th  of  February,  and 
more  than  eleven  twelfths  of  its  surface  was  darkened ;  yet  the 
light  was  considerable.  This  reminded  me  of  the  time  when  it 
"  shall  be  turned  to  darkness."  Agaai,I  thought  as  a  twelfth  part 
of  the  sua  givetb  so  raudi  ^ht,  so  does  a  little  influence  from  Chrfet, 
^ih»  Sun  of  righteousness,"  greatly  illuminate  a  darkened  woHd. 
After  this,  we  went  to  Portland,  and  were  affed^ionately  received 
by  Eld^  £.  Sham,  with  whom  T  had  be^i  acquainted  in  New 
Yoric.  He  now  had  the  care  of  a  diurdi  of  j^toyt  <« 
21* 


bUinurvui 


246 


s  umuoiua  of 


and  thirty  membenSf  belonging  to  the  OhrisHan  connexion  thftt 
had  kttelj  separated  from  the  Ohrittian  church  in  this  place,  on 
account  of  the  introduction  of  instrumental  music  and  such  like 
things.  They  had  built  a  plain  and  convenient  house  of  worship. 
I  held  six  or  seven  meetings  with  them,  for  two  or  three  days  vis- 
ited with  Elder  Shaw  from  house  to  house,  and  found  some  peni- 
tent souls  that  desired  salvation. 

In  the  latter  part  of  February,  we  went  to  Brun;.wick  and  Tops- 
ham,  beautiful  villages  on  the  Androscoggin.  In  these  towns  tiie 
Lord  was  reviving  his  work,  and  several  had  been  brought  to  re- 
joice. I  preached  with  the  people  seven  times,  and  enjoyed  some 
good  seasons.  In  th?  early  part  of  March,  I  held  two  meetings  in 
I.i:flH>n,  five  in  Richmond,  and  nine  or  ten  in  Gardiner,  a  town  on 
the  Kennebec.  In  Richmond  the  brethren  were  well  engaged, 
and  our  meetings  were  times  of  rejoicing.  At  Gardiner,  I  enjoyed 
usual  freedom.  A  revival  was  progressing  in  one  neighborhood. 
In  one  of  ray  meetings,  twenty  came  forward  for  prayer ;  many 
exhorted,  and  it  was  a  very  refreshing  time.  At  one  of  my  ap- 
pointments in  the  vil^e  of  Gardiner,  a  rumor  was  drculated  widi- 
out  my  knowledge,  that  I  would  preach  against  Free  Masonry. 
On  this,  as  well  as  on  several  other  similar  occasions,  I  thought  it 
my  duty  to  confine  myself  to  other  important  subjects,  though  by 
this  means  the  people  were  disappointed.  Indeed,  I  have  never 
spoken  upon  this  subject,  except  when  I  believed  it  would  be  a 
crime  for  me  to  be  silent.  At  another  appointment,  two  hours  be- 
fore the  time  arrived  for  the  meeting  to  commence,  I  assented  to  a 
request  to  preach  on  the  subject,  and  a  crowd  of  people  attended. 
I  read  Gen.  49:5,  6,  7,  "  Simeon  and  Levi  are  brethren — inttru- 
iKjnts  of  a'udly  are  in  their  habitations.  0  my  aoul^  come  not  thou 
into  their  secret ;  unto  their  assembly,  mine  honor ^  be  not  thou  unit- 
ed 1  for  in  their  anger  they  slew  a  mem,  and  in  their  self-will  they 
digged  down  a  walL  Cursed  be  their  anger,  for  it  was  fierce  ;  and 
their  wrath,  for  it  was  cruel:  I  toill  divide  them  in  Jacob,  and 
scatter  them  in  Israd."  When  I  had  read  to  the  clause — "  they 
slew  a  man"— I  paused,  and  several  appeared  to  feel  very  keenly 
that  its  application  was  unavoidable.  I  had  undorstood  that  my 
discourse  was  to  have  an  immediate  answer,  «o  I  gave  liberty ; 
but  every  man  remained  silent. 
^  Between  the  13th  and  25th  of  March,  on  our  return  to  Limer- 
ick, I  preached  in  Litchfield,  Bowdoinham,  Topsham,  Brunswick, 
Portland,  €k>rham,  Scarborough,  and  Buxton.  Some  of  these 
m«teting3  were  attended  with  much  of  the  good  Spirit,  and  I  expect 
to  meet  fruits  of  them  in  eternity.  The  brethren  in  Gardiner, 
Richmond,  and  Portland,  communicated  liberally  of  their  sub- 
stance.   We  spent  nearly  a  week  in  Limerick  and  Farsonsfidd, 


DAVID  MABK8. 


S47 


and  attended  dg^t  meetings;  then  met  appointments  in  Wake- 
field and  Newfield.  Sabbath,  April  8, 1  preached  three  sermons 
in  Ossipee  to  a  considerable  assembly,  that  was  yen'  solemn.  In 
this  phuse  we  had  a  short  interview  with  a  sister  of  Elder  Benja- 
min Randall,  the  founder  of  the  Free-will  Baptist  denomination. 
She  appeared  to  be  a  ^^  mother  in  Israel ;"  and  we  were  much  de- 
lighted  by  her  plainness  and  humility.  She  remarked  that  her 
brother,  Elder  BandaU,  was  a  very  plfun  man,  and  was  ever  op- 
posed to  the  pride  and  superfluity  that  too  often  dishonor  professed 
Christians.  After  this,  I  preached  in  Eflingham,  Parsonsfield,  and 
twice  in  Brownfield.  The  last  of  these  discourses  was  given  on  a 
funeral  occasion,  and  to  me  it  was  a  dark  and  trying  time ;  yet,  soon 
after  this,  I  understood,  one  was  converted  that  dated  her  awaken- 
ing at  this  meeting.  Thus  he  that  soweth,  **  knoweth  not  whether 
shall  prosper,  either  this  or  that."  Next  I  held  meetings  in  Par- 
sonsfield, Limington,  Cornish,  Hollis,  and  Biddeford.  In  these 
places  there  were  signs  of  good,  and  we  enjoyed  a  good  degree  of 
the  divine  influence. 

Thursday,  April  21,  had  been  appointed  by  the  governor  of 
Maine,  for  a  fast, — and  agreeably  to  previous  appointment,  I  met  a 
congregation  at  the  west  meeting  house  in  Limington,  and  preach- 
ed a  sermon,  showing  what  kind  of  a  fa^  the  Lord  requireth. 
See  Isa.  58.  During  the  remainder  of  the  month  I  enjoyed  re- 
freshing seasons  preaching  in  Parsonsfield  and  adjacent  towns. 

Tuejsday,  May  2,  1881, 1  preached  at  Great  Falls,  and  felt  re- 
markably strengthened  of  the  Lord  in  trying  to  pull  down  the 
strong  holds  of  satan.*    A  good  revival  was  progressing  in  the 

I     *  Daring  the  day  preyioug  to  the  evening  meeting  at  Great  Falls,  one  of 
the  leading  brethren  In  the  church  said  to  Mr.  Marks,  that  he  hoped  he  would 
tay  nothing  against  Masonry,  as  the  Masons  in  that  place  were  popular  and 
powerful.    It  was  further  stated,  that  the  Masons  said  that  Morgan  s  disclos- 
'  ores  were  a  lie,  and  the  story  of  his  abduction  a  mere  hoax.    Mr.  Marks  also 
..  learned  that  young  brethren  and  converts  were  constantly  joining  the  frater- 
nity, supposing  it  to  be  a  "  handmaid  to  religion."    His  mind  was  now  in 
dttep  trials.    To  look  on  m  silence  and  see  young  Christians  drawn  into  such 
a  snare,  while  he  had  facts  in  his  possession  that  would  enlighten  their  minds, 
was  what  he  dared  not  decide  to  do.    It  was  very  painful  to  all  the  feelings 
of  his  nature  to  incur  the  censure  of  brethren,  but  he  could  not  be  recreant  to 
just  j^rinciples.    After  spending  much  time  in  prayer,  he  went  calmly  to  his 
appomtment    His  text  was  Ecd.  12:14, "  For  Qoa  shall  bring  every  work  in- 
to judgment,  with  every  secret  thing,  whether  it  be  good  or  whether  it  be  evil.' 
{  Among  the  secret  Uiings  which  he  enumerated  that  God  would  judge,  were 
(.the  secret  oaths  and  obugations  of  Free  Masonry.    Soon  after  he  named  (his 
.-subject,  several  persons  came  in,  and  some  appeared  much  agitated,  while 
I  quite  a  crowd  were  about  (ha  door.    He  turned  around  and  addressed  them 
.  with  great  pathos  and  power,  portrajnng  the  awful  scenes  of  the  judgment  in 
<.  the  most  living  colors.    Profound  awe  seemed  to  seite  the  new  listeners.    The 
moral  sublimity  of  this  scene  cannot  be  described.    At  the  close  of  the  8er> 


m. 


148 


HKMOIKf  OV 


latter  pUce,  mmI  at  an  inquiry  maeting,  ten  came  forward  ibr  praj- 
er.     Wednesdaj  evening,  I  prenohed  with  much  freedom  in  I>>- 
Ter  to  a  large  assembly,  and  many  w«pt  aloud.     I  next  met  ap- 
pointments in  Strafibrd  and  Bamstead.    These  were  good  seasons, 
and  one  covenanted  to  kneel  and  pray  three  times  doily  for  a  year. 
On  Saturday  and  Sabbath,  I  preached  once  in  Pittsfield  and  thrice 
in  Epsom ;  and  at  the  latter  place  felt  greatly  humbled  for  my 
mprofltablenesd.     During  ten  days  following,  I  attended  two  meet- 
ings in  Hawke,  five  in  Haverhill,  three  in  Boston,  and  one  in  Dover. 
Some  of   thene  were  times  of  trial,  others  were  seasons  of  much 
rejoicing,  and  the  word  appeared  to  fall  **  into  good  ground." 
V    Wednnsday  and  Tliursday,  May  18  and  19,  we  attended  Uie 
New  Durham  quarterly  meeting  in  Middleton,  N.  H.    ThiH  quar- 
terly meeting  was  formed  about  forty-eight  years  ago,  and  is  the 
oldest  in  the  connexion.    Two  aged  brethren  were  present,  who, 
fm9  understood,  were  converted  at  or  before  the  time  that  Elder 
Randall  became  a  Christian,  and  were  "  yoke  fellows"  with  Mm, 
from  the  first  of  his  religious  course  to  the  end  <tf  his  usefVil  Hfo. 
These  were  very  plain,  grave,  and-  apparently  very  holy  men. 
One  of  them  was  a  man  of  few  words ;  the  other  was  called  a  noisy 
Christian,  as  he  sometimes  said  "  Amen"  and  shouted,  iMying, 
i*  Oloryto  God^  in  time  of  worship.    On  the  first  day  reports 
•  firere  received  from  about  thirty  churches ;  some  of  them  were  en- 
joying revivals.    Several  exhortations  were  given,  after  which  I 
spoke  from  Fs.  27:4,  5,  *'One  thing  have  I  desired  oi  the  Lord," 
4o(i.     Next  day  I  spoke  two  hours  and  twenty  minutes  with  much 
freedom.    Through  the  kindness  and  influence  of  Elders  Place 
and  Blaisdell,  I  here  received  a  collection  of  about  fifteen  dollars. 
I  Friday,  I  preached  at  the  funeral  of  a  man  in  Wolfborough.    I 
v^  wa3  told  that  two  days  before  his  death,  he  remarked,  lightly,  "  In 
Stwo  day*  my  day  of  grace  will  be  pasW*     But  O,  how  little  did  he 
(Hunk  he  was  speaking  the  truth !     He  came  suddenly  to  his  end 
by  the  kick  of  a  horse.    I  next  preached  with  usudi  freedom  in 
'i  Wolfborough,  twice  in  Tuftonborough,  twice  in  Sandwbh,  once 
i^  Meredith,  luid  once  in  Hx^emess. 

t-yioes,  a  Ckristian  fri«nd,  Wbo  woa  a  nominal  Mason,  said  to  him,  "  Brother 

ffiMaiiis^ don't  CO  now;  there  is  a  collection  of  people  without,  and  &  great  ex* 

^  fliteinent."    When  the  congregation  was  passing  out,  this  fi-iend  took  Mr. 

'  Mark:;  '^y  the  arm  and  led  him  oat  with  the  crowd,  nnobsenrcd,  throagh  files 

'-"oi  men  standing  on  each  side.    Mr.  Marks  was  afterwards  inforrara,  that 

i  4«ring  his  semum  the  Lodge  was  m  session ;  but,  on  hearing  that  he  was 

f  apeaking  against  Masmwy,  thej  immediately  adjourned  and  came  to  the  meet- 

.iiag.    Ifext  morning  there  was  much  excitement  throuj^out  flie  village,  and 

'y-cn  Ae  comers  of  die  streets,  groups  c^  men  were  standing  and  ialking  eam- 

f  Mtly  in  angry  and  exciting  tones.    Some  of  the  brethren,  thinking  it  unsafe' 

v'-ifer  MJr.'MuicB  to  leave  the  village  alone,  aecempanied  him  to.DovMrr— t^l 


DATTD  MABKS. 


i49 


once 


>''    Saturday  and  Sabbath,  May  28  and  29,  we  attended  the  Sand- 
wich quarterly  meeting,  held  at  Alexandria.    I  preached  twice  at 
this  meeting,  once  from  Matt.  16:26 :     "  For  what  is  a  man  projU- 
tdf  if  he  ^mU  gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  his  own  soulr"  &c. 
While  speaking,  the  power  of  the  Lord  came  upon  me — his  light 
shined  before  me — and  the  worth  of  the  soul,  and  again  its  loss, 
opened  to  my  mind  with  such  awful  sublimity,  that  I  was  carried 
beyond  all  my  former  conceptions  and  feelings.     I  beheld  my  fel- 
low  creatures  sinking ! — sinking ! — sinking ! — with  Christ  before 
their  eyes.    And  once  or  twice  I  was  so  much  overpowered  that  it 
seemed  as  though  I  should  lose  my  breath.    The  assembly  that 
stood  within  and  without  the  house,  <•  was  greatly  affected.    After 
the  meeting,  I  visited  several  that  appeared  much  awakened  and 
quite  tender ;  but  they  would  not  promise  to  turn  to  God.     O  that 
this  people  knew  the  time  of  their  visitation  I    I  staid  the  next 
day  and  held  a  meeting.    Only  a  few  came  forward  for  prayer,  and 
I  left  the  place  in  deep  mourning  for  the  people  of  Alexandria. 
After  preaching  in  Holderuess  and  Camptou,  we  proceeded  to  Lis- 
bon, a  town  in  the  north-west  part  of  New  Hampshire,  and  attended 
a  meeting.    The  state  of  religion  was  low  in  this  place ;  but,  feel- 
ing an  impression  that  God  would  revive  his  work  immediately,  I 
spoke  from  Matt.  8:3,  "  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord^*  and  told 
the  people  my  impression.    Saturday  and  Sabbath,  June  4  and  5, 
we  attended  the  Wheelock  quarterly  meeting,  held  in  Cabot,  Ver- 
mont   It  appeared  to  be  a  time  of  some  trial  among  the  church- 
es ;  yet  we  enjoyed  a  good  season,  and  several  knelt  for  prayer. 
After  this  I  preached  with  much  freedom  in  Wheelock  and  Sut- 
ton.    The  latter  meeting  was  on  the  day  of  military  exercises ; 
two  companies  marched  into  the  meeting  house,  with  their  equip- 
ments.   My  subject  was  the  "  signs  of  the  times." 
r     On  Friday,  June  10,  1831, 1  attended  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
N.  H.  Charitable  Society.     Seventy-five  brethren  and  preachers 
were  present    It  appeared  that  there  was  a  fund  of  about  one 
thousand  dollars  belonging  to  the  society ;  and  that  at  each  session 
of  the  yearly  meeting,  the  society  gave  the  interest  of  the  money 
to  the  needy.    Any  man  of  good  moral  character  might  become  a 
member  by  giving  five  dollars,  or  by  paying  the  interest  on  five 
dollars  annually.    Thirty-one  persons  became  members  at  this 
meeting. 

Saturday,  June  11,  the  New  Hampshire  yearly  meeting  opened. 
The  forenoon  was  spent  in  business,  and  in  hearing  the  reports 
from  the  quarterly  meetings,  which  were  considerably  refreshing. 
In  the  afternoon,  a  sermon  was  delivered,  and  several  exhortations 
were  given  by  preachers  and  brethren.  Sabbath  morning,  prayer 
meeting  commenced  at  8  o'clock,  and  before  ten  the  meeting  house 


■^: 


260 


MBMOIRfl   or 


WM  croffded.  I  spoke  two  hours  and  tbirtyHMven  minutes,  with 
much  fraedora,  from  Muk  16:15,  10.  In  the  afternoon,  Eld.  Car- 
-•mo  preached  from  Dan.  7:9,  10,  *'  I  beheld  till  the  thrones  were 
oast  down,"  Ac  At  the  close,  fifty-two  persons  stood  in  the  galle- 
ries and  sung  the  Judgment  Anthem.  This  was  solemn  nnd  im- 
pressive, and  all  gave  the  strictest  attention.  At  6  o'clock,  about 
one  hundred  people  assembled  for  a  conference  meeting.  After 
several  exhortations  were  given,  Elder  Place  related  a  part  of  hit> 
experience,  which  was  very  remarkable,  and  stated  some  interest- 
ing particulars  relative  to  his  flr^t  acquaintance  with  the  Free-will 
Baptist!  at  New  Durham,  about  thirty  years  ago.  He  said,  that 
though  Elder  Randall  was  <<  little  of  stature,"  his  face  pale,  and  his 
'i^pearance  feeble,  he  had  a  voice  lika  thnnder,  and  his  preaching 
was  attended  with  great  power.  Also,  that  at  that  time  the  de- 
nomination was  so  holy  and  humble,  and  their  preaching  so  power- 
ful that  the  woric  of  God  followed  them  wherever  they  went,— ^in- 
somudi  that  many,  and  he  himself,  thought  their  spirit  was  ctmta- 
gioui  ;  and  they  feared  to  come  nigh  them,  lest  they  should  catch 
the  same  spirit  **  But,"  said  he,  **  I  fear  that  wo,  as  a  people,  are 
not  what  we  oqce  were-'^^that  a  spirit  of  popularity  is  gainirg  among 
us.  For  more  than  twenty  years  I  have  kept  on  myself  and  on 
this  connexion,  a  jealous  eye ;  and  it  does  not  set  well  on  my  feel- 
ings, when  I  hear  it  said,  '  The  Free-will  Baptists  are  becoming 
more  orderly/  and  when  I  hear  the  drunkard  say,  *  they  preached 
well,*  and  the  infidel  say,  *  they  are  resectable'  then  my  sonl  is 
pained,  and  I  fear  God  will  send  us  a  curse  instead  of  a  blessing." 
lilt  addressed  the  saints  with  much  pathos ;  and,  after  expostula- 
ting i>owerftilly  with  the  wicked,  he  lifted  up  hia  voice  and  exclaim- 
-<ld,  "  Ground  your  arms ! — ground  your  arms ! — ground  your  arms ! 
ye  rebels  !"  And  such  was  the  power  which  attended  these  words, 
that  a  trembling  seized  the  assembly,  and  the  place  became  awful 
on  account  oS  the  presence  of  God.  When  Elder  Place  had  spo- 
k«a  about  an  hour,  he  ceased,  and  a  few  others  exhorted.  Then 
'again  he  appeared  to  be  filled  with  the  worrl  of  the  Lord,  spoke  for 
half  an  hour,  and  his  voice  seemed  to  sound  like  the  thunder  of  Si- 
'  naL  His  strength  failed;  and  as  he  rested,  I  invited  sinners  that 
felt  their  need  ^  salvation,  to  come  to  the  forward  pews  for  pray- 
er. Immediately  nine  came  and  fell  on  their  knees.  Some  of 
them  wept  aloud,  and  others,  joining  thera,  fell  on  their  knees,  or 
.Ijieeled  in  other  parts  of  the  assembly,  till  the  number  was  increas- 
>  ed  to  tw^ity-three.  Many  prayers  were  made  in  their  behalf,  and 
;.  some  prayed  for  themselves.  Several  of  Uie  preachers  continued 
■  their  supplications  tiU  tHamt  voices  were  hoarse ;  and  Elder  Flaee 
pleaded  with  God  fbr  them,  till  he  was  quite  exhausted, — went  to 
a  window  and  obtained  a  little  breath,  then  he  lifted  up  his  voice 


DAVID   MARKl. 


t&l 


and  thanked  God,  and  wept,  and  prajed  again  tot  ■Inncra.  The 
meeting  continued  till  about  midnight,  and  two  or  three  profeMed 
to  le  converted. 

Monday,  one  o'clock,  P.  M.  Several  preacheni,  with  myself, 
met  about  one  hundred  and  Ady  people  at  the  meeting  house.  I 
Hpoko  A  little  more  than  an  hour,  on  repentance  and  pardon  (  some 
exhortations  were  given,  and  the  exercisee  were  attended  with  heaT- 
enly  power.  At  four  o'clock,  a  discourse  wait  preached  by  Elder 
Benjamin  S.  Manson,  from  Mark  5:86 :  "  Be  not  afraid,  only  be* 
lieve."  lie  spoke  half  an  hour  with  much  freedom ;  then  exhorta* 
tions  were  given  by  Elders  Pettingill,  Smith,  Plumb,  Leavitt, 
Knowies,  and  some  othersT  At  half-past  six,  the  invitation  was  giv- 
en to  the  awakened  to  come  to  tlie  forwai  'I  pews.  The  young  peo- 
ple were  generally  seated  in  the  galled  n ;  and  if  was  truly  aneet- 
ing  to  see  many  of  them,  in  the  pride  of  youtl  leave  their  seats 
and  come  down  weeping.  Twenty-eight  knee)  V<,  iuid  many  fervent 
prayers  were  made  for  them.  In  the  mean  'me,  I  olbrcTrcA  the 
people  leaning  over  thr  front  of  the  ^  f  ''ies ;  and  as  t  r  jy  looked 
on  the  anxious,  their  tears  fell  like  dr  >ps  <^  rain.  Conviction  now 
reached  the  hearts  of  sinners  in  every  part  of  the  assembly ;  and 
as  they  came  to  the  seats  of  the  heavy  laden,  some  appeared  scarce- 
ly able  to  stand,  fell  down  suddenly,  and  poured  forth  their  griei 
hke  a  flood.  One  youbg  lady,  while  trying  to  reach  the  seats  ap« 
propriated  to  those  who  desired  prayer,  lost  her  strength  and  sunk 
on  her  knees  in  the  aisle.  She  wefrt  exceedingly,  and  several  pray- 
ed for  her.  She  was  then  assisted  to  a  forward  pew,  where,  with 
difficulty,  she  was  kept  from  fainting.  With  her  eyes  liiled  toward 
heaven,  she  prayed  fervently  about  two  hours,  when  the  Lord 
spoke  peace  to  her  soul.  A  Uttlo  after  seven  o'clock,  about  for^ 
had  bowed  the  knee ;  their  weeping  was  very  great,  and  many  of 
them  were  praying  for  tb  v^^Wes.  About  sunset  they  arose,  were 
seated  tc^ether,  and  ten-i '  •'  m  spoke.  Some  confessed  to  their 
parents,  or  other  relatives,  and  entreated  them  to  forgive  all  Uie 
wrongs  they  had  ever  committed.  Then  tdl,  as  it  were  by  common 
consent,  again  fell  on  'iheir  knees,  and  began  to  pray  for  tlmnselves: 
many  Christians  engaged  with  them.  When  the  light  of  day  was 
gone,  as  the  distress  of  the  mourners  continued,  the  meeting  house 
wus  lighted.  Soon  tlie  weeping  increased  exceedingly  in  every 
part  of  the  congregation ;  and  unnumbered  groans  fell  on  our  ears 
without  cessation,  and  the  place  seemed  more  awful  than  any  I  bad 
ever  before  seen.  About  fitly  had  bowed  the  knee ;  many  of 
whom  were  convulsed  with  anguish,  as  though  the  pangs  of  depart- 
ing life  had  come  upon  them.  Some,  as  their  strength  failed,  were 
supported  in  the  arms  of  their  friends ;  others,  with  great  difficulty 
were  kept  from  famting,  and  some  were  doubtful  whether  they 


252 


lOBMOiBs  or  1 


would  live  through  the  scene.  The  cries,  "  Lord,  have  mercy  1-^ 
Lord,  have  mercy  1 — God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner !— Lord,  save 
or  I  perish  I — ^I  shall  die  1 — ^There  is  no  mercy  for  me,"  &c,  roll- 
ed successively  upon  our  ears ;  and  it  was  believed  there  was  not 
a  person  in  the  assembly,  that  did  not  now  feel  the  dreadful  pow-^ 
er  of  God !  Sisters,  brothers,  and  friends,  were  seen  falling  into 
each  other's  arms,  confessing  their  sins  and  inviting  one  anoth- 
er to  go  with  them  to  heaven.  Children  were  weeping  at  the 
feet  of  their  parents,  and  parents  were  rejoicing  over  their  chil- 
dren. 

Soon,  with  some;  these  agonizing  pains  suddenly  subsided — they 
praised  the  Lord  aloud,  and  one  said,  *'  I  feel  as  though  I  should 
fly  away  to  heaven."  As  soon  as  they  were  brought  into  liberty, 
they  began  to  encourage  those  that  were  sUll  in  bondage,  and  to 
pray  for  their  salvation.  But  this  seemed  only  to  increase  their 
anguish.  While  I  witnessed  this  scene,  I  exclaimed  with  myself, 
'  O  how  awful  in  this  place !'  At  half-past  nine  o'clock,  several  had 
found  comfort,  and  the  weeping  was  con«>iderably  abated.  Those 
who  believed  they  had  been  converted  since  the  meeting  commenc- 
ed last  evening,  were  invited  to  rise.  Seventeen  stood  up  rejoicing. 
Then  the  invitation  was  extended  to  all  that  had  foand  some  relief 
i^d  comfort,  and  eight  more  arose.  Thus  twenty-five  professed  to 
find  relief  in  about  twenty-four  hours ;  and  it  was  believed  that  as 
many  ss  tluit  were  truly  converted. 

.  Ckk  Tuesday,  at  one  o'clock,  P.  M.,  nearly  two  hundred  assem- 
bled again  at  the  meeting  house.  I  spoke  more  than  an  hour,  from 
Matt.  11:28 :  "  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  la- 
den, and  I  will  give  you  rest."  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  moved  on 
the  assembly,  and  it  was  easy  preaching.  Many  exhortations  were 
given,  and  great  solemnity  rested  on  the  people.  Twenty-five  of 
Uie  saints  and  twenty  converts,  spoke  of  the  salvation  of  God. 
Seventeen  awakened  sinners  also  spoke.  Some  said  they  were  the 
chief  of  sinners — asked  their  neighbors  to  forgive  them,  and  nearly 
all  were  greatly  distressed.  Several  of  these  had  not  manifested 
any  seriousness  till  this  time.  Occasionally,  such  heart-rending 
groans  and  bitter  cries  burst  from  every  part  of  the  assembly,  that 
it  seemed  as  though  the  most  bai*dened  infidel  could  but  feel  and 
weep.  At  six  o'clock,  the  penitent  were  again  invited  to  come  to 
the  forward  pews.  Forty  came  and  kneeled,  and  before  we  ceased 
praying  for  them,  the  number  was  increased  to  fifty.  Most  of 
these  prayed  fervently  for  themselves.  And  O  what  agonies ! 
what  bitter  cryings !  what  floods  of  tears,  were  poured  out  before 
the  Lord !  Language  fails  to  give  a  just  description.  At  half-past 
seven  I  endeavored  to  compose  the  assembly,  and  they  generally 
took  their  seats.    Eleven  then  manifested,  that  since  the  last  even- 


DAttDMAMUU 


958 


ing,  tfray  had  obtained  a  hope  in  the  Redeemer.    PnuM  the  Lord, 

0  nj  foul,  for  the  jglory  of  l^is  meedng. 

On  Wednesday,  at  8  o'clock,  P.  If .,  a  laiger  nun^r  assembled 
tftMUi  al  any  tiaie  befwe,  sioee  ti^  Sabbadi.  As  ny  late  lafooft  had 
reduced  my  strength,  I  thought  to  omit  pr«iti<ching,  and  exfa<Hted 
the  foreUiren  to  oeeupy  fjhe  time.     But  as  they  seemed  to  witUix^ 

1  finally  spoke  some  over  an  hour,  on  a  clause  of  Luke  6:46 :  **  And 
digged  deep  and  laid  the  foundation  on  a  rock.**  After  this  moce 
tMm  twenty  spoke-Hsome  for  the  first  tmie— -and  sevend  appeared 
to  be  in  extreme  distress  for  fear  thek  all  was  lost.  At  the  <^08e  of 
ih»  meeting,  fifty-three  distinguie^hed  themselves  as  penitents,  asd 
when  prayer  was  made  for  them,  about  three-fourths  of  the  assem- 
bly fell  on  their  knees.  Three  brethren  prayed ;  then  some  of  the 
anxious  spoke,  with  mtidi  grief,  and  earnestly  requested  us  to  re- 
member ^em  in  our  supplications.  The  mourners  were  exhorted 
to  spend  the  evening  in  prayer,  and  the  people  dispersed  «  little 
before  dark.  I  understood  afterwards  that  two  or  tiuree  obtained  a 
hope  in  this  meeting  also.  As  soon  as  the  evening  was  o(xne,  we 
began  to  hear  the  voice  of  prayer  'from  many  directi(»i8,  and  tiw 
sound  rung  for  miles  over  tlra  hills  of  Lisbon.  Hie  air  was  dear, 
and  the  evening  serene ;  and  even  now  its  recollection  meks  voar 
soul.  O  what  bitter  <»ie8  and  groans  wwe  heard  from  every  di- 
rection !  Some  voioes  wei^e  heard  for  hours,  till  they  grew  hoarse 
and  faint— then,  suddenly,  their  tone  was  changed,  and  they  p^'we- 
edthe  Lord.  These  dupplicatione  cmtinued  till  midnight;  and 
next  morning  we  understood  a  number  were  converted  in  diffisrent 
parts  of  the  town. 

Thursday,  at  8  o'clock,  P.  M.,  we  assembled  again,  and  icgoiced 
>o  And  that  «evend  more,  of  whom  we  had  not  hewd,  had  found 
peace  since  the  meeting  the  day  previous.  The  exercises  were 
very  solemn.  Forty-eight  mourners  came  and  kneeled  in  the  for- 
ward pews,  and  a  number  of  brethren  and  converts  prayed  for 
them.  Kany  heavy  laden  souls  prayed  earnestly  for  ihemselyes 
fw  two  hours ;  and  in  tibis  time  a  number  were  delivei%d  from  t^e 
<  horrible  pit'  and  brought  to  rejoice  in  the  Lord.  The  cries  of 
these  broken-hearted  sinners  entered  into  the  ears  of  some  that  had 
ceme  as  spectators.  It  sunk  into  their  hearts — they  felt  that  they 
must  be  lx>m  again — wept  for  their  sins,  and  bowed  the  knee  for 
the  firpt  time.  '  Parents  were  searching  among  the  anxious  for  their 
Children ;  and  when  they  found  them  there,  we  heard  them  ex- 
ekum,  "  Glory  40 <jrod !  there  is  my  son!  there  is  my  daughter  1" 
Ghtldren  also  were  rejoicing  to  see  their  parents  join  the  mixiow. 
Frequently  one  would  lead  a  weeping  relative  43png  fo  the  atUw. 
At  Julfjpast  nine  o'clock,  the^people  di8per«ed;,aoday')ng  woman 
who  had  been  a  backslider,  was  overpowesed  h  ' 
M 


354 


MEMOntfl  OF  f 


her  Btren^th,  and  fell  into  the  care  of  her  friends.  Some  spoke  of 
calling  for  a  physician ;  but  as  she  revived  a  little,  she  told  them 
none  but  a  physician  from  above  could  do  her  any  good.  She  was 
carried  to  a  neighboring  house,  where  she  recovered  her  strength 
about  one  o'clock  in  the  morning.  She  confessed,  that,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  revival,  she  resolved  that  she  would  have  no 
share  in  it,  and  said  that  nov/  there  was  no  mercy  for  her.  Afler 
this,  however,  she  found  some  relief.* 

On  Saturday,  at  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  about  three  hundred  people 
assembled  at  Lisbon  in  conference  meeting.  The  interesting  occur- 
rences of  the  former  meetings  were  repeated,  seventy-three  sp<^e, 
eithefof  the  goodness  of  God,  or  in  confessing  their  sins,  and  a 
few  professed  to  find  comfort.  Three  related  their  experience,  and 
were  received  for  baptism,  and  several  others  came  forward  for  the 
same  purpose ;  but  for  want  of  time  the  meeting  was  adjourned  till 
next  morning. 

>f  Sabbath  morning,  we  assembled  at  eight  o'clock ;  and  before  ten, 
it  was  thought  that  seven  hundred  people  had  collected.!  The 
whole  time,  till  twelye  o'clock,  <(ras  occupied  by  the  converta  in  re- 
lating their  experience,  and  in  receiving  the  fellowship  of  the 
church.  After  an  intermission  of  forty  minutes,  I  gave  a  discourse 
on  1  Tim.  6:12:  "  Fight  the  good  fight  of  faith ;  lay  hold  on  eter- 
nal life,  whereunto  thou  art  also  called,  and  hast  professed  a  good 
profession  before  many  witnesses."  After  this,  the  converts  and 
brethren,  followed  by  tiie  asset  blv.  walked  half  a  mile  in  proces- 

'^*  Thia  Toans:  woman  died  a  very  triumphant  death  a  few  days  afterwards. 

t  Sabhath  morning,  just  before  the  commencement  of  public  worship,  Mr. 
S.  Beede,  to  whom  reference  has  been  made,  handed  Mr.  Marks  the  following : 

"  MoBNiNO  Thououts.  My  Lord  and  my  God,  nearly  one  year  has  pass- 
<cd,  sihoe  I  vowed  unto  thee  to  go  forward  in  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  when- 
■ever  I  should  meet  one  of  thy  servants,  who  had  been  instrumental  in  my  con- 
version, and  could  have  the  opportunity  of  saying  to  him,  as  the  eunuch  said 
to  iniilip,  '  See  here  is  water ;  what  doth  hinder  me  to  be  baptized  V  That 
opportunity  it  now  presented  for  the  first  time,  and,  O  Lord,  how  am  I  strait- 
ened. If  I  presume  to  go  forward,  it  must  be  without  much  impress)'^'  of 
duty,  as  I  have  ever  been  obliged  to  go  in  thy  cause.  I  am  away  from  nv.ne 
and  the  enemy  may  take  advantage,  saying,  it  was  done  in  secret,  or  in  a  cor- 
ner. Besides,  it  would  cruelly  grieve  my  tender  parents  and  friends ;  but,  what 
is  mere  than  all  the  rest,  my  own  unworthiness  causes  me  to  shrink  and  shud- 
der at  the  thought  of  attempting  the  solemn  act.  Yet  one  of  two  things  must 
be ;  either  I  must  say  to  brother  David,  under  all  these  embarrassments,  as 
did  the  eunuch  to  Philip,  or  I  must  violate  the  vow  that  I  have  made.  I  am 
straitened,  I  am  distressed.  Dear  Lord,  show  me  before  the  baptismal  hour 
how  I  shall  act  most  to  thy  glory,  and  thy  servant  shall  acquiesce  with  a  cheer- 
ful and  willing  mind.  S.  Bebds. 

Third  Sabbath  in  June,  1831." 
'^  Mr.  Beede  finally  decided  to  delay  his  baptiBm  tiU  he  had  another  interview 
witih'liis  Quaker  fnends.— Bn.      _ivi*»u;.  >?«  '•-t ,  ^  fswi^uiwiis?'*,-,*-^  ;'^#s ;  saj^ -•p:?;:*  _ 


^iaUuiUiASAAit.'4  i^J.  ^J^idL 


DAVID  MABKS. 


.ne 

a  cor- 

what 

sliad- 

miiBt 

its,  as 

lom 

hoar 

leer- 


sion,  singing  a  baptismal  hymn.  Then  I  had  the  privilege  oi  bap- 
tizing twenty-four,  of  whom  thirteen  were  chiefly  young  men,  and 
eleven  young  women;  The  greater  part  came  out  of  the  water 
praising  the  Lord.  The  scene  was  solemn  and  impressive,  and  many 
of  the  spectators  wept.  Twenty-one  of  these  had  been  converted 
within  the  week  past.  AAer  baptism  the  candidates  joined  hands, 
and  in  presence  of  the  assembly,  received  the  Bible  for  their  law. 
I  then  gave  them  the  right  hand  of  fellowship :  all  kneeled  on  the 
bank,  and  we  returned  thanks  to  Gknl.  After  a  recess  of  an  hour, 
we  assembled  again ;  and  many  weighty  testimonies  were  given  by 
the  converts  and  others.  Those  that  had  been  baptized  were  great- 
ly strengthened,  and  very  happy ;  others  wept  for  having  neglected 
this  duty,  and  said  they  would  be.  baptized  the  first  opportunity. 
Several  heavy  laden  sinners  spoke  with  accents  of  melting  anguish, 
and  pleaded  for  our  prayers.  Though  the  house  was  nearly  filled 
with  people,  yet  there  were  few  that  did  not  appear  to  feel  the  sol- 
emn presence  of  Grod.  A  little  before  the  house  was  lighted,  I  was 
much  a£Eected  at  the  appearance  of  the  assembly.  Nearly  all,  ex- 
cept those  who  yrere  on  their  knees,  sat  leaning  over  the  railing  of 
the  pews  and  wept  profusely.  About  sixty  inquirers  kneeled  in  the 
forward  pews,  while  many  prayers  were  made  for  them ;  and,  in- 
deed, nearly  all  prayed  earnestly  for  themselves  till  seven  were 
hopefiiUy  converted.  About  ten  o'clock  the  meeting  closed,  and 
thirty-three  of  the  anxious  covenanted  to  kneel  and  pray  three 
times  a  day  for  four  weeks. 

But  one  week,  had  elapsed  since  the  revival  commenced ;  and  it 
had  progressed  with  far  more  power  and  rapidity,  than  qny  I  had 
ever  before  witnessed.  O  how  wonderful  and  glorious  wer  the 
manifestations  of  the  grace  of  God !  The  work  was  lile  a  mi^^hty 
wind,  before  which  every  thing  gives  way  and  falls  to  the  earth.  ♦  I 
understood  that  soon  after  the  commencement  of  the  revival,  those 
who  passed  out  of  town,  almost  constantly  met  people  that  were  go- 
ing to  Lisbon  to  nee  the  marvelous  work  of  God.  .Many  a  rebell- 
ious sinner,  on  entering  the  meeting,  was  immediately  brought  to 
tremble  under  the  power  of  God.  Indeed,  it  seemed  tlmt  few  re- 
turned without  conviction ;  and  there  was  less  oppositiop  than  in  any 
other  revival  I  ever  saw.  In  nearly  every  case  that  any  one  at- 
tempted to  oppose,  scarcely  an  hour  passed  before  he  was  seen  on 
his  knees.  Every  class  shared  in  the  work,  and  the  people  did  lit- 
tle else  but  go  to  meeting,  read,  pray,  and  attend  to  the  great  inter- 
ests of  their  souls.  Several  were  awakened  by  hearing  the  experi- 
ence of  the  converts  ;  and  others,  before  they  came  to  meeting,  by 
hearing  of  the  revival,  and  about  fidy  souls  had  already  obtained  a 
hope  i/.i  Christ  Monday,  June  20,  duty  called  me  to  leave  the 
town.    The  converts,  the  brethren,  and  the  people,  seemed  dear  to 


269 


MBMOIKft  or 


as  life.    On  thd  day  before,  they  gave  me  ft  collection  of  about 
seventeen  dollars,  and  we  had  bid  them  farewell. 

In  the  latter  part  of  July  we  understood  that  in  one  month  from 
the  time  the  work  ccHUmenced,  one  Hundred  tmd  fifty  had  been  emv 
verted ;  and,  including  a  few  that  were  received  as  candidates,  and 
Were  watting  baptism  the  next  Sabbath,  one  hundred  had  been  bap- 
tised and  added  to  the  church  in  liii^&on.  AIM)  that  the  good  wwk 
had  spread  into  Frano^ia  and  Landaf,  and  was  stUl  progressing 
wonderfully.  By  the  reports  presented  at  the  Sandwieh  quarterly 
meeting)  in  the  month  <^  August,  it  appeared  that  one  huiMlred 
and  fifty  had  been  called  to  the  Lisbon  church  since  the  yearly 
toeeting }  and  a  eetisiderable  number  to  one  or  two  churches  in  the 
ad|)aoent  towns.  We  likewise  understood  that  two  hundred  had 
been  converted)  aud  tiiat  the  gkHTious  woick  eontinned  with  great 
power. 

Between  the  80th  of  June  and  July  ls<«  t  preached  in  Spring- 
'Md,  Wendell,  Newport;  Fishen^eld,  Blraufoid,  Deering,  Weare, 
fiopkinton,  Sanbmmtan,  Gilmaatoa  and  Sandwich.  In  some  of 
these  meetkigs  I  felt  "  Uie  burden  of  the  word  of  the  Lord/*  and 
deep  impresMons  ap|)eared  to  be  made  on  the  assemUies.  I  1m^ 
to  oaeet  some  good  tiruits  of  them  m  glory.  Ia  Suadwieh*  a  revival 
had  commenc^  whiich  has  since  spread  gloriously. 

From  July  1  to  the  20th  of  September,  I  spent  in  the  southwest- 
em  part  of  Maine,  and  attended  eighty  meetings.  Sometimes  1 1»- 
bored  under  trials,  and  felt  that  "  bonds  and  afflietions  awaited  me;," 
but  generally,  through  the  grace  of  God,  my  peace  was  like  the 
eottstant  flow  of  a  gentle  river.  Frequently  I  felt  the  Spirit  of  tiie 
Lord  impressing  me  to  preach  against  all  the  evils  that  affect  the 
peace  of  Zion ;  and  stunetimes  my  soul  was  enabled  to  rtgoice  ex- 
jceedingly.  For  want  of  room,  however,  the  particulars  of  ctaly  two 
of  diese  meetings  are  given^ 

A  powerful  revival  followed  a  two  days'  meeting  I  attended  in 
Frybui^,  Sept  10  and  11,  at  which  much  ^  Uie  presence  of  God 
was  eiyoyed,  and  his  word  was  like  arrows  in  ^e  hearts  of  sin- 
nersi 

«  Sept  16,^1  preached  in  Limerick.  After  sermon,  my  friend, 
Samuel  Beede,  related  an  interesting  experience,  and  desired  to  be 
baptized,  lie  was  received  by  the  church  j  we  repaired  to  a  beau- 
tiful stream,  and  it  became  my  delightful  duty  to  baptize  himi  He 
eame  out  of  the  water  praising  the  Lord,  and  went  on  his  way  re- 
Jwdng.  Gloiy  to  God  for  the  blessings  of  this  day.  May  God 
Mreeef  ve  Hm  and  m/e^  mA  all  miniA  blameless,  to  the  coming  of  our 
Lwrd  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ    Amen. 

A  little  previous  to  Mr.  Beede's  bi4)tism,  he  wrote  to  Mr.  Marks 
a  brief  ^eteh  c^  Us  rdUgious  exercises  after  his  eonvecsion,  somie 


DAVID  MASKD. 


367 


He 

re- 

iGod 

'our 

rks 


^1 


J 


extracts  fro.a  which,  for  reasons  already  mentioned,  it  is  thoaght 
will  not  be  tieemed  foreign  to  this  work. 

Sandwich,  August,  1831. 
Dear  Brother, 

Directly  after  the  interview  I  had  with  you  after  the  General 
Conference  m  1828, 1  commenced,  as  you  advised  me,  striving  to 
know  and  walk  in  the  good  and  perfect  way,  carefully  studying  the 
Scriptures,  endeavoring  to  find  and  follow  the  precepts  and  exam- 
ple of  Jesus.  I  usually  read  a  portion  of  the  New  Testament  ey- 
ery  day,  as  it  came  in  course,  for  a  devotional  exercise,  meditation, 
and  instruction.  Soon  my  mind  was  led  to  add  still  another  meth- 
od of  studying  the  Bil|)le  doctrine ;  which  was,  with  the  help  of  the 
Concordance,  to  search  for  the  Scripture  testimony  on  particular 
subjects,  or  points  of  doctrine^  and  arrange  all  the  passages  relative 
to  those  points  in  such  a  manner  that  I  could  at  once  examine  all 
that  the  Scripture  says  on  the  subject  both  for  and  against ;  and 
then  I  applied  myself  with  careful  study  and  meditation,  and  with 
a  prayerful  heart  to  be  enlightened  into  an  understanding  of  the 
word,  as  the  Holy  Ghost  intended  it.  In  doing  this,  my  soul  has 
been  blessed  with  joy  unspeakable,  that  makes  me  willing  to  fore- 
go all  earthly  considerations,  that  I  may  gain  experimentally  a 
knowledge  of  God,  and  his  ways,  and  his  will  concerning  me.  In 
connection  with  the  above  exercises,  I  have  also  been  constrained 
to  practice  much  secret  devotion,  to  attend  meetings  very  constant^ 
ly,  and  converse  much  with  mourners  and  converts;  and  also 
to  endeavor  to  become  established  in  practical  holiness,  so  as  to- 
render  righteous  ways  as  natural  and  righteous  actions  as  habitu- 
al to  me  as  the  deeds  of  unrighteousness  formerly  were.  In  th& 
meantime,  I  have  not  neglected  to  cultivate  an  acquaintance  with 
the  Free-v^ill  Baptists,  who  have  been  nearer  to  me  than  any 

other  people,  or  even  my  near^^'-t  kindred  according  to  the  flesh. 

*         «        «        *        • 

As  to  public  speaking,  1  home  expected  and  do  expect  that  the 
Lord  will  give  me  soiuething  to  do.  There  is  no  exercise  of  the 
human  faculties  that  ever  so  delighted  me  from  a  child  to  this  day, 
as  that  of  preaching,  and  none  in  which  I  '3ver  thought  I  should 
be  so  \>s\\  /,  as  in  being  a  herald  for  Jesus,  a  proclaimer  of  the  ev- 
erlasting gospel.  But  If  i'^rly,  when  I  have  '*?  ^emplated  the  state 
of  my  health — ^my  lungs  subject  to  almost  p  -■  i.  iual  inflaTrmation 
through  very  small  degrees  of  exposure — and  my  nervous  system) 
so  broken  to  pieces,  as  for  a  great  part  of  the  vime  t;  oaralyze  all 
the  energies  of  moral,  mental,  and  bodily  action,  I  hi  e  concluded 
the  Lord  had  designed  me  to  act  in  some  other  sphere  of  usefulness 
to  his  creatures,  than  in  public  speaking.  Then  again,  when  I 
22* 


"mi 


tk 


H 


lltTe  tnediteie<i  on  lihe  proTisiona  of  thu  gkji iiot3i£  [ir^^olf  and  hmre 
seen  th«  fleplorable  state  of  perishing,  dmaen,  dV,i^^4/A-  siyingi-^ 
dffing! — with  a  rich  and  ample  fet)^?i.  8^<;rc<'\(l  at  thai  -  door,  and 
ui^ng  ackmittanoe — then  when  \  have  hi»I  t>  vie\v  of  t'^e  iiflnitfr— 
tlx  infinifdy  infinite — mercies  of  God  to  jne.  'u  hwhivi  i 'jxjv  on 
so  poor,  li^  Icked,  un^^one,  and  biasphcimous  a  f^roUui  tn  >r^,3el^— O 
wretch  thv^t  I  am !  have  I  exclaimed :  most  merciful  lord  God, 
shall  I  re&^>n  thus?  ^M:aU  I  deoMne  using  my  shattered  faculties 
in  Ihj  servient*-,  merely  :  o'^ause  their  better  days  and  more  tigor- 
ous exertion  have  been  spent  in  the  aei.ice  of  sa'in?  01  no. 
"  Here  am  1,  send  me,"  for  tf  cc^y  jios/crs  are  half  of  them  lost,  H  is 
no  reason  that  I  should  not  spend  t'ae  r<ist  m  t>;y  sen 'ict>,  in  warn- 
ing such  poor  wretches  as  I  cr ce  vat;,  atid-Mbv:<  Tor  the  mercy  of 
T^firtite  Love—^am  now.  Sottcetiuies  whee.  I  have  seen  the  lead- 
4?V".  of  the  f^apie,  who  ought  to  be  fathers  in  Zion,  dealing  oat  to 
'£ .;  ytturtg  ubepherds,  and  the  tender  lambs,  instead  of  the  bread  of 
Wi\pi'kon!  poison  i  poiton/ — and  shall  I  say  danmuble  heresies 
— whei  I  have  seen  these  these  things,  my  spirit  has  been  stirred 
within  me,  sleep  haSfdeparted  from  my  eyes ;  and  could  the  briny 
pillows  speak  ihey  would  bear  wiincsa  to  the  nightly  sorrows  of  my 
soul.  Then  I  have  queried,  can  I  never  content  myself  to  labor 
with  the  dumb  and  unfeeling  langua^ge  of  the  pen,  while  others  are 
engaged  in  the  open  field  ?  No-— my  heart  has  said,  rattier  let  me 
be  placed  ia  the  front  of  the  battle — In  view  of  the  enemy,  where  I 
can  come  in  open  contact,  and  openly  oppose  him  in  defence  of 
precious  sonls.  Sometimes  I  have  lodged  to  become  a  member  of 
the  Ft"ee*will  Baptist  denomination  and  labor  with  all  my  powers, 
and  wear  oat  my  life  in  defence  of  ihe  gospel.        *        •  ? 

Tour  brother  in  tribulation,  v 

'^'    '  Samuel  Besde.  l 


w 


i'h 


'I 

~i 

t 

i 


';'< 


<«*■?■/ 


I- 


-^•«-^ 


■m 


»ATI»  iUSKfl. 


.i^-W  "#.,YJfe: 


•nf' 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


.'"■■'".'*?;i«;H-:  „;'^,--"'??>^. ,  jiijw 


,  :i/': 


Partumktti  of  Mr.  Marhf  labors,  neknewy  ^.  tcgithtr  witk  •»- 
tntcts  from  hia  correspondence  from  <A«  oloee  of  hie  "  Nwr- 
naiv^  M  publieked'^  hirnedf  September^  1881,  to  October, 
1882. 

The  preceding  chapters  contain,  in  an  abridged  form,  the  nar- 
rativ«  of  Mr.  Marks'  labors,  as  published  by  himself  in  the  year 
1881.  For  a  few  months  afterwards,  he  generally  kept  a  regular 
journal ;  but  as  he  has  recorded  nothing  of  the  causes  which  direct- 
ed Ills  subsequent  course,  it  is  deemed  proper  to  state  them  briefly, 
before  resuming  the  thread  of  the  narrative ;  also  to  introduce  fre- 
quent explanatory  paragraphs,  together  with  extracts  from  his  cor- 
re»ondence,  in  connection  with  his  journfd. 

At  this  period,  Free-wiU  Baptists,  as  a  denomination,  had  engag- 
ed in  but  few  of  those  'benevolent  enterprises  which  distinguish  the 
operations  of  the  church  in  the  present  day,  and  which  have  so 
greatly  enlarged  the  sphere  of  her  usefulness.  The  Morning  Star, 
however,  (which  had  been  publbhed  since  1826  bv  a  company  of 
brethren  at  Limerick,  Me.  under  the  patronage  of  the  denomination 
and  devoted  to  its  interests,)  advocated  gospel  order,  temperance, 
misdmis,  Sabbath  schools,  education,  and  improvement  generally ; 
and  there  were  many  ministers  and  others  in  different  parts  of  the 
connexion  who  were  warm  friends  of  these  causes,  and  were  labor- 
ing for  their  promotion.  The  subject  of  these  Memoirs,  hitherto 
seems  to  have  had  his  mind  mostly  engrossed  with  one  idea— the 
immediate  conversion  of  souls ;  and  for  the  attainment  of  this  ob- 
ject, he  had  directed  his  whole  studies  ani  eneipes.  His  mind  had 
n»w  become  painfully  exercised  with  the  state  of  the  denomiaadon 
to  which  he  was  in  sentiment  and  in  heartmuch  attached.  His  ex- 
tensive travels  and  labors  had  given  him  an  opportunity  to  see  that 
something  must  be  done  efficiently  and  imme^ately,  or  the  denom- 
ination would  be  rent  asunder  by  many  schisms.  Inaction  in  the 
cause  of  missioni^  education,  support  of  the  ministry,  4cc.  had  open- 
ed the  way  for  the  introduction  of  many  evils,  disheartened  some  .of 
the  most  talented  and  intelligent  ministers,  had  prevented  the  union 
of -mnny  with  the  denomination,  who  had  been  converted  under  fhe 
lab(Mn9  of  its  futhful  preachers.  Indeed,  he  had  seen  a  great  share 
of  the  fri  ts  of  his  own  toils,  from  the  above  named  causes,  gather- 
ed into  ct^er  churches  of  dissimilar  sentiments.  False  ideas  on 
fundamental  points  of  fiiith  ware  also  exerting  an  it\flua)ce.  la  a 
few  aectioBSj  Unifirian  views  of  the  character  of  Christ  and  tfaedioc- 


mP  MBMOiss  or 

trine  of  tho  annihilation  of  the  wicked  had  obtained  place  in  the 
minds  of  some  through  the  preaching  of  Elias  Smith,  not  far  from 
the  time  of  the  rise  of  the  sect  called  Ohriitiatu.  Mr.  Smith  was 
refused  admission  into  the  Free-will  Baptist  denomination,  on  ao- 

>Dount  of  his  sentiments. 

Although  Mr.  Marks  was  deprived  of  early  literary  privileges, 
as  the  reader  of  the  preceding  pages  has  seen,  the  absence  of  edu- 
cational advantages  was,  in  his  case,  in  a  measuie,  compensated  by 
an  unusnal  activity  of  mind,  and  a  plodding  perseverance,  which 
would  not  yield  to  obstacles.  Still  he  was  ever  a  close  Biblical 
student,  and  to  this,  no  doubt,  with  the  Divine  blessing,  is  to  be  at- 
tributed his  great  success  in  winning  souls.  He  had  committed  to 
memory  the  writings  of  the  four  Evangelists,  Acts  and  Ronums, 
and  so  ready  and  retentive  was  his  memory,  that,  if  a  passage  was 
named  in  either  of  these  books,  he  could  in  a  moment  tell  the  chap- 
ter and  verse,  or  if  any  pt^rticular  chapter  or  verse  was  called  for, 
he  could  instantly  repeat  it.  He  had  also,  without  an  instructor, 
and  mostly  while  walking  or  riding,  become  well  acquainted  with 
several  English  branches,  and  had  acquired  sufficient  knowledge  of 
Greek  to  read  in  the  New  Testament  with  the  aid  of  a  lexicon. 
Highly  as  he  valued  knowledge,  and  diligent  as  he  was  in  its  ac- 
quisition, still  he  had  not  been  much  awake  to  the  importance  of  a 
'thoroughly  educated  ministry.  Engaged  constantly  in  preaching 
himself,  he  seldom  listened  to  a  sermon,  and  was  little  aware  to 
what  an  extent  study  was  neglected  among  Free-will  Baptist  min- 
isters. Grieved  by  the  little  spirituality  and  success  that  attended 
the  labors  of  most  of  those  he  hiad  known  who  had  pursued  the  usual 
course  of  study  in  our  Theological  schools,  he  had  imbibed  the  im- 
pression that  their  course  of  discipline  i»nd  a  tendency  to  destroy 
spirituality  instead  of  increasing  i^  and  tor  a  time  he  had  prejudice 

'  against  such  institutions. 

The  subject  of  missions  had  engaged  little  of  his  attention.    Not 

*  that  the  conversion  of  the  world  was  not  an  object  for  which  at  any 
time  he  would  have  laid  down  his  life,  but  the  slanders  of  the  ene- 

'  mies  of  missions  repeated  to  him  by  Christians,  produced  an  apa- 

'  thy  in  his  mind  on  this  subject.  Consequently  he  had  interested 
himself  little  in   reading  the    reports  of  missionary  operations. 

'J  The  temperance  cause  had  his  sympathies  from  its  commence- 

'  ment. 

^  After  his  mind  became  painfully  anxious  about  the  state  of  his 
beloved  people,  he  used  oftien  to  unbosom  his  feelings  to  his  friend, 
S.  Beede,  who,  instead  of  trying  to  console  him  with  a  hope  of  a 
better  state  of  things,  set  himself  to  present  existing  evils  in  a  litill 
stronger  light,  till  sometimes  Mr.  Marks'  o^rony  of  soul  was  almost 
overpowering.    But  his  was  a  spirit  that  jolM  not  sink  vx.d  f  dif- 


l>AyU»  KANKS. 


m 


Id, 

r  a 
ItiU 


Aonlties,  nor  give  up  in  despair.  He  set  himself  to  §tnAy  carefi^y 
the  cause  of  the  evils  and  their  remed  v.  Thus  was  his  mind  pre- 
pared to  examine,  with  careful  attention,  several  articles  that  ap* 
pearod  about  this  time  in  the  Morning  Star  on  the  establishment  of 
»  **  Book  Concern,'  the  first  of  which  was  wri  .ten  by  Mr,  William 
Burr.    These  mudi  interested  hin^  particularly  several  anonymous 

oommonioations,  signed  B- n.*     He  thought  he  saw  in  a  well 

regulated  Bo(^  Concern,  a  bond  that  would  tend  to  u&ite  the  de* 
nomination,  and  vould  aflRurd  an  antidote  to  many  evils.  This  sub- 
ject he  often  discussed  with  Mr.  Beede,  and  finally  they,  with  othr- 
ers,  matured  a  plan  which  they  thought  would  succeed,  provided 
they  could  gain  the  approbation  of  the  General  Conference,  whidi 
was  to  meet  in  a  few  days. 

The  following  is  a  continuatioii  d  Mr.  Marks'  journal,  in  m 
atandged  fiMrm,  from  the  closing  date  of  the  preceding  chapter.      i» 

"  September  17  and  18,  I  attended  the  Maine  Western  yearly 
meeting  in  Buxton.  Fifteen  ordi^ed  ministers  were  present  and 
several  hundred  people  m<H^  than  could  be  convened  in  the  meet^ 
ing  house.  I  preached  twice  daring  the  session.  My  mind  wae 
made  very  solemn  by  the  news  that  the  Indian  cholera,  the  over- 
flowing scourge  thai  had  swept  through  the  old  world,  kusd  entered 
New  Brunswick.  I  endeavored  in  my  Dreaching  to  improve  these 
tidings  to  the  goo«1.  of  souls.  The  asseniMy  seemed  much  affieeted. 
I  next  went  to  Sandwich,  N.  H.  to  attend  "  '  '  ir  days'  meeting," 
which  by  request  I  had  iq[»pointed  three  moi  oefore.  I  preat^ 
ed  ia  Ossipee  by  the  way.  Several  came  forward  for  prayer,  and 
one  young  lady  pronnsed  to  seek  the  Lord  till  she  found  him.  8ev> 
eral  giinisters  attended  the  meeting  in  Sandwich,  some  of  whom 
preached  during  its  progeefm.  On  tiie  Sabbath,  twelve  or  fifteen 
hundred  peo(de  attendei,  and  great  solemnity  rested  on  the  assem- 
Uy.  A  nun]J[)er  came  forward  to  manifest  that  the^^sere  decided 
to  attend  to  the  salvation  of  their,  souls.  Sabb^JPrvening,  I 
preached  in  Ossipee,  and  found  the  young  lady  who  made  a  eov- 
&mnt  to  seek  the  Lord  indulging  a  joyful  hope.  Several  present- 
ed themselves  for  prayer,  and  a  little  i-t  "•  ibilowing  me  out  of  tlie 
house,  weepii^,  gave  me  his  hand  anu  baid,  <<  WUl  you  pray  for 
me?" 

The  fourth  session  of  Uie  General  Conference,  to  be  held  in 
Willon,  Me.  was  drawing  near.  Having  been  appointed  a  dele- 
gate by  the  Holltrnd  Purchase  yearly  meeting,  Monday,  Sept  26, 
I  commenced  journeying  in  that  direction,  accompanied  by  my 

*  These  articles  were  written  hy  S.  Beede  at  the  solidtation  of  Mr.  Bunr, 
hot  no  other  person  knew  the  author  till  the  hoar  Mr.  Beede  was  dyin|p.  Mr. 
Burr  then  revealed  it,  feeling  that  he  was  absolved  from  the  injpnction  of  sc* 
crecy  Mr.  Beede  laid  npon  him. 


263 


MBIiOIRB     OP 


companion,  having  appointments  by  the  way  previously  notified. 
D«iri>  /^  i  t>  <inven  days  ensuing,  I  held  meetings  in  Limerick,  Port- 
IfliUi,  -II  \  luk,  Topsham,  Gardiner,  and  seveml  other  towns.  In 
iVpA^Ai  I,  .  was  Ailed  witli  sorrow  and  weeping  for  perishing  sin- 
ners.  After  facing  for  about  fifty  miles  one  of  the  severest  storms 
of  rain  and  sleet  I  ever  knew,  I  e-rived  in  Wilton,  Oct.  12.  Col. 
Charles  Morse  had  made  provision  to  entertain  all  the  members  of 
the  Conference'  at  liis  own  expense,  and  had  furnished  a  large 
chamber  for  con^rn!  'tssions,  so  that  the  meeting  honse  might 

be  free  for  pubho  worship.'' 

The  business  of  the  Conference  was  conducted  with  much  har- 
mony. A  question  was  proposed  from  the  Holland  Purcha^^e  year- 
ly meeting,  inquiring,  "What  do  Free-will  Baptists  believe  to  be 
the  Scripture  doctrine  with  regard  to  the  character  and  offices  of 
Christ  ?"  H.  Hobbs,  S.  Beede,  and  D.  Marks  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  prepare  a  reply.  S.  Beede  drafted  a  very  able  arti- 
tle,  showing  that  Christ  was  "  God  manifest  in  the  flesh,"  thot  he 
was  "  the  true  God  and  eternal  life,"  which  perfectly  accorded  y,  ith 
the  views  of  the  other  members  of  the  committee.  The  report  was 
rdoeived  unanimously  by  the  Conference. 

The  subject  of  a  '*  Book  Concern"  was  presented  and  referred 
to  a  committee  of  three,  viz.  E.  Place,  F'  Marks,  and  fi.  '^^ede, 
who  made  the  following  report,  which  passed  tlie  Conference 

"  Agreed,  that  in  our  opinion,  the  establishment  of  a  Book  ^n- 
oern  on  a  scale  sufficiently  extensive  to  answer  the  demands  of  our 
connexion  for  books  is  desirable.  And  we  believe  that  such  an  "^t  - 
tablishment,  suitably  encouraged  and  supported,  would  contribute 
as  much  to  usefulness  in  our  churches,  and  aid  as  much  in  spread- 
ing Chris  Ian  knowledge  in  the  world,  as  any  other  single  course  of 
measures  that  we  can,  under  the  present  circumstances,  pursue. 
Iciut  as  w"  Ju|)w  <  *'  no  advisable  means,  whereby  we  can  at  present 
luiiniish  odflpi^es  vitb  funds  that  would  be  necessary  to  commence 
the  establishment  on  a  large  scale,  we  think  it  proper  to  appoint 
some  f^rother  a  Book  Agent,  to  officiate  and  act  for  us  till  the  next 
Gv,iieral  Conference  ;  and  thai  said  agent  publish  fbr  the  Confer- 
ence such  books  as  they  way  direct,  an-^'.  hold  himself  responsible  to 
the  Conference  for  hi^  doings ;  aitd  also  Vo  responsible  for  all  con- 
tracts made  by  Mm  ylative  to  publishing  books ;  and  that  he  be 
authorized  to  e  tl  >!  necessary  and  prudent  measures  for  selling 
such  books  n  >y  '  published ;  and  at  the  next  Conference  pre- 
seiit  a  full  rep'  rt  of  nis  doings,  and  the  circumstances  of  the  Book 
Concern  intrusted  to  his  charge."  See  Minutes  of  fifth  Greneral 
Conference,  page  8. 

f  Mr.  Marks  was  then  chosen  Book  Agent,  and  H.  Hobbs,  S. 
Beede,  and  Wm.  Burr,  a  "  Publishing  and  Advisory  Committee  on 


,w-i.jai*iv..^s:;.-i/.i-: 


'  "^^-^-^^'""■-■^^-  ..-K^^^r^    Sj'^\ 


DAVID  MARKB. 


268 


Ott- 
four 
in  '?{- 
ibuUs 
read- 
rseof 
iTsue. 
esent 
lence 
point 
next 
>nfer- 
leto 
con- 
e  be 
illing 
pre- 
IBook 
jneral 

|>8,   S. 

aeon 


the  Book  Concern  and  book  agency,  with  instructions  io  direct  the 
Book  Agent  to  publish  for  and  on  behalf  of  the  Conference,  such 
books  as  they  may  deem  it  suitable  and  expedient  to  be  so  publish- 
ed, and  to  aavise  with  him  relative  to  the  sales." 

The  following  reference  to  this  subject  was  made  in  the  circu- 
lar. 

**  Having  taken  the  subject  of  a  Book  doncern  into  consideration, 
we  are  of  the  opinion  that  an  establishment  of  this  kind  would  be 
very  useful  to  our  connexion.  And  as  no  ready  means  appeared 
whereby  we  might  obtain  funds  to  commence  on  a  very  extensive 
scale,  we  have  thought  proper  to  appoint  a  Publishing  Committee, 
to  select  and  direct  the  publication  of  such  books  as  they  may  think 
suitable  and  necessary.  We  have  also  appointed  a  Book  Agent  to 
publish  for  the  Conference  such  books  as  the  Publishing  Cmnmit- 
tee  tail  direct,  and,  with  the  advice  of  the  Committee,  to  sell  them, 
and  account  to  the  Conference  for  all  the  profits  that  may  arise 
from  the  sales. 

Afler  consulting  men  who  are  experienced  in  book  business,  we 
have' thought  that  a  Book  Concern,  begun  in  this  small  way,  and 
extended  as  the  profits  arising  from  sales  should  furnish  means, 
might  be  as  likely  to  succeed,  and  eventually  arise  to  its  desired 
usefulness,  as  it  would  be,  if  we  should  depend  on  obtaining  dona- 
tions from  our  brethren  for  its  first  establishment.  We  can  but 
hope,  therefore,  that  our  brethren  will  use  their  influence  to  en- , 
courage  and  support  our  first  humble  attempts  at  a  Book  Concern." 
See  Minutes,  page  11. 

Mr.  Marks  entered  immediately  upon  the  duties  of  his  new  of- 
fice, but  did  not  in  the  meantime  intermit  in  the  least  his  labors  in 
preaching  and  visiting  the  churches,  as  his  journal  will  show ;  on 
the  contrary,  he  diligently  improved  these  opportunities  in  creating 
an  interest  in  the  important  enterprise  in  which  he  had  just  engag- 
ed. He  opened  an  extensive  correspondence  with  leading  indi- 
viduals in  every  part  of  the  denomination,  and  sought  out  channels 
whereby  every  church  might  be  supplied  with  the  productions  is- 
suing from  the  Book  Concern.  To  this  end  he  appointed  assistant 
agents  in  every  section,  to  whom  books  might  be  sent.  A  few  small 
works  were  immediately  issued.  As  no  one  hymn  book  had  ob- 
tained genei-al  use  in  the  denomination,  there  seemed  a  loud  call 
for  one  embodying  such  sentiments  as  were  congenial  with  its  views, 
and  worthy  of  general  patronage.  Accordingly,  it  was  decided  by 
the  Publishing  Committee  and  Agent,  that  such  a  book  should  be 
prepared,  and  the  work  of  preparation  was  assigned  to  S.  Beede. 
As  its  publication  could  not  be  effected  on  credit,  and  was  going  to 
involve  considerable  expense,  a  prospectus  was  issued  for  obtain- 
ing Bubacribers. 


MBMOIBt   or 


It  may  be  immer  to  state  that  Mr.  Marks  bad  bad  loaa  etpe- 
rienee  in  publiBhing  books.  The  oontrlbutions  of  fHends  fallnig 
far  sbort  of  meeting  his  travelling  expenses,  and  being  compelled  to 
do  something  to  supply  this  deficiency,  he  resorted  to  the  pubUoa> 
tioa  of  religions  books,  as  this  business,  besides  furnishing  him  with 
means  for  travelling,  aided  him  in  the  great  work  of  spreading  re> 
Uffious  knowledge.  The  principal  works  he  had  published,  were* 
Life  of  John  Colby,  Buaaell's  hymn  book,  and  a  Conference 
Meeting  hymtn  book,  compiled  by  himself.  They  were  printed  in 
Rochester,  N.  Y.  Seventeen  thousand  copies  of  his  Conferenee 
Meeting  hymn  book  were  sold. 

The  following  are  extracts  from  his  journal  ooatinued  from  the 
time  of  the  Conferenee. 

**  Meetings  of  worship  had  been  held  thraogh  the  sessions  of 
the  Conference,  which  continued  till  Saturday  noon,  Septendber  16. 
I  fmaehed  m  the  afternoon  with  considerable  freedom,  and  in  the 
evening,  spoke  again  at  a  village  a  few  miles  distant.  On  the  Sab- 
bath, Mch  crowds  assembled  from  difTerent  towns  that  they  were 
eUiged  to  convene  in  two  places.  It  fell  to  my  tot  to  preadfa  al 
one  in  the  forenoon  and  at  the  other  in  tlie  afWnioon.  It  pleased 
the  Lord  to  give  me  more  thativsual  liberty,  and  tiie  assemblies 
were  much  impressed.  Scores  of  souls  had  been  recently  eon  veited 
in  Wilton,  eo  that  there  was  not  that  opportmNty  Ibr  the  epread  <tf 
.a  revival  tAiat  there  had  been.  Still  signs  of  good  were  tnanifait, 
and  anxkxis  inquirers  presented  themselves  for  prayer.  Monday, 
after  preaching  again,  I  left  Wilton  to  attend  the  flrst  session  «f 
the  Wolf  borough  quarterly  meeUng  to  meet  Oct.  23,  at  Oasipee, 
K.  H.  and  held  meetings  by  the  way  in  Windham,  Buxton,  and 
Limerick.  Satorday  evening,  I  gave  a  discourse  at  the  quartoriy 
aseeting,  and  named  various  things  w&ich  my  views  of  duty  com- 
pelled me  to  preach  i^ainst.  Among  tliese  was  Free  Masonry. 
After  meeting  Dr.  C.  asked  me,  if  I  knew  anything  about  Free 
MasoKry.  I  told  him  I  did.  He  asked,  «  How  T  I  said, «  By  «he 
testimony  of  many  thousands  of  seceding  Masons."  He  replied, 
**  Yott  know  nothing  lAout  it"  I  asked  him  if  he  knew  there  was 
swdi  a  city  as  New  York.  He  answered,  **  They  say  there  is.'* 
"  But,"  I  inquired,  "  do  you  know  there  is  ?*  **  No,**  was  tis  «- 
ply.  Then  I  said ;  "  If  I  know  nothing  about  Masonry,  people  'do 
■ot  Isnow  anything  except  what  they  have  seen  with  their  eyes, 
and  none  but  such  as  have  been  to  New  York,  London,  or  Paris, 
know  thflrt  there  are  such  cities.  What  an  ignorant  world  this 
moflt  be,  if  knowledge  has  the  limits  which  the  'Masonic  fraten^ 
wotM  fain  make  many  believe.  Sir,  did  yon  ever  see  amian  stesd  ? 
Bhonld  you  hear  me  preach  against  theft,  adultery  ^>r  murder, 
would  you  admonish  me  and  say,  "  Preach  against  these  tbiqgs 


DAVID  MABK8. 


265 


Uliog 
led  10 
blioft- 
iwith 
rtgre- 
wefe, 

ite4in 

am  the 

iioiwof 

fcerl6. 

InitiM 

heSMb- 

y  w«re 

readfaat 

pleased 

MOfblies 

mreiied 

pread<t( 

nanifai^ 

MondHjr, 

sesien  «f 

[ton,  and 
juarterty 
ity  com- 
"aaonry. 
fat  Free 
«<ByOhe 
replwd, 
[.here  was 
^liere  W 
Wb  «e- 
tpte'do 
leir  eyes, 
or  iParis, 
loi^ld  thie 
[firaten^ 
lan  flteid? 
fDurder, 


Sou  knowf  He  asked,  ''What  has  the  gospel  to  do  with  Free 
lasonry  ?"  1  answered,  "  It  has  nothing  to  do  with  it,  neither  with 
other  abominations,  except  tliat  it  is  revealed  against  all  unriffhte- 
ousness  of  men,  therefore  I  preach  against  Free  Masonry  as  I  do 
against  other  sins."  He  replied,  "  Preaching  against  Free  Mason- 
ry is  preaching  up  for  Clay,  and  you  had  better  be  preaching  the 
gospel." 

After  holding  meetings  in  Ossipee  and  Wakefield,  October  27, 1 
went  to  the  village  of  Great  Falls,  where  I  had  an  appointment, 
but  found  it  had  not  been  notified.  I  was  informed  that  as  there 
was  a  great  excitement  among  the  Masons,  on  account  of  my 
preaching  against  Free  Masonry  in  this  place  the  spring  previous, 
the  minister,  who  was  a  Mason  and  the  male  members  of  the  Free- 
will Baptist  church,  though',  it  not  expedient  for  me  to  preach 
with  them.  This  was  said  to  be  the  Jir$t  instance  in  which  a  Free- 
will Baptist  church  had  closed  its  doors  against  a  minister  of  the 
gospel,  though  the  denomination  had  been  in  existence  about  fif- 
ty years." 

Shortly  after  this,  Mr.  Marks  received  a  ve^  excellent  letter 
from  his  friend  Beede  in  reference  to  this  affair,  designed  to 
strengthen  him  in  his  warfare  with  iniquity  in  high  places,  from 
which  the  following  is  an  extr^L 

''  I  was  pleased  with  hearinpR'  your  welfare  and  prosperity  in 
the  truth ;  and  not  in  any  smi^  degree  was  I  ityoiced  ii.  the  intel- 
li^nce  of  your  tuccett  at  the  Great  Falls — ^not  by  aL'^  >  ^  that  I 
rejoice  in  iniquity,  but  knowing  that  the  whole  wor^ '  '"iu<  ked- 

ness,  I  am  consoled  with  the  thought  that  some 
vants  are  yet  willing  to  hold  up  the  standard 
and  proclaim  the  unmixed  gospel  of  Jesus  to 
Christ  said  of  the  wicked,  they  have  hated  me, 
you.  Whatever  minister  of  Jesus  will  dare  righ 
word  of  truth,  and  preach  Bible  doctrine,  as  did  the  prophets, 
Christ,  and  his  apostles,  will  surely  meet  with  opposition  from  un- 
Christlike  professors,  and  from  those  who  love  darkness  rather 
than  light,  because  their  deeds  are  evil.  This  is  a  necessary  con- 
sequence ;  for  God  and  satan  are  at  enmity,  and  so  must  their  chil- 
dren be.  There  can  be  no  greater  delusion  than  to  suppose  that 
Christians  can  earnestly  contend  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the 
saints,  and  at  the  same  time  preserve  peace  and  friendship  with 
the  devil  and  his  children.  Such  preachers  as  un-Christlike  pro- 
fessors applaud,  and  lovers  of  pleasure  admire,  such  as  satan  is  at 
peace  with,  such  as  his  servants  have  not  open  hostility  with,  have 
mil  reason  to  suspect  that  they  possess  more  the  nature  of  the  min- 
isters of  satan  in  disguise  than  of  the  true  ministers  of  Jesus.  My 
dear  brother  David,  for  more  than  three  years  my  humble  prayer 
28 


.   ih-'V.'-'i' 
.'    ri  :ate  v. 

..    .0  Uivide 


ser- 

"8 

ate 
the 


jgp0  .    wMoma  OF 

to  the  Lord  has  been  tbAt  be  m&j  enable  you  to  understand,  to 

^practice,  and  to  preach  the  pure  gospel  of  Christ;  and  that  his 

:  temper,  his  maimer,  and  his  example  may  be  your  undivided  pat- 

4  teni  of  life  and  conduct  in  all  cases,  times,  aiui  occasions.    This 

being  the  case,  the  world  cannot  be  at  peace  with  you ;  for  it  could 

not  with  Jesus,  and  never  can  it  be  any  more  at  peace  widi  his 

followers  than  with  bim.    I^  you  follow  the  Savior,  wicked  men 

and  devils  wiU  hate  yon  still  more— the  division  between  you  and 

them  will  be  still  wider,  and  the  opposition  and  persecution  you 

will  experience  from  them  will  be  n:ore  severe  than  you  have  yet 

\  received.    May  God  give  you  wisdom,  and  strengthen  and  establish 

you  in  every  ^od  woric.       ♦        ♦        *        •        ♦        •.^^ 

Farewell.  i^  Hiiy- 

Tour  unworthy  brother  in  tribulation,   c^^^Sh^ 

Samubl  Bbbdb.*? 


•:*.<..'  '■*'<1 


i:^^-i*w"?&«    *:'\.  -S^,^^-^);  W 


Mir.  Marks,  in  his  public  labors,  neither  courted  controversy  nor 
opposition.  He  greatly  loved  the  good  opinion  of  his  brethren, 
but  he  loved  the  interests  of  Christ's  kingdom  far  better,  and  when 
he  thought  thes^  demanded  his  testimony,  he  knew  nothing  of  that 
cautious  prudence  that  dreads  saying  aught,  lest  he  should  be  ex- 
posed to  censure.  In  such  cases,  he  was  always  courageous  and 
lion-hearted ;  at  the  same  time  iimre  were  often  blended  a  gentle 
tenderness  nnd  affectionate  man^r  that  rendered  his  severe  and 
pointed  rebukes  of  sin  very  effective. 

Journal,  **  After  preaching  in  Dover,  I  attended  a  "  three  days' 
meeting"  at  Strafford,  in  Elder  Place's  congregation,  commencing 
Friday,  October  29.  It  was  a  season  of  great  power.  More  than 
forty  came  forward  for  prayer,  and  some  were  converted.  Among 
these  was  a  son  of  Elder  John  Buzzell ;  he  was  very  happy.  On 
the  Sabbath,  the  congregation  consisted  of  about  eight  hundred  and 
fifty  persons :  of  these  seven  hundred  and  fifty  arose  to  manifest 
that  they  were  professors  of  religion.  Oct.  31,  Leaving  Strafibrd, 
I  met  appointments  daily  for  four  days.  In  this  time,  I  had  a 
very  pleasant  interview  with  my  friend  D.  P.  Cilley,  in  Notting- 
ham. I  believe  the  Lord  is  calling  him  into  his  vineyard,  though 
.,  is  hardlT  willing  to  acknowledge  iU  I  had  a  close  and  faithful 
atXk  with  him. 

Friday,  Nov.  4, 1831,  This  day  closes  the  twenty-sixth  yeai* 
of  my  life.  O  how  many  favors  has  the  Lord  shown  his  poor  ser- 
vant] I  spent  this  day  and  the  following  at  Raymond,  at  a  "  three 
-days'  meeting."  A  brother  was  ordaine^  and  it  fell  to  my  lot  to 
preach  on  the  occasion.  My  subject  was  the  duty  of  a  bishop. 
Sabbath  I  preached  twice  in  Dover,  and  in  the  evenmg  at  the 
Great  Falls.    The  meeting  Wii^-.  being  still  closed,  the  meeting 


f"- 


DATID  HABKS. 


267 


ee  days' 

encing 

than 

Among 

y.    On 

red  and 

anifest 

raSbrd, 

had  a 

otting- 

thouMi 

faithful 

[h  year 
X  ser- 
■  three 
lot  to 

[bishop. 

the 

leeting 


was  held  in  a  large  brick  itohool  hoase,  which  was  filled  to  over- 
flowing and  many  went  away  becaose  they  ootild  not  get  a  place 
to  stand  withm.  I  spoke  on  the  cross  of  Christ  with  miKh  free- 
dom. Althofigh  some  appeared  contentious  and  nneasy  at  firsty 
soon  they  paid  good  attention.  I  understood,  afterwards,  that  a 
mob  was  at  the  meeting  in  readiness  and  determined  to  attack  me, 
provided  I  said  anything  against  Free  Masonry.  It  so  happened 
that  my  mind  was  not  led  at  all  to  that  subject. 

Monday,  Nov.  7.  Betting  out  on  a  line  of  appointments  to  Rhode 
Island,  I  met  congregations  in  New  Market  and  Exeter.  In  the 
latter  place,  on  a  beautiful  green,  the  great  and  good  Whitefield 
preached  his  last  sermon  the  day  before  his  death.  To  me  it  seem* 
ed  a  consecrated  spot.  The  next  day  I  preached  in  Danville  and 
Haverhill,  Wednesday  evening  in  the  Methodist  chi^pel  in  Lowell, 
the  next  evening  in  the  Meth^st  chapel  in  Boston,  and  the  day 
following  in  Behoboth  and  Attleboroughy  Mass.  During  the  ensu^ 
ing  eight  days,  I  preached  twelve  sermons  amocig  the  Rhode  Is* . 
land  churches,  and  often  felt  the  power  of  God.  Two  churches,  one 
in  Providence,  the  other  in  North  Providence,  which  had  formerly* 
received  me  very  kindly,  closed  their  doors  against  me  on  account 
of  my  opposition  to  Free  Masonry.  These  churches  had  Free^ 
will  Baptist  ministers  fbr  pastorsybut  did  not  bekmg  to  any  denom- 
ination. I  went  out  into  Uie  street  before  the  houses  of  tibie  mfads- 
ters  by  whose  consent  the  doors  o#  these  churches  had  been  closed, 
and  according  to  the  Scripture  direction,  w]ped  off  the  dust  of  my 
feet  for  a  testimony  against  them.  Having  done  this,  I  left  those 
places  enjoying  great  peace. 

Monday,  Nov.  21,  we  rode  throng  the  length  of  the  island  of  B. 
Island,  a  distance  of  12  miles,  and  were  delighted  with  the  beautiibl 
order  of  the  roads,  farms,  fences,  <&c.  About  two  hundred  years  ^  ^ 
passed  since  this  island  was  first  se^^tled,  and  the  general  appear^ 
ance  of   the  farms  surpassed  any  I  had  before  seen.      In  the 
evening,  I  preached  to  a  large  atd  attentive  assembly  in  Newport,  ^ 
and  the  next  day  left  the  island  in  a  sail  boat.    There  being  Sk- 
heavy  gale,  the  sea  was  very  rough,  and  the  crossing  dangerous. 
In  the  evening,  I  met  an  assembly  in  Pawtucket,  and  the  next  even- 
ing heard  a  very  Interesting  sermon  in  Park  street  church  in  Bos- 
ton, from  the  celebrated  revivaJist,  Mr.  C.  Gr.  Finney,  a  Presbyte- 
rian  minister  from  New  York.    His  text  was,  **1  knew  thet  that^ 
thou  wast  a  hard  man,  reaping  where  thou  hast  not  sown,  and  gath- 
ering where  thou  hast  not  strewed.'*    He  preached  a  free  salvation,  , 
and  the  freedom  of  the  human  will  as  strongly  as  any  Free-will  . 
Baptist  I  ever  heard.    Blessed  be  God,  the  popular  orders  are  ^ 
coming  to  our  aid.  ^  _  :,  :.      *^^#^;" 


■  V 


^t.;  tj 


\ 


UBMOiBS  or . 

Passing  through  Newbury  port  and  Pr  mcM'ii,  I  attended  three 
days  at  a  protracted  meeting  in  Kitten  %  (a.  in  accordance  with  a 
previous  engagement,  and  preached  six  .urmoDs.  The  Lord  bless- 
ed the  meeting,  and  made  it  a  precious  season.  Between  twenty 
and  thirty  anxious  souls  came  forward  for  prayer,  and  several  pro- 
fessed to  find  peace  in  believing.  Tuesday,  Nov.  29, 1  attended  r. 
meeting  at  Great  Falls.  The  Free-will  Baptist  meeting  hous'3 
was  still  closed  against  me,  unless  I  would  promise  that  I  woti^.d 
not  preach  against  Masonry,  or  any  thing  else  that  would  "  disturb 
the  harmony  of  society."  So  I  preached  again  in  the  bchool  house 
to  a  crowded  assembly  with  great  freedom.  The  season  was  very 
impressive.  I  understood  a  great  part  of  the  Free-will  Baptist 
church  was  present,  and  that  they  were  mo'-h  tried  because  the 
house  of  worship  was  not  opened.  Many,  v  oeping,  gave  me  their' 
hands.  The  day  following,  I  went  to  Bochester,  where  I  under- 
stood the  Methodist  house  was  closed  on  account  of  my  testimony 
jigainst  Free  Masonry.  The  court  house,  however,  was  opened, 
and  the  people  heard  the  word  attentiively.  A  revival  was  pro- 
gressing. During  the  remainder  of  the  week,  I  met  five  appoint- 
ments in  Lebanon,  Farmington,  Alton  Bay,  and  Meredith.  In 
these  meetings  several  were  awakened.  Passing  through  New 
Durham,  we  saw  an  old  meeting  house,  which  we  were  informed 
was  the  first  ever  under  the  control  of  Free-will  Baptists.  It  was 
built  originally  for  the  Gongregationalists,  but  as  nearly  all  the  peo- 
ple became  Free-will  BM)tists,  it  fell  to  them. 

December  4,  we  rode  len  miles  in  a  tedious  snow  storm  to  Hol- 
demess,  where  I  preached  three  sermons.  The  next  day,  I  was 
suddenly  seized  with  an  ague  fit,  and  was  iznmediately  confined  to 
the  bed.  I  had  from  one  to  two  appointments  each  day  for  many 
weeks  to  come,  but  there  was  no  alternative.  I  was  obliged  to 
yield  to  sickness,  and  was  confined  to  my  bed  for  six  days  with  a 
severe  influenza,  and  endured  much  physical  suffering.  My  com- 
panion was  also  sick  with  the  same  disease.  The  brethren  in  Hol- 
demess  were  very  kind,  and  did  many  things  for  us  gladly.  "When 
Sabbath,  Dec.  11,  came,  my  soul  was  so  full  that  it  seemed  as  if  I 
could  not  be  denied  the  privilege  of  preaching.  Accordingly,  a 
meeting  was  notified  at  the  house ;  but  after  I  had  spoken  about 
fifteen  minutes,  my  strength  so  failed  that  I  was  glad  to  take  the 
bed.  Reluctant  to  disappoint  any  congregation  that  I  could  meet, 
we  left  Holdemess  in  a  covered  sleigh  the  Tuesday  following, 
contrary  to  the  remonstrances  of  kind  friends,  and  were  enabled, 
without  apparent  injury,  to  reach  my  appointment  the  ensuing  Sab- 
bath in  HoUis,  near  Portland,  Me.  I  had  been  obliged  to  disap- 
point thirteen  assemblies.  The  next  evening  I  commenced  preach- 
ing to  a  congregation  in  Waterborough ;  but  after  speaking  a  few 


DATIS  VAAKS. 


n^ 


minutes  vras  so  feeble  tliat  I  was  obliged  to  leare  tfa6  meeting  and 
take  the  bed.  The  day  following,  however,  I  met  with  the  Pub- 
lishing Committee  in  Limerick,  and  duririg  the  week,  attended  four 
appointments.  My  fl^iends  in  Limerick  and  vicinity  received  me 
with  unusual  joy,  having  heard  that  I  was  dead.  An  individual 
circulated  the  report,  saying  that  h«  assisted  in  preparing  my  body 
for  the  coffin,  and  Elder  Place  preached  my  funeral  sermon.  The 
Masons,  I  understood,  received  the  news  with  great  joy.  But, 
thank  God,  I  live,  and  through  grace  I  hope  to  injure  the  kingdom 
of  darkness  still  more.  *^' 

Sabbath,  Dec  18, 1  attended  a  very  interesting  church  confer- 
ence in  Parsonsfield.  Elder  John  Buzzell  stated  that  he  had  been 
in  the  town  more  than  thirty  years,  and  in  the  time  had  witnessed 
in  it  eleven  revivals— that  several  churches  (I  think  seven)  had 
been  set  off  from  this,  and  still  their  number  was  two  hundred  and 
fifty-seven,  every  one  of  whom  was  in  good  standing  in  the  church. 
My  appointments  now  called  me  toward  Lisbon,  in  the  north  part 
of  New  Hampshire,  where  I  had  allotted  to  myself  the  first  week 
in  January  for  rest.  The  rumor  of  my  death  preceded  me,  and  in 
some  places  people  seemed  almost  frightened,  and  gazed  upon  me 
as  though  they  were  actually  looking  upon  one  that  had  arisen 
from  the  dead.  Large  congregations,  however,  generally  conven- 
ed, and  in  one  instance  friends  came  the  distance  of  twenty  miles 
to  ascertain  whether  I  was  still  living.  The  travelling  was  exces- 
sively tedious,  as  a  very  deep  snow  had  fallen,  ^d  the  roads  were 
little  broken,  yet  we  were  enabled  to  reach  Lisbon  in  safety. 

Sabbath  Jan.  1,  1832.  Thanks  be  to  God  for  the  preservation 
of  our  lives  nrough  anof  her  year.  How  quich'/  has  it  passed  I 
O,  what  have  I  done  for  Grod !  Of  how  little  use  have  been  my 
feeble  efforts,  compared  to  what  ibey  might  have  beei>  had  I  loved 
Grod  with  all  my  liaart,  and  used  "  all  dUtffence."  Now  another 
year  has  begun.  How  shall  I  spend  it,  should  it  please  my  Heav- 
enly Father  to  spare  my  life  ?  Lord,  Ixelp  me  to  devote  every  mo- 
ment to  thee,  and  with  an  undivided  heart  submit  myself  entirely, 
soul,  body,  and  spirit,  to  thy  most  holy  work.  Do  thou,  Omy 
blessed  Master,  teach  me  and  help  me  to  win  souls  to  thee  and 
thee  only,  Amen.  The  meeting  house  in  Lisbon  was  this  day 
crowded  to  overflowing,  and  the  Lord  gave  me  a  message  to  the 
people.  Since  the  commencement  of  the  revival  in  June  preced- 
ing, more  than  two  hundred  had  united  with  the  church,  and  the 
work  had  spread  into  the  adjacent  towns,  till  it  was  thought  that 
five  hundred  had  "  passed  from  death  unto  life."  About  the  mid- 
dle of  this  week,  not  having  fully  recovered  from  mj  sickness,  I 
took  a  violent  cold  from  sleeping  in  damp  sheets,  and  for  the  first 

time  was  attacked  with  Rheumatism.    Aa  exercise  was  prescribed 
oa* 


270 


HEMOIHS   OF 


for  aa  antidote,  I  passed  the  remainiler  of  the  week  in  usual  activ- 
ity, preaching  some  and  visiting  some. 

Sabbath,  Jan.  8,  my  appointments  for  two  "^onths  commenced, 
extending  through  the  south-east  and  east  part  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, and  a  part  of  Maine,  then  in  three  weeks  back  to  Lisbon, 
and  thence  down  ^h^ough  Vermont.    Although  my  disorder  had 
become  very  severe,  yet  exercise  having  been  constantly  prescrib 
ed  as  the  best  remedy,  I  concluded  to  endeavor  to  attend  my  ap- 
pointments.   I  was  carried  to  the  meeting  house  in  Lisbon,  and, 
sitting  in  a  chair,  spoke  more  than  an  hour  to  about  five  hundred 
people.    Two  brethren  then  accompanied  me  to  Bath,  fifteen  miles. 
When  we  arrived,  I  was  carried  into  a  house  almost  helpless.    I 
felt  so  ill  that  it  seemed  to  me  I  could  not  sit  up  any  longer ;   bu^. 
as  a  large  concourse  had  assembled,  brethren  urged  my  being  car- 
ried to  the  house  of  worship,  saying  if  I  could  speak  five  minutes, 
the  people  would  feel  satisfied.    I  finally  assented,  and  being  set 
down,  preached  an  hour  with  very  solemn  feelings.     After  nieeting 
I  was  laid  upon  ^  bed,  and  it  was  now  no  longer  a  subject  of  query 
whether  I  should  proceed  to  my  appointments.    A  violent  rheu- 
matic fever  had  fastened  on  my  system,  and  for  six  days  I  was  en- 
tirely helpless ;  some  of  the  time  unable  to  move  even  a  finger. 
Until  now  I  had  never  comparatively  known  pain.    TI.i  ^ast 
movement  produced  the  most  excruciating  distress,  and  yet  I  could 
not  lie  long  in  one  position  without  fainting.     Some  of  the  time  it 
took  six  or  eev^.  to  take  care  of  me.     Finally,  by  keeping  my 
system  in  a  state  of  constant  peispiration,  and  the  use  of  Dr.  Jen- 
ning's  spirit  vapor  bath,  I  became  relieved,  and  the  sixth  day  turn- 
ed myself  in  bed.     I  amended  so  rapidly,  that  in  three  days  I  could 
stand ;  in  three  more  I  walked  ...  few  steps,  and  in  the  evening 
preached  three  quarters  of  an  hour  to  a  considerable  number  who 
assembled  in  my  room.    In  this  sictecss,  I  enjoyed  the  sweetest 
consolations. 

Saturday,  Jan.  21,  I  rode  to  Cove-  /  and  preached,  sitting, 
nearly  an  hour.  SabbatL  I  spoke  to  .,  very  crowded  assembly  at 
Swift  Water  village,  in  Bath,  and  the  next  day,  about  two  weeks 
from  my  first  confinement,  I  accompanied  two  brethren  to  Lisbon, 
who  came  to  assist  me  ir.  returning  to  that  place.  During  the 
week  I  attended  three  meetings,  and  on  the  Sabbath  preached  an 
ordiaation  sermon.  The  '^e  for  my  appointments,  leading  from 
Lisbon  through  Vermont,  In  J  now  come  ;  but,  being  too  feeble  to 
journey  and  preach  dail^,  I  engaged  a  minister  to  go  in  my  stead 
eight  <?  >ys,  and  in  the  mean  time  I  attended  his  appointments  in 
Lisbon. 

Tuesday,  Feb.  6.  Thinking  that  my  health  was  now  so  much 
recovered  that  with  care  and  prudence  I  could  safely  travel,  and 


DAyiD  MASKS. 


%%l 


ike  iMere^  (/  t)ie  infftnt   'jook  Concern  loudly  demanding  my  ac- 
tive  efforts,  /  agAiu  resumed  travelling,  accompanied  by  my  com- 
panion, and  talcing  vrith  me  a  brother  to  wait  upon  me.     On  this 
day,  though  the  road  was  hi /I/  and  the  snow  path  little  broken,  we 
rode  forty  luiies,  and  I  preached  at  evening,  and  next  day  spoke  to 
two  congregations  without  fatigue.     Thursday  evening,  I  preached 
in  Washington  in  a  cold  house,  though  I  had  taken  the  precaution 
to  request  that  it  be  well  warmed.    During  my  sermon  I  was  seiz- 
ed  with  chills.    I  soon  felt  a  return  of  rheumatic  pains,  and  passed 
the  night  in  distress.    The  next  day,  I  rode  twenty  miles  to  Col. 
Arnold's  in  Randolph,  and  preached  at  evening.    Saturday  and 
Sabbath,  I  preached  in  the  same  place,   when  my  complaint 
so  returned  upon  me  that  I  was  again  confined  to  my  bed.    I  now 
recalled  my  appointments,  and  determined  to  give  out  no  more  till 
my  health  became  more  firm.    The  use  of  Dr.  Jenning's  bath 
again  relieved  me  from  psdn^  and  while  I  was  indulging  hopes  of  a 
speedy  recovery,  suddenly  my  mind  became  confused,  my  memory 
was  gone,  and  soon  I  was  insensible.    When  I  was  again  conscious, 
I  saw  that  my  room  was  full  of  people  who  were  weeping.    I  con- 
cluded that  I  had  been  deranged,  and  had  now  recovered  my  senses 
just  before  I  was  to  die.     Recognizing  my  companion  who  was 
standing  by  me  pale  and  trembling,  I  obtained  from  her  a  promise 
that  she  would  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  took  my  leave  of  her,  ex- 
pecting in  a  few  moments  to  be  in  the  "  spirit-land."    The  query 
now  rushed  upon  me,  *  how  have  I  spent  my  time  since  I  was  call- 
ed into  the  ministry  ?*    *  Have  I  done  the  work  of  the  Lord  faith- 
fully ?'    Instantly,  my  testimony  against  Free  Masonry,  for  which 
I  had  suffered  most,  and  then  my  whole  life  passed  in  review  be- 
fore me ;  and,  O  the  sweet  peace,  the  heavenly  rapture,  that  rav- 
ished my  soul.    My  blessed  Lord  was  m}  witness  that  I  had  nev- 
er failed  to  preach  a  sermon  that  I  thought  was  my  duty  to  preach, 
neither  shunned  to  declare  his  counsel  against  every  thing  that  af- 
fected the  welfare  of  souls,  however  contrary  it  had  been  to  the 
feelings  of  my  dear  brethren.    Looking  out  of  the  window,  the 
"snow  white  fields  of  Vermont  seemed  to  blaze  with  the  glory  of 
God,  and  my  tongue  was  unloosed  to  declare  his  amazing  good- 
n«m.     Some  present  who  doubted  the  reality  of  religion,  I  un- 
derstood hfiti  their  her. is  touche'  .     In  half  an  hour,  however,  I 
was  as  well  hu  before  this  attack,  and  from  this  time  gained  rapid- 
ly.    As  in  other  places   Adhere  I  had  been  sick,  so  in  this  place 
Christian  friends  g<<<?irjed  to  know  no  weariness  in  their  kind  at- 
tentions.    How  often  has  God  verified  to  me  tha  promise,  "  He 
(lull  liiilh  ieO  lioiiBti,  or  home,  or  brethren,  or  sisters,  or  fatJber,  or 
mother  •— —  for  rny  nnine's  sake,  shall  receive  a  hundred  fold  in 
this  life.' 


m 


KSHOIBS  09  I 


Aboot  this  time  Mr.  Msrks  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Beede, 
his  ever  watehfiil  friend,  partly  on  the  aabject  of  heahfa,  which 
awakened  his  attention  somewhat  to  the  study^  c£  phjsiology.  He 
wrote: 

Dear  Brother, 

*  •  *  •  It  rejoices  me  to  hekr  ci  year  improve 
state  of  health.  Previous  to  your  last  commnmcati<m,  much  anx- 
iety had  been  indulged  in  regard  to  yonr  recovery,  winch  is  now 
measurably  relieved.  I  thank  the  Lord  for  bis  nnmerifAd  kindness 
ia  raising  you  up  again  for  a  help  to  Zicwi.  That  a  life  of  usefiil- 
ness  may  be  long  continued  to  yon  has  been  my  earnest  desir^ 
especially  as  the  dmrch  is  in  so  much  need  of  yonr  labors.  With 
a  view  to  this,  I  have  wished  that  yon  might  be  relieved  from  the 
corpulent  habit  of  body  to  which  ym  have  been  considerably  in- 
clined. If  no  exoberanc^  of  flesh  wex-e  attached  to  your  system, 
you  would  be  less  liable  to  disease,  not  so  susceptible  of  fatigue 
throu^  your  labcwv,  nor  so  much  (tisposed  to  premature  decay  c^ 
the  consdtutioa.  Obesity  may  readily  be  reduced  without  endan- 
gering health.  It  only  requires  a  regular  systematic  regimen  in 
diet,  sleep  and  exercise*  Very  sparing  indulgence  in  meati^  drinks, 
and  sleep,  with  much  exercise,  wiU  seldom  fail  to  reduce  effectu- 
ally the  most  corpulent,  and  will  secure  an  acquisition  of  heahh, 
strength  and  vigor,  both  of  body  and  mind.  Sudden  changes,  how- 
ever, must  not  be  resorted  to ;  but  a  gradual  reduction  of  the  sub- 
stantial amount  of  food,  drink,  &c.  This  mi^t  be  accomplished 
withoiit  extremely  painful  sensations,  by  reducing  first  the  qualittf 
rather  than  the  quanti^of  food ;  that  is,  by  taking  the  same  bulk, 
bat  a  less  nutricious  kind.  For  instance,  grains  instead  of  flesh- 
esculent  roots  instead  of  bread— the  coarser  and  simpler  dishes  of 
every  kind  instead  of  those  more  richly  prepared.  The  mo^e 
coarse  and  simple  the  better,  not  only  for  ^he  corpulent,  but  for 
others.  For  want  of  some  such  attention  to  abstinence,  disorders 
of  mind  and  body  nnist  inevitably  ensue.  First  in  the  train  of 
consequences,  are  stupidity  of  mind,  languor,  deficiencies^  in  the  di- 
gestive and  perspiratory  functions,  including  colds,  inflamed  lungs,* 
and  the  entire  families  of  dyspepsies  and  liver  affections.  In  reg- 
ular successkm  follow  fevers,  a  numerous  class  of  nervous  disor- 
ders, with  unnumbered  other  evils — lastly,  premature  derange- 
ments of  both  bodily  and  mental  Acuities,  premature  advances  of 
old  age  and  of  death.  For  more  than  half  the  evils  of  disease, 
man  m^  doubtless  justly  con^der  himself  indebted  to  his  own 
abuse  of  meats  and  (kinks,  tNad  for  a  large  portion  of  the  other 
half,  to  abuse  of  slee{^  clothin^^  and  exercise.  *  »  ♦  I  con- 
sider occasional  attacks  of  illness  inseparable  from  the  course  of 
life  that  duty  points  out  for  you  to  pursue ;  yet  I  do  firmly  believe 


I 


DAVID  UASS8. 


378 


that  you  might  adopt  an  improvement  in  your  habits  of  living  and 
of  exercise,  for  instance,  subjecting  yourself  to  less  exposures, 
which  would  greatly  promote  unimpaired  health,  vigor  and  strength 
of  mind,  serve  to  continue  your  life  much  longer,  and  greatly  in- 
crease  the  amount  of  your  usefulness  in  the  cause  of  God. 

Since  we  parted,  I  have  been  afflicted  with  an  influenza.  I  am 
now  approaching  to  health  of  body,  though  laboring  under  much 
depression  and  discouragement  of  mind.  When  the  elements  com- 
bine in  disorder  and  seize  my  mental  faculties  with  ennui — when 
all  the  passing  events  of  moral  agencies  and  the  Chousuid  circum- 
stances attendant  on  life's  concerns,  apparently  conspire  against 
me,  and  forbid  any  prospect  of  usefulness,  either  to  myself  or  oth- 
ers, despondency  and  weariness  of  a  life  so  unprofitable,  prey  on 
all  my  mortal  powers  with  a  very  unhappy  effect.  Frequent  dnys, 
weeks,  and  months  have  I  pacised,  and  still  do  pass  in  such  frames. 
Look  at  my  own  heart — ^aU  is  to  be  done.  Look  at  a  perishing 
world  of  fellow  sinners,  clfing  for  lack  of  knowledge — ^infinite  la- 
bors are  needed  for  their  salvation,  yet  I  am  feeble  in  body^nd 
sorely  pressed  with  poverty.  Look  on  Zion — ^behold  her  desolate, 
divided  within  herself,  distracted  with  false  doctrines,  seduced  by 
the  transformations  of  satan  under  the  guise  of  the  ministers  of 
Christ;  and  so  long  practiced  in  tampering  with  error's  drugs,  that 
her  stomach  loathes  medicine  from  the  true  Physician,  and  cannot, 
will  not,  bear  a  healthy  regimen..  Good  Lord !  exclaims  my  heart, 
why  hast  thou  given  my  eyes  to  see  these  things,  since  I  can  in  no 
wise  remedy  them  ?  My  heart  is  willing,  but  all  else  presents  an 
impenetrable  barrier  to  usefulness  on  my  part.  Lord,  I  am  sick 
of  the  world — sick  of  life — weary  with  myself — weary  with  all 
things  but  thee  and  thy  saint8«-4hy  undefiled  sdnts.  I  have  none 
but  God  in  heaven  or  earth,  to  alleviate  my  woes  by  bearing  H 
part.  I  have  none,  when  absent  from  you,  to  be  a  partner  in  sweet 
counsel  and  in  holy  friendship.         *         ♦         « 

I  hope  I  have  an  interest  in  your  prayers,  for  none  are  more 
needy.     Farewell.  Yours  in  love, 

'      S.  Beede,  ; 

■•Mi: 


i1  -i.- 


Mr.  Marks  replied  as  follows. 


Tunbridge,  Vt.,  Sat.  Feb.  25, 188S^| 
My  Dear  Brother,  ^* 

Mrs.  Marks  wrote  you  from  Randolph,  but  I  was  so  ill 
that  I  knew  little  that  she  wrote.  My  relapse  confined  me  in  Ran- 
dolph thirteen  days.  I  came  here  yesterday,  and  have  preached 
one  short  discourse  sitting  in  a  chair.  For  a  week  past,  I  ha\  e 
suffered  little  pain,  but  I  remain  very  weak,  and  can  bear  little  ex- 


-•■---- '-^^il'it'i'liiVflMlllfi 


274 


MBMOnU  ov 


S>sure.  I  have  felt  great  anxiety  for  the  denomination — for  the 
ook  Concern — for  ray  printing  debts  at  Limerick  and  Poi-tland, 
and  particularly  for  my  brother  Samnelt  since  he  baa  given  up  all 
to  serve  the  cause  of  Christ.  I  thought  it  needful  that  I  use  cUl 
diligence,  and  lose  no  time,  partioolarly  on  -account  of  the  hymn 
book  and  on  yonr  account  But  I  have  been  compelled  to  yield  as 
one  \rhose  health  is  gone,  and  whose  ccmstitution  is  for  the  present 
worn  dowi^,  if  not  worn  out  Sometimes  I  have  turned  my  face 
to  the  wall  and  wept ;  but  in  general  I  have  felt  sweet  composure 
in  saying,  "  The  will  of  the  LOTd  be  done."  My  heavenly  Fath" 
er  knows  what  is  best  In  these  seasons  of  weeping  I  have 
thought,  O  that  I  eaold  see  brother  Samuel  But  the  reflection 
that  you  were  engaged  for  the  interests  of  Zion,  reconciled  me  to 
endure  the  long  separation  till  it  shall  please  Gk)d  to  bring  us  to- 
gethfBT. 

I  think  it  my  duty  to  listen  now  to  the  repeated  advioe  I  have 
had  for  years  to  be  more  watchfol  in  the  care  of  my  health.  If 
this  does  not  turn  to  mj  recovery,  the  i|pl  of  the  Lord  be  done. 
Tho^h  I  have  beea  an  unprofitaUe  servant,  through  the  grace  of 
Giod^  believe  I  can  say  in  truth,  ''I  am  pure  &om  the  blood  oi 
bM  men."  Since  my  turns  of  severe  illness  this  winter,  I  have 
several  times  thought  I  might  not  recover ;  but,  blessed  be  QoAf 
in  the  dearest  views  oi  my  departure,  I  have  felt  sweet  consolA- 
tion  in  the  firm  confidra«e  that  I  have  preached  the  truth  at 
it  is  in  Jesus,  and  that  I  have  receive  from  God  that  preaching 
for  which  I  have  been  most  persecuted,  particularly  my  testimo^ 
ny  against  Free  Masonry,  and  against  the  spirit  of  pride  and 
worldly  popularity,  which  so  much  prevul  in  the  church. 

Your  letter  is  just  received  It  is  as  cold  water  to  a  thirsty 
soul,  and  has  mucL  increased  my  anxiety  to  see  yon.  Your  advice 
with  respect  to  dieting  is  very  acceptable,  and  I  have  about  come 
to  the  conclusion  to  take  up  my  cross  and  follow  it.  As  to  a  lit' 
erary  institution,  I  wish  one  might  be  established,  and  I  wiH  do 
all  in  my  power  consistently  to  f(»rward  it.  It  is  now  near  meet* 
ing  time ;  I  intend  to  ride  about  sixty  rods,  and  sit  and  preach 
once.  I  hardly  feel  as  well  as  I  did  yesterday,  but  if  very  careful 
I  hope  I  shall  get  along  without  another  confinement 

I  feel  very  thankful  to  Grod  for  the  kindness  he  has  shown  us  as 
a  people  in  sending  brother  Samuel  to  our  help.  My  open  man- 
ner must  have  conveyed  to  you  an  idea  of  the  esteem  I  have  for  your 
talents  and  piety.  While  I  have  observed  your  humility,  I  have 
felt  ahnost  as  though  it  was  impossible  that  pride  should  ever  stain 
your  soul,  or  success  elate  your  heart.  I  believe  you  have  a  mind 
above  such  foUy.     Still  I  know  your  probation  is  not  ended,  and 


DAVID  IIARKI. 


975 


iful 


ive 
ain 
ind 
md 


neither  vou  nor  I  have  passed  beyond  temptationfi,  dark,  deoeitAil, 
powerful.  If  70U  continue  humble,  and  maintain  a  holy,  fervent 
breathing  after  Qod,  and  lean  not  to  yoar  own  understanding,  but 
kan  upon  him  that  is  Almighty,  I  doubt  not  but  that  you  will  be 
more  useful  than  any  man  that  Gk>d  has  raised  up  among  us.  O, 
watch  and  pray.  Pray  for  us  that  we  may  walk  carefully  before 
God  and  before  all  men,  that  the  cause  be  not  blamed.  Let  us  do 
all  things  with  sreat  humility,  patience,  forbearance,  and  charity, 
for  in  this  day  cf  schisms  it  is  needftil  that  we  have  in  exercise  all 
the  Christian  virtues.     Farewell 

Your  affectionate  brother  in  Christ,  i 

?«}  ^;  D.  MABK8«it 

f  Journal.  *'I  left  Randolph,  and  till  the  earlv  part  of  April  was 
engaged  in  preaching  mostly  in  New  Hampshiie,  in  those  places 
where  my  sickness  had  obliged  me  to  disappoint  congregations. 
The  intervals  were  employed  in  writing  to  correspondents,  in  get- 
ting subscribers  for  the  new  hymn  book,  and  in  laboring  in  various 
ways  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  Book  Concern.  I  had  to  trav- 
el  slowly,  as  my  strength  would  bear,  and  preach  sitting  in  a  chair. 
In  Alexandria,  where  I  preached  the  May  previous  with  such 
views  of  the  worth  of  the  soul,  [see  page  249,]  I  found  to  my  great 
joy  that  about  twenty  had  been  converted,  several  of  whom  da- 
ted their  awakemng  at  that  meeting.  Until  now  I  had  not  heard 
of  any  fruits  from  that  sermon ;  but  I  had  thought  if  there 
were  not  it  would  be  strange  indeed.  At  Great  Falls,  the 
meeting  hous''  was  opened  to  me,  the  church  having  sent  me  a 
written  request  j  pri^ach  in  it.  Thank  God  for  the  victory  of 
right  principles." 

The  foUowir.^  are  extracts  from  his  letters,  written  during  this 
period,  taken  from  copies  kept  in  his  possessiim. 

'     Deal'  sister  Gibbs, 

Last  evening  we  gladly  received  a  letter  ft'om  you,  and 
although  it  bro'  ght  tidings  of  such  afflictions  as  are  frequent  in  the 
church  militant,  we  rejoiced  to  hear  from  you.  Your  letter  brought 
to  our  remembrunci  the  sweet  hours  we  have  enjoyed  under  your 
roof 

With  regard  to  your  inquiries  concerning  the  doctrine  of  sancti- 
fication,  you  say  you  have  been  told  that  Free-will  Baptists  do  not 
believe  in  it.  Thio  statement,  without  any  qualification,  is  certain- 
ly incorrect ;  jR>r  we  believe,  or  at  least  profess  to  believe,  all  the 
doctrine  which  the  Scriptures  teach,  and  none  can  deny  that  this 
doctrine  is  taught  in  the  Bible.  Sarctificatfon  signifies,  first,  to 
separate  fwid  appoint  any  thing  to  a  holy  and  religious  use.  God 
sanctified  ♦'     seventh  day,  also  the  first  bom  of  Israel,  and  thus 


i    ^     a*-..>b...^£.Jri&^H 


-,!.,:-i^.*£t^^kii)^-'>-'.-.  .Jj^  i 


ot<» 


MBMOIBS   OV  » 


the  temple,  the  priests,  the  garme  '  the  oltars,  the  sacriflcei,  and 
all  the  cups,  basins,  and  other  fuvtiuure  of  the  temple  were  sanc- 
tified. Again,  it  signifies  to  cleanse  p  sinner  from  the  pollution  of 
sin,  to  free  him  from  its  power,  and  give  him  a  holy  principle  of 
love  to  God  and  his  creatures,  and  fit  him  for  holy  use.  The  doc- 
trine of  sanctiflcation  signifies  being  made  holy.  But  there  are  de- 
crees in  this  work,  or  Paul  would  not  have  prayed  Qoi  to  sancti- 
fy his  Thessalonian  brethren  wholly.  1  Thess.  5:28.  I  believe 
everv  Christian  may  be  entirely  sanctified  in  this  life ;  yea,  I  may 
say  lurther,  that  it  is  the  duty  and  privilege  of  every  saint  to  obn. 
tarn  the  entire  victory  over  all  sin,  eaid  that  in  whatever  propor- 
tion a  soul  approaches  townrd  perfection,  in  the  same  degree  he 
approaches  towards  entire  sanctiflcation.  Christ  commands  us  to 
\ypi  perfect.  Matt.  5:48.  None  but  infidels  dare  charge  him  with 
having  given  a  grievous  command.  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  with 
all  thy  heart  is  a  requirement  of  the  gospel,  and  it  is  the  blessed 
privilege  of  the  saint  to  obey  the  sacred  mjnnction.  If  we  do,  we 
shall  then  be  sanctified  wholly.  Would  to  God  that  Christians 
enemlly  strive  for  this  attainment  If  they  did  what 
appy  Christians  should  we  see  in  our  congregations. 

*  Yours  in  Christ, 

^ ' ^ '^  D.  Mabks. 


would  more 

humble  and 

*        « 


'rt^t-.^P) 


M 


[To  Elder  Thomas  Parker,  Penfield.] 

&  Fishersfield,  N.  H.  March  6,  1832. 

4't^.  Dear  Brother  Parker, 

How  I  wish  I  could  come  and  see  you.  The  time  seems 
long  since  we  parted ;  but,  through  the  grace  of  God,  I  am  still 
your  unworthy  brother  in  the  kingdom  and  patience  of  Jesus 
Christ.  Though  I  stay  long  in  New  England,  I  know  I  love  my 
brethren  in  New  York  as  well  as  I  ever  did.  Sometimes  I  fancy 
myself  at  your  house,  talking  with  you  and  sister  Parker  and  the 
dear  children  as  in  former  days ;  then  I  am  at  brother  Conant's 
and  all  alK^ut  in  Penfield  among  my  Father's  children.  Next  I 
am  over  to  Tl^alworth  at  my  dear  brother  Lyon's,  and  then  again 
down  in  North  Penfield  at  brother  Cole's,  whose  house  seems  ren- 
dered almost  sacred  by  the  good  meetings  we  have  had  there.  But 
presently  I  find  myself  five  hundred  miles  distant,  and  likely  to  be 
for  some  months  to  come ;  and  here  I  am  fighting  against  the  un- 
scriptural  practices  that  are  corrupting  the  church,  and  almost  con- 
stantly getting  more  enemies  than  friends.  But,  blessed  be  God, 
though  the  time  has  come  that  many  will  not  bear  "  sound  doc- 
trine," my  plain  preaching  has  not' rendered  me  so  odious,  that  any 
more  than  "  all  men"  have  spoken  evil  of  me.  Another  thing, 
brother  Parker,  I  feel  to  thank  the  ble&sed  Savior  for,  and  this  is, 


DAVID  MARKS. 


277 


Still 


that  he  has  so  itrengthened  me  and  set  my  face  against  Babylon 
and  all  her  bewitching  '  nture,  that  the  los*  of  my  interest,  or 
honor,  or  poptilarif'^  tor  ungt's  sake,  seems  no  more  to  me  than  a 
bubble— a  pliantoui.  By  the  grace  of  Qod,  I  am  determined  that 
I  will  not  ask  ave  of  men  to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God 
against  all  tli  'N>min,  ions  that  are  done  in  the  earth.  O,  ir' 
dearbrot'    r,  -  ^'-lithiul  in  the  holy  ministry,  wherounto  Vi,>n 


are  called,  ana  ] 
may  God  b'    = 
all  the  brett 
the  gospel, 


>lain,  point  I'd,  simple.  Holy  Ghost  trut'-  y.-i\ 

-^antly.     Please  give  my  warm  respccta  to 

t     /  be  humble  and  holy.     I  am  thine  in 

Davii>  Marks. 


[To  his  brother  It«3  Mftrks.] 

My  dear  orother, 

•  *  *  Great  was  our  joy  on  hearing  of  your  rirm  reso- 
lution to  live  in  the  service  of  our  dear  Redeemer.  We  trust  you 
are  steadfast  in  the  blessed  truth  of  the  gospel,  "  for  he  that  wa- 
vereth  is  like  a  wave  of  the  sea,"  tossed  with  the  tempest  Noth- 
ing can  be  accomplished  well  without  steady  perseverance ;  and 
we  can  never  be  established  Cfarfistians,  and  shine  as  lights  in  the 
world,  unless  we  '^dig  deep  and  build  on  the  rook."  We  must  be 
rooted  and  grounded  in  the  truth,  insomuch  that  interest,  honor^ 
ease,  or  anything  in  this  world,  shall  not,  on  any  occasion,  inter- 
fere to  turn  us  fiiom  duty.  Self  must  be  denied  and  our  will  sub- 
dued, so  that  on  every  occasion  we  shall  be  ready  to  do  anything 
the  Lord  requires  of  us.  That  our  obedience  may  be  acceptable, 
it  is  needful  that  we  be  always  resolved  to  obey  the  Lord  immedi- 
ately, and  never  put  off  the  duty  of  to-day  until  to-morrow.  * 
*  *  I  would  rather  be  an  humble  Christian  than  to  be  mon- 
arch of  the  world,  for  by  this  I  should  be  ten  millions  of  times 
better  off.  A  monfmsh  of  a  world,  if  he  had  nothing  more,  would 
be  unhappy  still,  and  would  have  to  leave  it  all  in  seventy  or  eigh- 
ty years  at  the  fiiurthest,  and  then,  alas !  he  would  be  a  poor  man : 
while  I  should  enjoy  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ  sjl  the  days 
of  my  life,  be  they  many  or  few,  and  then,  glory  to  God,  I  should 
go  to  possess  an  immortal  and  eternal  inheritance — an  unfading 
treasure.  So  I  am  resolved  to  be  a  whole  hearted  Christian,  in- 
side and  out,  at  home  and  abroad,  in  public  and  private.  I  know 
God  will  help  me,  for  without  him  I  can  do  nothing.  May  the 
Lord  strengthen  and  bless  you  and  enable  you  to  withstand  every 
temptation,  and  ever  bear  the  cross  of  the  dear  Redeemer.  Then 
shall  the  light  of  Christ  illumine  your  way— -the  Holy  Spirit  lead 
and  guide  you  into  all  truth.  I  have  found  itusefVil  to  allot  to  my- 
self a  certain  portion  of  Scripture  into  read  every  day,  and  have 
made  it  a  rule  to  commit  to  memory  five  or  six  verses  daily.  I 
24 


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m 


,^Htt«o»foir 


have  A^o madeit  a qonstani  prtotuBe  to  kne«l  aid  praj  tkree  timee 
«irery  day,  as  Daivid  eays,  *^  Morning  and  aweninj^  and  at  noon, 
wUl  X  pray  and  ory  aJcMid."  Sliotikl:  job  adopt  the  tame  rules,  I 
dwbt  not  iMtt  jou  vfll  ftnd  them  very  Bervkeahk^  1£  you  should 
Ijeam  fiva  verses  4ai)jF  in  the  Kew  Tertamenl^  you  will  commit 
it  to  memory  in  fi^ur  or  five  years.  And  thooqgh  yon  may  foi^ 
^  as  not  ta  be  able  to  re<»te  it  verbatim,  ttSl  yon  \rould  gain  a 
great  knowle^e  of  the  docfcrme  of  the  Bibles  May  the  Lord  pre- 
aerre  yoa  blamelew  to  W  ^omiog  and  kingdom^ 

Toor  affeekk^alle  bto£her^ 

Datid  Marks*  : 

[To  BUlft  Jaala  8v  Uafwefr  »•  I] 

Aprils,  1^£' 
My  deffftHTother  Junia, 

*    *    *    I  was  glad  tia  hear  you  are  yel  wilting  to  spend 
y^t  tioia  in  pablisdiing  the  gM  ti^agt  of  the  gospel,  and  in  try^ 
ing  to  p«nsnade  sools  to  fliBe  from,  tibe  wradi  tQ«  o(«ie.    This  eB»> 
plOTmuNBt  ift  truly  ipore  liable^  glorious^  and  hMoeable^  than  to  dwdl 
in  kmgE^  courts,  or  sit  in  the  U|/lk  pkuoeK  of  Ae  eatthw    Thoo^  a 
mfua  Sttfier  the  losa  of  aJl  Uiiags  here^  and  among  men  be  acooun#> 
ed  the  off'Seeiiu'ing  of  all  thkigs,y^  if  he  be  a  cfewen  vetael  (^  tiie 
X/QTd,  and  God  okske  him  ioatremeBlaL  of  saving  soula,  he  is  truly 
mwe  iaveored  than  the  pvincee  of  the  earth.    Yes,  I  consider  your 
eelHi^  mor^  hom»able  than  to  he  a  racoessfiil  candidate  for  the 
Preaideney  <^  the  United  Stetee.    O  that  yon  aad  I  may  never 
adapt  Qugr  discouvsee  to  sa)k  ^  aodAty  we  axe.  ia,  whether  thor 
views,  ^^t^  and  pinctiee  are  aooording  to  the  word  of  God  or 
not    0  Junta,  make  fi^  pceef  of  yoarminialry^*  You  remark 
that  you  had  ^at  trials  the  wkiter  past  nspeeting  the  wants  of 
Zion*    This  ia  a  good  sign*    When  the  heaH^  man  is  opened  to- 
ward the  ^uxfch,  and  he  feels  pained  at  her  aoivows,  this  a  an  in- 
timation that  God  desires  to  we  him  for  the  publishine  of  peace  to 
aha  humble  in  ^irit,  and  ta  ^mtoimoe  a  wo  fram  God  to  those 
who  are  at  ease  ia  Zioo^    We  may  yet  rejoice,  for  the  Maker  of 
Zk^  ia  tihe  Ahmghty.    He  will  sooa^^h^  her  feimdattcma  with 
aapphirean^  "  her  stonee  wiith  fifur  cdora.**    *^  Her  windows  shall  be 
set  In  ags^es,  rad  the  ransomed  oi  the  ILatA  tiball  return  and  come 
to  Ziea  with  songa  and  everhaling  pj  upon  tiieir  heads :  they  i^all 
ebtatn,  joy  and  gladneas,  and  sorrow  and  sighing  dkall  flee  away. 
Go  on,  my  toother,,  and  i^end  your  life  fox  the  prosperity  of  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom ;  ao  he  that  awns  aUi  earth  and'  beavot  sludl 
rew^  you.  a  himdred  fold  in  yoar  own  bosatn,  and  ^ve  yc«  eter- 
nal life  besides^    Keed  we  envjr  iht^i  nobles  of  this  wcndd,  while  we 


l^i 


DA.TID  KAftttB. 


STU 


.« 


h$xe  such  a  Savior  and  such  i«oniiB«(  f    Ko>  wfthAvean  €U$urtmce 
of  unsearchable  riches.  ^'^l'  ''*f   *•    •'!  > 

You  wish  me  to  oxuniae  often  and  «e6  whetlier  I  im  in  ^ 
faith.    I  thank  you  ibr  this.    Sach  eichortatioos  and  watel^ngB 
over  my  soal  prove  to  me  wlio  are  my  fri^idB.        *        * 
A"  Yours  affeiJtionately,  ;v 

■^  Djltid  Mabkb.  I- 

[To  Howell  Heam,  minister  of  the  Oenend  Baptists  in  North  Carolina.]  J 

April  12, 1882.  I 
Bear  Brother,  .    .i 

Your  communieation  of  Mareh  5  was  reodved  a  few  days 
since  and  perused  with  much  thankfulness  and  comfort  I  felt  to 
thank  Qod  for  tliat  blessed  uniting  tie  which  binds  those  togethtf 
who  never  saw  each  other  in  the  flesh.  This  is  a  bond  of  tuii<m 
sweater  than  life  and  stronger  than  deatl|.  If  itB  enjoyment  is  sf 
pleasant  in  tlus  world,  O  what  will  it  be,  when  it  becomes  otuttplet* 
ed,  when  no  more  it  is  chilled  by  our  imperfectioas,  not  clogged  by 
Uie  dods  of  flesh.  While  iniqui^  abounds,  many  turn  after  the 
friendship,  of  the  world  and  weir  love  grows  cold*  But  if  w« 
would  be  counted  wortlw'  to  appear  with  the.Lamb  in  his  kingdom 
and  glory,  we  must  k^w  him  whithersoever  he  goeth."  If 
ilms  we  do,  he  will  lead  us  not  to  a  barren  waste,  but  to. Uving  foun- 
tains where  joy  is  complete,  and  where  tibere  are  treasures  forev- 
ermore.  J| 

The  general  state  of  religion  in  these  northern  states  during  the 
preeedmg  year  has  been  very  good.  There  has  b^en,  perhaps,  as 
much  revival  in  these  states  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  inhab- 
itants, as  there  has  been  finr  a  year  in  any  country,  since  our  bless- 
ed Savior  and  hi&  i^KMtles  preEiched  in  FdeStine  luid  Asia  Minor. 
At  present,  however,  there  seems  to  be  a  deoliaa  Among  Free- 
will Baptists  as  well  as  among  other  denominations  there  are  ma- 
ny refreshing  seasons.  Still  there  is  a  great  lack  of  engagedness, 
for  Christians  ought  to  love  the  L(Mrd  wHh  all  Uie  heart.  We  have 
had  a  very  tedious  winter.  Th^  snotv  fell  in  November,  And  still 
there  is  a  great  body  of  it  on  the  earth.  In  some  places,  where  I 
have  travelled  in  New  Hampshire  and  Yermont,  the  snow  was 
four  feet  deep  on  a  level,  and  near  Franconils  N.  H.,  t  Under- 
stood it  was  six  feet  and  in  some  places  eight  feet  deep  on  a  level. 
Only  three  weeks  since,  I  saw  the  road  full,  even  widi  the  tops  of 
the  fences  for  many  miles.  »  ♦  •  •  Finally,  brother,  faro- 
well.  Pray  fbr  us  that  the  word  of  the  Lord  may  have  free  course 
and  be  glonfied* 

Your  affectionate  brother  in  Christ, 

._,.,:,,  .,i,.  ■n";f:;'i^v^  V'is^'  •  DAVID  MaBKS. 


u  j-^i.';:lt:hdf^EVS^l:;£iu:^^fra:.:^MXli.i&^ 


3$0 


.jiBifOiBS  or 


Joutmal.  "  The  latter  part  of  Karch  I  received  notice  that  the 
copy  for  the  hymn  book  would  soon  be  ready  for  publication  and 
ib^  interest  of  the  Book  Concern  required  that  it  should  not  be  de- 
layed. Many  embarrassments  lay  in  my  way.  In  consequence  of 
my  sickness,  I  had  obtained  few  subscribers  and  my  expenses  and 
consequent  losses  had  been  about  two  hundred  dollars.  The  Book 
Concern  had  no  funds.  Brethren  dared  not  lend  me  money  or 
undersisn  my  notes  as  they  considered  the  whole  attempt  hazard- 
ous, and  my  health  remaned  very  poor.  I  could  only  lay  my  case 
before  Him  fw  whom  I  had  engaged  in  this  enterprise,  promising 
if  He  would  open  the  way,  to  brave  every  difficulty.  As  the 
hymn  book  was  to  be  a  standard  work,  it  was  important  that  it 
should  be  stereotyped.  Accordingly  I  went  from  Holdemess  to 
Boston  in  two  days  and  a  half,  through  bad  roads  and  inclement 
weather,  to  see  what  could  be  done.  Being  a  stranger,  I  found  af- 
te4.'  repeated  trials  that  I  could  dp  nothing  to  any  stdvantage  with- 
out funds.  The  sale  of  my  **  Narrative"  had  been  mudi  more 
ready  than  I  anticipated,  and  I  had  now  with  me  $200  received 
ficom  that  source  above  the  cost  of  publication.  By  paying  this  in 
advance,  I  could  get  the  stereotyping  done  for  forfy-two  dollars  less 
than  I  could  do  otherwise.  So  I  took  this  step,  not  knowing  what 
door  would  next  open.  I  leil  the  city  almost  discouraged,  stopped 
in  Charlestown,  and  retired  to  bed,  but  not  to  sleep.  The  night 
was  passed  in  much  anxious  reflection  and  prayer.  At  length,  the 
following  scrip  of  personal  histonr  occurred  to  mind,  which  I  had 
heard  months  before  respecting  Mr.  Jc  '.  Simpson,  President 
of  a  bank  in  Boston.  When  he  wen  ang  he  lived  in  New 
Hampshire,  and  was  a  Free-will  Baptist.  While  yet  a  lad,  he 
went  to  Boston,  poor  and  almost  penniless.  As  he  was  passing 
Charlestown  bridge  (which  connects  Charlestown  with  Boston,)  he 
stopped  and  lean^  over  the  railing,  and  while  his  tears  mingled 
widi  the  waters  beneath,  he  prmnised  the  Lord,  if  he  would  pros- 
per him,  that  he  would  devote  a  certain  part  of  his  income  for  the 
promotion  of  his  cause.  The  Lord  answered  his  prayer  and  he 
had  now  become  wealthy.  The  thought  that  *  perhaps  he  may  aid 
me,'  determined  me  to  see  him.  A  little  aflier  the  dawn  of  the 
morning,  I  went  into  Boston  and  by  the  help  of  a  city  Directory 
found  his  house.  He  was  not  up,  but  sending  in  my  name,  he  rec- 
4>gnized  it,  having  seen  it  in  the  Morning  Star,  and  very  politely 
i'^nt  me  back  an  invitation  to  breakfast  with  him.  In  about  an  hour 
I  had  an  introducti(Hi  to  him,  and  laid  before  him  the  object  of 
my  visit.  In  a  very  kind  manner  he  replied^  "  I  will  assist  you  by 
making  your  notes  bankable  for  whatever  sums  you  may  need,  and 
then  they  will  answer  all  the  purposes  of   money."    He  did  so 


..wqni^^M^<:yi4W'.  ^-*f(t"^,-*t«^t 


DAVID    XABKt. 


Ml 


subsequently,  to  the  funount  of  $8,000.    This  seemed  suoh  an  an- 
awei'  to  prayer  that  mj^  soul  was  greatly  affected. 

t  returned  to  lAmerick  in  the  early  part  of  April.  While  paas- 
ing  through  a  piece  of  woods  just  at  dark  within  a  few  miles  of 
the  yillaee,  I  saw  a  man  lying  dnuak  on  the  snow.  A»  it  was  a 
veiT  cold  nighti  I  feared  he  would  perish ;  but  I  was  too  feeble  to 
lift  him  into  my  carriage.  Hy  soul  was  fiUed  with  a  holy  indigna- 
tion toward  those  who,  for  filthy  luore,  will  thu»  destroy  their  fel- 
low men.  Cominc  soou  to  tin  tavern,  where  he  obtained  his  **  li^ 
quid  fire,"  and  fe^ng  anxious  to  rebuke  the  sin  as  well  as  sare  the 
poor  man,  I  rode  up  to  the  door,  around  which  a  eiowd  was  stand* 
mg,  and  inquired  for  the  landlord.^  I  toid  him,  tluit  at  a  little  dis- 
tance in  the  wood,  there  was  a  man  lying  on  the  snow,  poisoned, 
and  I  feared  that  if  he  were  not  taken  care  of  that  he  would  perish. 
Kot  understandine  me,  he  inquired:  <*  Poisoned  ?  How  T*  **  With 
alcohol,"  I  replied  ^  Indeed,  why  did  not  you  take  care  of  him  ?" 
I  told  him  I  -wsA  ill,  and  had  not  strength  to  UfV  him*  and  withal,  as 
he  dealt  out  the  p<HSon*  the  duty  was  his,  and  if  he  perished  his 
blood  would  be  upon  him*  Some  that  were  present  said  the  man 
should  be  taken  care  ofl 

On  arriving  at  Limerick,  I  found  the  preparation  of  the  hymn 
book  had  been  hindered  from  various  causes,  so  that  it  was  uncer- 
tain wl  sther  ft  would  be  ready  by  the  time  X  had  engaged  to  have 
it  at  the  stereotype  foundery.  J.  oomeluded  to  renuun  a  while  and 
with  my  compamon  aid  in  the  work.  Not  aware  that  mere  men- 
tal labor  would  injure  me,  I  spent  for  four  weeks  much  of  the  time 
sixteen  hours  per  day^  in  close  f^pUoaition  to  the  work.  At  the 
same  time  my  physical  strength  was  such  that  I  could  bear  almost 
no  exercise.  The  result  was  a  severe  attack  of  dyspepsia.  Dur- 
ing this  period,  I  preached  a  few  tunes  in  Limerick  and  the  ad- 
jacent towns,  and  on  some  of  these  occasions  my  soul  was  led  out 
into  the  deep  things  of  Giod." 

The  Morning  Star  of  April  18, 18S2,  oonttuned  a  letter  address- 
ed to  Elder  John  Buzzell,  from  Mr.  Amm'  Sutton,  missionary  to 
Orissa,  in  Hindoostan.  Mr.  Sutton  was  sent  oat  as  a  missionary 
by  the  General  Baptists  of  England.  A  correspondence  had  been 
opened  between  this  deoomiuation  and  the  Free-will  Baptists,  and 
it  was  found  that  their  views  of  Scripture  doctrine  were  alike. 
Mr.  Sutton's  letter  was  an  appeal  to  the  Free-will  Baptists,  urg^g: 
ihem  to  engage  in  the  misrion  enterprise*  and  labor  in  the  same 
Bold  wiih  we  General  Bi^tists.  He  ck>sed  his  letter  in  the  flaw- 
ing pathetic  language : 

"  I  have  lived  more  than  sixyeturs  in  the  province  [Orissa]  and' 
a  great  part  of  the  time  dose  to  this  enonnous  Juguniath.    I  have- 
seen  the  mangled  victims  of  his  in&tuated  adorers  lying.l^  hdn- 
24* 


282 


idjkdiBA  o^^'i 


\' 


dreds  upon  hundreds,  exposed  tb  the  birds  and  beasts.  I  have  lis- 
tened to  their  dying  exclamations,  "  Jugumath  I  Jugumath !  Jug- 
unath !"  and  have  seen  them  die  with  the  words  on  their  lips.  I 
have  seen  the  pit  dng^  and  the  fire  kindled  hi  it,  to  consume  the 
young  widow  with  her  husband's  corpse,  and  in  on6  instance,  I 
succeeded  in  saving  her  from  this  horrible  death.  I  have  seen  Jug- 
umath in  his  triumphal  car  dragged  by  thousands  of  his  worship- 
pers, men,  women,  and  children ;  and  I  have  seen  the  wretched 
victims  crushed  beneath  it,  with  a  thousand  other  horrors,  which 
well  nigh  overwhelm  the  mind  at  the  mighty  power  of  the  god  of 
this  world.  The  gospel  is  the  antidote  for  all  these  miseries,  and 
under  its  influence,  the  Hmdoo,  Brahmin,  who  has  set  fire  to  the 
pile  which  consumed  his  living  mother  and  dead  father,  has  be- 
come the  meek  and  affectionate  preacher  of  the  reign  of  mercy, 
and  has  died  consoled  by  the  grace  he  procliumed  to  others.  Come, 
the%  my  American  brethren,  come  over  and  help  us.  The  way 
is  as  short  and  as  safe  from  India  to  heaven,  as  from  yonr  land  of 
privileges.  Come  and  win  some  of  these  trophies,  to  deck  the 
crown  of  Jesus,  and  then  remove  firom  earth  to  heaven,  and  say, 
"Here  I  am,  Lord,  and  the  children  which  thou  hast  g^ven 
me."    FarewelL    Yours  in  the  hope  of  ihe  gospel. 

A.  SuTTOIf.'* 

This  appeal  had  the  effect  almost  of  an  electric  shock  upon 
the  mind  of  Mr.  Marks,  and  ever  after  the  mission  cause  had 
his  warmest  sympathies.  Nor  was  it  lost  upon  the  denomina- 
tion. Their  apathy  began  to  give  way,  i^nd  soon  a  Missionary 
Society  was  formed,  of  which  Elder  John  BuzzeU  was  President. 

JoumaL  <*  Saturday,  April  28.  The  hymn  book  being  now 
ready,  I  engaged  brother  Beede  to  go  to  Boston,  and  superintend 
its  publication,  while  I  again  resumed  my  labors  among  the  church- 
es. I  held  a  few  meetings  in  Dover  and  Great  Falls.  In  the  lat-^ 
ter  place  I  preached  the  funeral  sermon  of  a  grand-daughter 
of  Mder  Benjamin  Randall.  She  delayed  repentf^ce  till  on  a 
dying  bed,  and  then  hoped  she  found  mercy.  I  visited  her  during 
her  sickness,  and  she  requested  me  to  preach  at  her  fUnend. 
Among  the  mourning  relatlrss,  was  a  son  of  Elder  Randall. 

Sabbath,  May  6, 1  spent  in  Candia.  About  forty  had  recently 
been  converted  in  this  place.  The  next  day  I  preached  in  North- 
wood.  Some  were  awakened  who  afterwiards,  I  was  informed, 
professed  to  find  the  Savior.  Tuesday,  I  preached  in  Strafford, 
from  MaiX.  18:7,  «  Wo  unto  the  world,  because  of  offences.'*  The 
subject  c  ened  to  my  mind  with  such  clearness  as  'almost  to  over- 
power me^  nor  did  t^e  audience  seem  much  less  afifected. 

Elder  Place  gave  me  the  reading  of  the  records  of  the  first 
Free-will  Baptist  church  that  was  formed,  kept  mostly  in  Elder 


DATID  UASXt. 


288 


.n'A\ 


Randall's  hand  writing.  From  these  reoords  it  appeared  that 
Free-will  Baptists,  at  that  time,  made  provii^n  for  defraying  the 
expenses  of  the  church,  and  for  aiding  the  poor  by  a  dhurch  stock, 
raised  by  a  tax  on  the  property  of  the  church  members.  The  fol- 
lowing is  taken  ftom  those  records,  on  an  occasion  inhere  it  had 
been  voted  to  raise  six  pounds. 

«  Monthly  meeting.  New  Durham,  Oct  18, 1794. 
^  We,  the  subscribers,  being  appointed  to  take  a  just  valuation  of 
the  interest  of  the  male  members  of  sud  meeting,  in  order  to  raise 
a  church  stock  by  an  equality,  have,  according  to  the  best  of  our 
judgment,  set  against  each  member's  name  fais  proportion  of  the 
sum  of  six  pounds  lawful  money. 


Membebs.  s.  d.  Mehbebs. 

B.  Randall,  4 

Dea.  E.  Bickford,  5-^ 

«     S.  PotUe,      4 
Z.  Boody,  11-6 


8.  i>. 


8.  D. 


J.  Boody,  2 

J.  Hasse,  4 

I.  Buzzell,  6 

D.  KeUy,  5 

B.  O.  Randall,  2 


J.  Young,  2 

J.  Kennison,       4 
Jos.  ^ennison,    2-6 
Sam'l  Runnels,  11 


J.  Buzzell, 
Z.  Glidden, 
T.  Davis, 
J.  Penny, 
T.  Norton, 


6 
4 

13-5 
6-6 
2-9 


J.  Runnals,    7-6 
D.  MorrisoL,  7-6 
S.  Drown,     4 
S.  Tasker,     4 
J.  Fobs,         8 


Total,  £6  7  11' 


V  The  following  extract  from  a  letter,  written  to  S.  Beede  about 
this  period,  is  introduced  as  somewhat  illustrative  of  Mr.  Marks' 
views  of  using  property. 

"  Perhaps  I  have  been  too  fearful  of  contracting  debts  for  your 
service.  If  it  has  been  so,  my  friend  will  impute  it  to  no  other 
principle  than  that  of  caution,  which  is  the  "  parent  of  safety."  We 
may  presume  too  much  tm  what  a  denomination  ought  to  do,  and 
at  last  find  what  is  every  body's  business  is  neglected  by  dIH.  I  ac- 
knowledge I  have  felt  no  small  delicacy  in  rising  the  loss  of  my 
little  all,  and  for  which,  if  I  am  successful,  I  expect  no  temporal 
reward.  Still,  if  you  want  fifty  dollars,  besides  economical  expen- 
ses, for  the  purchase  of  books,  I  do  not  know  as  I  can  refuse  this 
favor  now.  But  this  I  can  advise,  and  I  think  you  will  accept  it 
'as  from  a  friend,  that  you  ever  study  the  best  economy  in  your  ex- 
penses. Jesus  Christ  became  poor— literally  poor,  and  his  expen- 
ses were  suited  to  this  condition,  so  that  he  had  not  where  to  lay 
liis  head — ^had  no  money  to  jray  tribute;  yet  he  never  murmured, 
though  the  world  was  his.  We  are  God's  stewards^  and  our  econ- 
fomy  and  our  motto  should  be,  not  like  that  of  worldly  gentiemen, 
who  indulge  their  wishes  for  whatever  pleases  their  fancy,  but  in 
the  language  of  the  apostle,  "  As  poor,  yet  making  many  ridi." 
The  reflection  that  the  most  of  God's  useful  men,  and  those  who 


fSi 


miioni  Of 


biivo  TMidered  the  greatest  leryke  to  their  fellow  men«  hare  been 

poor  itt  thif  world,  and  that  the  time  is  short,  rery,  verj  short, 

when  we  must  give  an  account  to  God  for  our  stewardship,  is 

(         enough  to  fiU  us  with  awe^  and  put  up  a  bar  against  unnecessarj 

''        lAdukence* 

"  0{  all  the  friends  I  have  ever  had,  I  suppose  jou  maj  havt 
had  reason  to  think  there  is  none  whose  welfare  and  prosperity  are 
nearer  my  heart  than  that  <^  my  friend  Samuel;  not  that  I  ever 
thou{^  you  perfect  in  judgment  or  in  life.  But  this  I  mav-  say, 
your  influence  has  been  as  weig^y  on  my  mind  as  I  think  that  of 
any  imperfect  man  ought  to  be.  1  have  had  reason  to  be  thankr 
All  for  the  plainness  you  have  used  wkh  me  in  time  past }  bnt  I 
think  you  may  yet  show  me  still  more  kindness  in  telluig  me  mv 
fkttlts  and  your  ham.  May  you  be  prepared  for  usrfdness  in  Zi- 
On,  not  only  by  the  acquirement  of  knowlecb;e,  but  also  bv  a  close 
communion  with  God,  and  by  being  filfed  with  wisdom  and 
the  Holy  Ghost  I  ptay  God  to  comfort  you  and  strengthen  you 
for  your  work.  lYatch  yoiur  own  spirit,  examine  your  own  heart, 
and  take  time  to  piray  much  fbr  thd  dittrch,  the  world,  for  yourself, 
ap4  fot  your  affectionate  brother,  David  Marks." 

Journal.  «  Thursday,  10,  I  left  Stnafford,  and  during  the  four 
^  ensuing  days,  attended  seven  meetings  on  my  way  to  New  Durham 
quarterly  meeting  in  Loudon.  Elder  Place  preached  a  sermon  on 
holiness,  which,  u  practiced,  would  make  the  world  a  paradise.  I 
spoke  fh>m  Ephesians  1:11 :  "In  whom  we  have  obtfdned  an  in- 
heritance, being  predestinated  according  to  the  purpose  of  him  who 
worketh  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will."  The  division 
of  the  subject  was  as  follows.  1.  Hie  will  of  God.  2.  His  worlra 
according  to  the  counsel  of  the  same.  8.  The  obtaining  the  inher- 
itance. 4.  The  purpose  of  QoA.  6.  The  predestination  of  the 
saints.  It  pleased  the  Lord  to  ^ve  me  freedom,  so  that  I  was  en- 
abled to'speak  with  animation  more  than  two  hours.  After  the 
dose  of  the  quarterly  meeting,  I  went  to  DoVer,  preaching  by  the 
way,  and  in  compliance  with  a  previous  engagement,  attended  three 
days  at  a  protracted  meeting  which  followed  the  deification  of  the 
Free-wHl  ^ptist  meeting  house.  Several  ministers  were  present, 
and  about  twelve  awakened  souls  found  peace  in  betievhig.  Much 
very  Important  hibor  having  accnmulatea  on  my  hands  with  regard 
to  iJke  business  of  Uie  Book  Concern,  I  was  obliged  to  sit  np  during 
my  atten&nce  of  this  meeting,  writing  with  my  companion,  nearly 
the  whole  of  the  nights. 

.  Friday,  May  2d,  I  was  present  at  the  marriage  of  my  friend 
Beede  to  Miss  Mary  E.  Spanlding.  As  Mr.  Be^  was  to  leave 
eariy  nnt  momii»  to  return  tQ  IkMston,  and  as  there  was  considet- 


DJLTID  XAmSS. 


S8ft 


able  indispensable  business  to  be  prepared  before  be  left,  I  worked 
all  night  I  had  now  a  great  pressure  of  cares  which  threatened 
to  crush  me.  I  had  become  responsible  for  about  82400,  indnding 
what  I  had  paid,  all  due  within  a  year.  I  had  only  about  fifteen 
hundred  subscribers  for  the  hymn  book,  and  if  the  edition  of  four 
thousand  copies  waa  sold  as  soon  as  issued,  it  would  not  pay  the 
cost,  uioluding  copy  and  plates.  I  had  important  engagements  that 
would  call  me  to  New  York  in  the  fall,  and  detiUn  me  there  till  the 
ensuing  spring,  while,  in  consequence  of  unforeseen  delays,  the 
book  would  not  be  out  till  J'lly,  so  that  I  had  only  three  montJis  to 
collect  and  insure  the  collecting  of  the  $2400.  I  felt  anxieties 
which  I  had  not  known  before,  and  burdens  that  pressed  heavily 
upon  me.  I  had  tried  to  shake  them  ofi^,  but  in  spite  of  all  my  ef- 
forts, still  they  dung  to  me.  As  soon  as  Mr.  Beeide  left,  I  atUmped 
a  moment  to  rest,  but  my  excessire  fatigues  of  body  snd  mind  had 
been  too  much  for  my  uerrous  system  to  endure.  I  became  lost, 
my  memory  was  gone,  and  it  was  with  much  difficulty  that  the  most 
powerful  stimulants  could  recover  me.  My  friends,  as  well  as  my- 
self,  were  alarmed,  and  for  most  of  the  day  I  kept  my  bed.  After 
a  little  sleep,  I  was  enabled,  in  some  measure,  to  cast  my  cares  up- 
on the  Lord,  and  although,  as  in  the  reading  of  Moses,  ihete  was  a 
veil  over  the  face,  andonnatural  principles  (considering  my  health) 
my  prospects  were  dark,  yet  as  I  looked  to  Him  for  whose  sake  I 
had  taken  these  burdens,  I  feh  a  sweet  hope  that  he  would  carry  me 
through,  and  I  began  to  labor  again  with  courage. 

Sabbath,  May  27,  I  preach^  again  in  Dover,  and  during  the 
'  week,  attended  the  Weare  quarterly  meeting  in  3oscawen.  Many 
appeared  deeply  impressed,  and  soverv?  seemed  to  be  near  the 
kingdom  of  God.  I  preached  three  tii.  .  during  the  session  in 
compliance  with  urgent  solidtations,  but  fc  and  it  greatly  wearied 
me.  The  following  Sabbath  I  spent  in  Canterbury.  This  diurch 
had  just  lost  their  pastor,  who  had  been  settled  over  them  thirtr- 
five  years.  Though  I  had  passed  a  sick  night,  the  Lord  strength- 
ened me  to  preach  twice.  My  mind  was  remarkably  dear,  and 
Grod's  melting  power  was  present  in  the  assembly.  Tuesday,  I 
preached  on  the  subject  of  stewardship.  It  was  a  heartHsearching 
time,  and  my  own  soul  was  deeply  bumbled.  What  is  more  hn^ 
miliating  than  the  view  that  we  have  nothing  we  can  call  our 
own? 

June  8— '11, 1  attended  the  New  Hampshire  yearly  meeting  in 
>Andover,  and  though  very  feeble,  yet  being  much  urged,  I  preach- 
ed twice.  Several  other  sermons  were  given.  The  business  meet- 
ing was  a  trying  time,  but  the  power  of  God  attended  the  preach- 
ing of  his  word.  A  revival  cogimenced,  and  on  the  evening  of  the 
1 1th,  five  professed  to  be  converted,     t   f^w^  ;*if  H^f>4  i!*«>^ v;l*fctf?f? 


w 


uMUoaaM  or 


The  procMrUjr  of  Um  Book  Conoeni,  and  the  cauM  in  ganeml, 
leemiog  to  oeiMod  a  toar  through  the  ohurchos  in  Maine,  I  thought 
it  duty  to  eommenoe  it  in  seaaon  to  attend  the  Penobaoot  yearij 
meetfaig.  Friday,  June  H,  I  called  on  Elder  J.  Buasell  in  Pai^ 
aontfleld.  He  waa  aetively  engaged  in  getting  ■ubacriptiona  to 
build  a  Seminary.  Nine  hundred  dollars  had  been  subeerttMd,  and 
the  building  was  oonunenced.  He  had  alao  received  abmit  fifty 
dollars  towards  the  establishment  of  a  Foreign  Miaswn.  May  these 
•niaU  beginningB  be  the  harbhmn  of  graal  success.  Sabbath^ 
June  16, 1  was  enid>led  to  preach  twioA  in  UmvAdk,  and  onoe  in 
Limingtonk  Blessed  be  the  I^ord^  Ibr  restoring  mmvies.  Mt  in* 
valuaUe  friend  Beede  has  just  written  mo  sMne  hinto  that  I  hope 
will  do  me  good.  He  says»  <*  I  am  sornr  tou  are  so  indisposed, 
though  it  is  no  more  than  I  expected  wouU  be  your  lot  The  great 
anxiety  of  mind  whioh  you  onen  indulge,  and  have  partioiuarly 
with  regard  to  the  Bock  Conoem,  the  immense  labors  you  perform, 
tofether  with  your  past  ianttention  to  diet  and  regimen,  dea,  are 
such  as  no  human  oonstitotion  can  long  endure  unimpaired.  Ehns* 
pepsia,  or  other  maladies  of  *  mora  &tal  nature,  must  faievitably 
liwow.  But  wisdom  is  profitable  to  direet  I  ftared  the  undue 
worry  of  mind  that  appeared  to  rest  upon  yon,  when  I  last  saw 
you,  would  drive  you  to  insanity,  or  otherwise  destroy  your  nseftili- 
ness.  TherefbfB,  I  tried  to  reprove  your  anxiety  and  distrust  in 
God."  O  Latdyhti^  me  to  oorrect  m  my  errors.  Thou  knowest 
I  have  seen  so  modi  to  be  done  to  bring  back  this  revdted  world 
to  thee,  that  I  have  not  taken  time  to  acquaint  myself  with  the  laws 
of  health.  How  much  there  is  that  I  need  to  know.  I  thank  thee 
for  die  faithfulness  of  my  dear  brother  Beede* 

Tuesday,  June  18.  We  found  *  great  agitation  in  Portland, 
firOQi  a  report  that  the  .\iiatic  chdera  had  rMched  our  continent 
We  hoped  to  hear  it  eobtradieted }  but,  on  arriving  at  Gardiner, 
we  heard  a  oonfinnaticm  of  the  dreadful  tidings.  'Hiere  had  been 
forty-nine  eaaes  in  Quebeo,  forty<4ve  of  which  had  proved  fatal.  It 
Montreal,  there  had  been  fifteen  eases,  seven  of  them  fatal,  and  it 
was  Sfureading  rapi'lly  in  other  towns.  It  was  brought  from  Ireland 
in  a  vessel,  on  which,  it  was  reported,  that  forty-two  died  during  the 
passage.  The  emigitUion  from  Ireland  to  Quebec,  is  said  to  exceed 
one  thousand  in  a  day.  I  have  just  been  informed  that  the  phy- 
sicians and  people  have  met  to  petition  the  government  to  stop  up 
the  Canada  road  from  this  place  to  Quebec,  a  distan<ie  of  two  hun- 
dred miles.  But  O)  how  vain. will  be  their efibrts  to  stay  the  judg- 
ments of  the  Lord.  It  may  be  among  us  in  a  few  days,  and  many, 
yesi  many  of  our  friends  may  die.  I  may  be  ealled  away  by  this 
periSlence.  Am  I  prepared  ?  Blessed  be  Qod,  I  feel  to  say,  <f^The 
will  of  the  Lord  be  done,"  whedwr  it  be  lifo  or  death.    But  as  lifo 


DATID  KAIIXI. 


MT 


it  miMrtalii,  I  wiU  make  mj  wttl,  oad  wrange  mj  temporal  con- 
cerns, that  I  may  be  ready  to  go  any  moment  the  Lord  may  ealL 
OkMy  to  Qod  for  the  ooimbrl  I  feel  in  Mie  refleetiea,  thai,  thfoagh 
graoe,  I  have  been  enabled  to  leave  all  for  Chriet^  sake,  and  ae- 
▼ote  my  whtde  time  in  preaobing  hie  preeioM  word.  In  the  even- 
ing,  I  preadied  in  Garainer  from  the  text,  **  Prepare  to  meet  your 
God "  I  allnded  to  the  pestilenee,  and  arged  the  ImoortaDce  of 
behM  prepared  to  meet  it  For  some  time  my  mind  had  been 
deefSy  impresaed  with  the  belief  that  the  judgments  of  Qod  were 
banging  over  lu^  and  that  soon  the  Lord  wouM  leom^  us  for  oar 
sins.  For  a  year  pas^  I  had  often  been  led  to  name  this  In  mj 
preaching  wittk  tiie  keenest  feeNngs,  and  often  toM  mr  issembliee 
that  I  b^eved  God  woald  send  we  cholera  to  paalsh  our  nAtion 
Ibrits  wickedness.  Many  had  ridiculed  tile  idea  that  tiM  cholera 
would  ever  come  to  this  country,  aerosa  the  great  ocean.  The  pub- 
He  iournals  had  ridiculed  it.  Alas  I  H  has  ever  been  with  this 
wicked  worl^  tiial  they  would  not  bdieve  that  judgments  were  at 
hand,  until  they  came. 

Thursday,  June  80.  I  again  had  another  of  these  strame  ^ 
tacks.  My  memory  was  oone,  so  that  I  eould  nol  tell  where  I  was^ 
or  what  I  was^  nor  think  of  my  name.  Fhyslcians  call  it  a  nervous 
afibotion.  I  got  bettev,  so  that  I  rode  nearly  Airly  miles  to  Chfai» 
la  passing  tiwough  Augusta,  I  was  inftyrmed  a  man  was  there  the 
Tuesday  pre viousj.  then  five  days  ihnn  Quebec  He  said  the  dtot- 
era  raged  so  before  he  left,  that  indivi^als  dropped  in  the  street 
and  d^  before  tiiey  oould  be  oarHed  into  a  house,  and  he  then 
thought  it  time  for  him  to  flee.  I  read  in  an  Augusta  paper  that 
the  ^lolera  had  reached  Aftany ! 

I^day,  I  rode  thirfy  miles  to  Newt>urg,  near  the  Penobscot 
river,  where  the  Penobscot  yearly  meeting  commenced  its  session 
the  next  dny.  The  ^ngs  of  the  approach  of  the  cholera  produc- 
ed an  unwf>m«d  solenmky  on  the  andiencep  Elder  Elias  Hutd^ 
ins  was  present  aad  gave  an  int^aresting  account  of  his  visit  to 
North  GaroUtao,  among  the  people  cidled  Qtmeral  Baptists ;  but 
who,  from  the  time  of  his  first  visiting  them,  called  themselves  Free- 
will Baptists;  He  said  their  origin  and  early  history  were  involv- 
ed in  obscurity.  Th^  were  supposed  to  have  <M'^|faaated  fVom  the 
General  Baptists  in  loigland,  about  seventy  yeare  ago.  He  also 
preached  a  very  instructive  and  impressive  sermon.  On  the  Sab- 
bath, about  two  thousand  pe<^  assembled  t  and  tiwugh  I  had  pass- 
ed a  sick  nighty  I  ventured  to  leave  my  bed  about  ten  o'clock,  A. 
'  M., — ^in  compliance  with  the  entareatiee  of  brethren,  went  to  the 
meeting,  and  spoke  nearly  twohours  without  apparent  ii^ury.  Sly 
vnsifio  this  yearfy  meeting  has  awakened  eensNforaible  interest  in 


fiii^  W»^-"M-'"^-v^' t^i^'gj-***^'**"*    -T. '»•    ••»■  w..^"V^^—  -wcw^ 


,1  •■*-%-•■•• 


fM 


HBMons  or 


the  Book  Concern,  and  I  think  seoured  the  effinrts  of  lome  eftetent 
brethren. 

Thnrsday,  June  27, 1  preached  in  Prospect :  the  power  of  Ood 
attended  the  word }  thirtj  oame  forward  for  prayer,  and  several 
wept  profusely.  On  the  way  to  Prospect,  I  learned  by  the  Penob- 
scot Journal,  that  the  cholera  was  raging  dreadfully  at  Montreal 
and  Quebec.  In  the  former  place,  the  last  day's  report  stated  that 
between  sunrise  and  sunset,  there  were  one  hundred  and  fifty  case*, 
and  one  hundred  and  five  deaths,  and  that  it  took  all  night  to  bury 
the  dead !  Two  days  afterwards,  I  read  in  another  public  paper, 
that  in  Ifontreal,  on  the  17th  inst,  there  were  six  hundred  cases 
of  eholera,  and  that  there  had  been  sixteen  hundred  cases  in  ten 
days.  Friday,  June  29, 1  preached  ui  Montville.  This  day  I  read 
in  a  Boston  paper,  that  at  Montreal  there  had  been  ftt>m  the  11th 
to  the  2l8t  of  June,  no  l^ss  that  one  thousand  deaths  br  the  chol- 
era. All  business  had  ceased,  and  even  the  stage,  in  its  passaoe 
from  that  plaoe,  was  unable  to  change  horses  in  forty  miles.  On 
its  approach,  so  great  was  the  terror,  that  the  inhMiltants  would 
shut  their  windbws,  and  lock  their  doors.  O  Lord,  have  mercy  on 
our  country,  though  the  dbnse  of  thy  many  blessings  deserves  thy 
judgments.  Tet,  O  Lord,  do  thou  pity  our  nation  according  to 
thy  long  BufFering,  and  according  to  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies. 
On  this  day,  apple  trees  were  flUl  in  blossom ;  so  backward  is  the 
season. 

Saturday  and  Sabbath,  I  attended  the  Edgeomb  quarterly  meet- 
ing in  Windsor,  and  was  very  affectionately  received.  I  preached 
tmce  with  much  freedom ;  several  came  forward  for  prayer,  among 
whom  was  a  sea  captain,  who,  it  was  said,  until  now  had  been  in- 
clined to  Universalism.  Tuesday,  July  8, 1  preached  in  Waterville 
a  poor  dry  sermon,  and  felt  much  humbled  for  my  unprofitableness. 
I  enjoyed  an  interview  with  brother  Hosea  Quinby,  who  had  about 
finished  his  0(^ege  studies.  May  he  be  a  rich  blessing  to  the  de- 
nomination. During  eight  days  following,  I  preached  eight  ser- 
mons to  churches  between  Waterville  and  Limerick,  and  saw  some 
persuaded  to  turn  and  live. 

Thursday,  July  1 1,  had  been  appointed  by  the  joint  recommen- 
dation of  diffiarent  denominations  throughout  the  state,  for  fasting, 
humiliation  and  prayer,  on  account  of  Uie  cholera.  I  preached  at 
Limerick  from  Ps.  91:5—9.  **  Thou  shalt  not  be  afraid  for  the  ter- 
ror by  night ;  nor  for  the  arrow  that  flieth  by  day ;  nor  for  the  pes- 
tilence that  walketh  in  darkness ;  nor  for  the  destruction  that  wast- 
eth  at  noon  day.  A  thousand  shall  fall  at  thy  side,  and  ten  thous- 
and at  thy  right  hand ;  but  it  shall  not  come  nigh  thee.  Only  with 
tMne  eyes  shalt  thou  .behold  and  see  the  reward  of  the  wicked,  be- 
cause thou  hast  made  the  Lord,  which  is  my  refuge,  even  the  Most 


si» 


DATID  MAmn. 


M» 


High,  thy  habitatloD."  The  Sabbath  following,  I  preached  In  Do- 
ver. Much  alarm  prevailiug  on  account  of  the  ravagee  of  the  chol- 
era, a  meeting  was  held  bj  the  inhabitants  the  nei.t  eTinlng  to  take 
measures  to  prevent  its  introdoctloii,  and  to  be  prepared  for  it  fai 
case  of  its  approach.  Oh  this  evenini^  I  spoke  with  much  anima- 
tlon  of  soul  to  about  eight  hundred  people  at  Great  Falls.  There 
were  strict  attention  and  much  weeping  in  the  andieaoe. 

About  this  time,  I  reodved  the  irst  copies  of  "  Ohristiaa  Mel- 
ody," our  new  h jmn  book.  It  oontains  one  thousand  hymns  and 
several  anthems.  Its  appearance  was  verr  satisfaetorr,  and  I  Mt 
abundantly  rewarded  for  all  my  anxious  labors  and  embarrassments 
In  eeeuring  its  publication.  It  was  received  by  the  subscribers  and 
thepublic  with  sladness,  and  almost  with  enthusiasm. 

From  the  16&  of  July  to  the  1st  «f  August,  ssy  time  was  ooea- 
pled  with  preadiing  in  Dover,  Great  Falls,  and  m  towns  fai  their 
vicinity,  and  in  supplying  subscribers  widi  the  hymn  N>ok.  I  then 
went  to  Pordttsd,  Me.  vad  sent  off  eight  hundred  eout^  in  parads 
to  different  sections.  During  the  succeeding  weeks,  I  visited  vari- 
ous towns  between  Portland,  Me.  and  ibverhiU,  Mass.  preaeUng 
daily,  distributing  the  hymn  book,  and  receiving  returns. 

Aug.  14—16, 1  attended  the  New  Durham  ouaiterly  meeting  in 
New  Durham,  the  town  where  Randall  formed  the  first  Free-will 
Baptist  duireh,  and  where  his  remains  rest  in  glorious  hope.  It  was 
a  season  of  interest.  I  was  especially  rejolMd  to  find  the  infoat 
Book  Establishment  growing  fost  into  fkver.  For  nearly  a  year  I 
had  been  desirous  to  preach  i^  Randall's  grave,  and  Thonday,  July 
16, 1  ei^eyed  the  precious  prhrilego.  A  neat  maible  slab,  erected 
Wthe  Free-will  Baptist  denominatton,  marked  the  sacred  spo'. 
Oa  H  was  the  following  inscription : 


ti-tafr^sj' 


<<SACRBD 

VO  THE  1ISM09T  QV 

KLBER  BENJAMIN  RANDALL, 


:    ;»    ^i.,i.    THE  FOVNDBB  OF  THX  TOEE-WIU*  91FTIST 
■'r^>k^'  800IBTT  nr  AXKSaOK, 

i!cS^  '*  HK  X.ABOEBD  IN  THE  MINISTET 

THIRTY  YEARS. 


^ 


He  died  Oct  22, 1808,  aged  59  yean, 
7  months  and  27  days. 

Swmi  1»  thy  nat,  tko«  Mrrut  of  Ihe  Lord, 
'Twaa  thy  qelight  to  prtacb  nli  taered  word, 
Hundreds  of  nonli  ihtildacJi  thy  atcrry  crown, 
4|i4  fdl  t|«  ijtorjr  tottgr  0od  rodou^d." 


"ft..-,- 


290 


UBMC:^8    OF 


-i-J.  I  stood  at  the  head  of  the  grave,  and  read  from  the  '^  Life  of 
Randall"  his  last  letter  to  the  Free-will  Baptist  denomination.  It 
seemed,  indeed,  like  a  voice  fh>m  his  grave.  Some  of  Randall's 
fellow  laborers  were  present  and  were  greatly  affected." 

The  foUowing  notice  of  this  interesting  meeting  was  written  by 
Elder  D.  P.  CiUey,  clerk  of  New  Durham  quarterly  meeting,  and 
published  in  the  Morning  Star. 

"  During  the  exercises  of  the  New  Durham  quarterly  meeting, 
notice'  was  given  that  brother  David  Marks  would  preach  a  sei  mon 
at  the  grave  of  Randall.  *  *  At  the  appointed  hour, 
hundreds  were  seen  in  various  directions  walking  solemnly  to  the 
sacred  apot,  *  *  *  Br.  Marks,  standing  in  a  chph- 
near  the  grave  of  one  whose  delight  it  was  to  call  on  his  fellow 
men  to  seek  God,  commenced  his  address.  After  remarking,  by 
way  of  introduction,  that  by  meeting  in  that  singular  manner  for 
the  worship  of  God,  they  did  not  expect  any  supernatural  effect  to 
attend,  he  proceeded  to  speak  from  Hebrews  11th  chapter,  and  last 
part  of  the  fourth  verse.  **  He  being  deady  yet  tpeakeUi.**  The 
general  heads  of  the  discourse  were  as  follows :  1.  Notice  the  death 
of  the  saint  2.  Show  how  he  yet  speaks.  8.  Make  the  applica- 
tion and  improvement.  In  further  treating  the  subject,  he  remark- 
ed :  1.  Death  has  lost  its  sting  and  is  precious  to  the  Christian.  2. 
The  saint,  by  the  sacrifice  of  his  life,  and  his  all,  speaks  after  death, 
God  testifying  of  his  gifts.  8.  Elder  Randall,  by  the  entire  sacri- 
fice of  his  life  to  God,  by  his  holiness  and  kumitUy^  still  speaks  to 
us.  On  account  of  time,  the  discourse  was  short,  but  instructive 
and  appropriate,  and  attended  with  much  of  the  influence  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  as  is  usually  the  case  with  the  preaching  of  our  dear 
brodier.  We  can  but  think  that  the  solemn  truths  advanced  will 
liave  a  deep  and  lasting  impression  on  the  minds  of  many.  Though 
ihe  people  generally  were  standing,  they  were  very  attentive,  and 
it  truly  appeared  as  though  God  by  his  Spirit  wa&  in  the  midst 
These  solemn  exercises  closed  by  prayer  by  Elder  E.  Place,  who 
seemed  to  feel  all  the  solemnity  of  the  occasion.  Quite  a  number 
of  the  servants  of  Gk)d  were  kneeled  around  the  silent  mound,  and 
our  brother,  while  in  prayer,  seemed  to  be  filled  with  strong  desires 
that  they  might  possess  much  of  the  persevering  and  unwearied 
spirit  of  the  departed  Randall.  Thus  dosed  a  scene  to  me  new  and 
very  solemn."        •    .    * 

Some  friends  had  expi^essed  their  fears  to  Mr.  Marks  that  his 
piety  must  suffer  from  having  so  much  secular  business  on  his 
hands ;  but  all  his  secular  avocations  were  the  result  of  the  same 
"benevolence  and  devotedness  that  had  constrained  him  from  boy- 
hood to  present  himself  as  a  living  sacrifice  in  the  service  of  God 


'€*uvt  mm  I. 


lu  his  business,  he  was  as  mucu  the  uouseontied  Chna- 


DAYID  MABKS. 


at  his 
Dn  his 
same 
boy- 
God 


291 . 

tiaii  as  !n  the  pialpit :  hence,  when  pressed  with  worldly  66aeSy  his  ' 
soul  enjoyed  spiritual  health,  and  as  his  temporal  avocations  were 
never  conducted  in  a  secular  spirit,  his  religious  enjoyment  seemed 
to  increase  in  circumstances  and  occupations  which  would  have 
been  hurtful  to  the  piety  of  many.  The  following  are  extracts 
from  his  correspondence  about  this  period. 

"  To  the  Benton  quarterly  meeting  to  be  held  Aagnst  10, 1833,  Greeting. 
My  dear  brethren, 

As  I  cannot  meet  with  you,  I  think  it  meet  to  report  my  situa- 
tion to  you  by  letter,  agreeably  to  the  advice  of  General  Confer- 
ence.   The  precious  cause  of  Christ,  which  I  embraced  when  a  lit- 
tle child,  and  confessed  among  you  with  trembling,  is  still  dearer  to  ; 
my  heart  than  every  thing  that  can  be  named.    A  conviction  of  . 
duty  in  the  service  of  our  great  Redeemer  alone  has  detained  me  '. 
from  coming  to  y^u  these  many  months.    I  long  agun  to  meet  with  i 
you  in  your  quarterly  sessions,  to  visit  your  churches,  and  pour  out 
my  soul  at  your  fanuly  altars.    I  doubt  not  that  you  have  afflio* 
tions  and  tnals,  for  these  are  inseparable  fiom  the  present  imperfect 
state  of  the  church.    Still,  blessed  be  God,  we  have  more,  yes,  abun-  : 
dantly  more,  to  encourage  us  than  to  discourage  us.    O  may  each 
of  us  serve  God  for  ourself,  and  serve  the  present  generation  for 
Christ's  sake,  that  the  peace  of  the  great  Head  of  the  chui  ch  may 
reign  in  our  hearts,  an^  that  we  may  hb  counted  worthy  to  stand 
in  the  Judgment        ♦        ♦        •^       •        ♦        » 

As  to  my  eiyoyment,  I  have  never  felt  n}ore  settled  peace 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  than  I  have  for  two  years  past ; 
and  never  did  I  feel  more  determined  to  spend  all  my  life  in  his 
service.  The  day  of  my  espousal  is  still  fresh  in  my  memory,  and  $ 
the  happy  seasons  I  have  hiad  with  you,  I  shall  never  forget.  O ; 
brethren,  watch  and  pray.  Be  not  discouraged.  The  Master  will 
come  and  wipe  away  every  tear  from  his  children.  Pray  for  me 
that  I  may  be  perfected  in  love.    Farewell. 

Yours  in  the  bonds  of  our  holy  religion, 

..,;.>        h  D.  Makks." 

"  To  the  Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting,  assembled  in  China,  N.  T., 
Aogast  24, 1882,  Greeting. 

My  dear  and  beloved  brethren. 

As  this  month  came  in,  the  remembrance  of  past  oppor- 
tunities in  our  yearly  meeting  called  my  attention  to  the  west,  and 
painful  was  the  thought  that  another  session  must  pass  before  I  can 
again  meet  you.  Though  communications  with  the  pen  are  cold; 
compared  with  those  enjoyed  when  we  meet  face  to  face,  I  gladly  ^^ 
embrace  this  privilege  to  assure  you  that  that  predous  cause  which 
engaged  the  attention  of  my  childhood,  is  still  dearer  to  my  heart 


ij::  m  yijmfj^fim* 


:>i...!?,i-.>-.3.^i 


292 


mMOIRt  OF 


than  aay  thing  or  every  thing  else }  yes,  more  precioufl  tblm  life. 
An  inspired  apostle  onoe  wrote  to  lUs  brethren,  that  be  had  no 
greater  joy  than  to  hear  that  they  walked  in  the  tinth;  and»  O  my 
brethren,  I  cannot  tell  the  anxiety  I  ^ed  to  hear  <^  your  state,  and 
how  much  I  fear  and  tremble,  lest  I  shall  hear  that  some  have  de* 
parted  from  the  faith  and  purity  of  the  gospel.  Not  that  I  have 
not  confidence  in  you,  and  hope  better  things  of  tou,  and  things 
that  accompany  salvation,  but  1  know  that  we  live  m  a  backsliding 
world,  surrounded  by  a  thousand  foes,  and  the  whole  history  of  the 
churcn,  in  every  age,  has  presented  almost  a  continued  dcene  of 
backdlMingf. 

In  many  places  in  New  Eitsland,  thd  state  of  religion  among  our 
brethren,  as  well  as  among  omer  denominations,  is  quite  encour- 
a^ng.  Still  there  is  much  to  he  done  before  the  church  shalllbe 
sattcofied,  and  the  glory  of  God  shine  without  a  cloud.  The  minid- 
ti7  must  be  putffiei,  become  mote  spiritual  and  devoted,  more  ^v- 
eii  tip  to  ikak  great  woilc,  and  better  prepared  by  a  thorough  knowl- 
edge of  the  Serintores,  aiid  the  influences  of  ^e  Spirit,  to  win  souk 
for  the  othet  -wixM.  Professed  Christians  mudt  be  s^ai^ted 
&(m  the  spirit  df  the  world,  fix>m  its  pride  and  vanities.  The  wot^ 
ship  of  Om  toast  be  established  in  every  fam%,  reli^ous  people 
mudt  t]rain  up  their  children  in  the  feat*  of  the  Loi^  and  covetous- 
nei^  must  be  suppressed.  Then  shall  the  ii(j^t  of  2{on  break  forth 
as  the  mortiin^  peace  shall  abottbd  ameng  the  churches,  and  the 
glory  of  God  fill  the  whole  earth. 

I  ptar  that  you  may  t>e  fkvored  With  the  presence  oi  the  great 
Head  of  the  cnurch,  and  that  aU  of  you  may  be  tender  hearted, 
lovhig  one  another,  and  forgiving  one  another,  even  as  Christ  has 
for^ven  us ;  and  also  be  subject  to  dne  another  for  the  Lord's  sake. 
I  beseech  you  to  remember  your  unworthy  brother  in  your  pr^ers. 
My  companion  is  still  with  me.  She  also  saluteth  you  in  the  Lord. 
If  the  Lord*  will,  we  think  to  6pend  the  ensuing  winter  with  you, 
but  many  of  us  may  meet  no  more  in  time.  T%e  angel  of  death 
has  flown  from  the  old  world  and  lighted  on  our  shores.  Before  he 
leaves,  doubtless,  he  will  conduct  many  of  us  to  eternity.  O  may 
we  be  ready  and  have  our  work  done  well,  and  in  season,  that  we 
may  meet  die  Lord  with  joy.    Amen. 

Twrd  in  Chriali^*^-"  --^  i^u^^j-  ■>■■ 
T>.  Mabks." 

«foumaI.  ^'  Saturday  and  Sabbath,  August  18  anct  19,  I  attend- 
ed the  Sandwich  quarterly  meeting.  The  large  meetihg  house  was 
flUed  to  overflowing.  The  power  of  Grod  was  present,  and  among 
ihe  number  that  presented  themselves  for  prayer  were  several  that 
had  been  hitherto  opposers.    At  this  time  t  read  an  oflicial  report 


DATID  MARKS.  ^ 


298 


stating  that  the  cholera  was  in  Boston,  also  that  during  the  July 
past,  there  had  been  three  thousand  and  forty  three  interred  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  most  of  whom  had  died  with  the'pestilence  1  It 
was  raging  dreadfiiUy  in  many  other  towns  in  the  state  of  New 
York.  There  were  many  instances,  in  which  people  in  the  high 
drdes  of  life  were  in  health,  and  cheerful  with  their  friends,  and  in 
four  hours  were  on  their  way  to  their  graves.  Business  was  at  an 
end,  and  New  York  and  Albany  were  gloomy  and  almost  deserted 
cities.  In  one  public  journal,  it  was  cfuculated,  that  at  the  present 
rate  of  mortality  in  New  York  city,  the  average  life  of  man  would 
be  two  years  and  twenty  days.  Alas  I  alas  I  Notwithstanding  the 
unparalleled  mortality  in  our  country,  great  stupidity  with  regard 
to  the  greatest  of  all  concerns,  seems  to  have  taken  possession  of 
the  people.    O  for  the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  ^ 

Wednesday,  Aug.  22, 1  preached  a  little  diy  sermon  in  Lisbon. 
Holy  Father,  pity  thy  unprofitable  servant.  The  following  Satur- 
day and  Sabbath,  I  attended  the  Wheelock  quarterly  meeting  in 
Sutton,  Vt.  in  the  meeting  house  built  by  Elder  John  Colby.  As 
not  more  than  half  the  people  could  be  convened  in  the  house,  the 
speakers  stood  in  the  door.  I  felt  especially  assisted  in  preaching 
on  the  subject  of  our  stewardship.  During  my  stay  in  Sutton,  I 
visited  Deacon  Thomas  Colby,  father  of  Elder  J.  Colby,  who  was 
very  sick,  and  was  thought  to  be  near  his  end.  I  found  him  strong 
in  the  Lord,  and  very  happy."  1 

After  the  dose  of  the  "Wlieelock  quarterly  meeting,  Mr.  Marks 
passed  through  New  Hampshire  to  the  state  of  Maine,  in  nearly  an 
easterly  direction,  ^md  attended  the  Farmington  quarterly  meeting 
and  the  Kennebec  yearly  meeting  in  "Wilton ;  thence  he  went  to  Fort- 
land,  preaching  as  usual,  distributing  books,  and  laboring  to  awaken 
an  interest  in  the  infant  Book  Establishment.  He  spent  a  few  days 
in  Portland  to  aid  Mr.  Beede  in  preparing  the  Free-will  Baptist 
Register  for  1833.  Such  had  been  the  arrangement  for  the  sale 
of  the  hymn  book  that  the  edition  was  exhausted  in  about  six 
weeks,  and  Mr.  Marks  had  been  enabled  to  meet  all  his  pecuniary 
engagements.  He  was  cheered  with  many  testimonials  from  intel- 
ligent brethren  in  favor  of  this  new  work,  of  which  the  following 
are  specimens. 

«  Randolph,  Vt 

The  H3rmn  book  exceeds  my  expectation,  in  the  selection,  ar- 
rangement, and  execution  of  the  work.  With  Pike,  also,  on  the 
character  of  Christ,  I  am  well  pleased.  Such  productions,  I  think, 
will  not  fail  to  excite  an  interest  in  the  Book  Establishment,  and 
produpe  among  us  that  concert  which  is  essential  to  our  prosperity. 
-yv-sif-j^j'      Yours,   t";'?^'--^  ^^^F^-'^-^f' - -^--r-- S.  RonmsoN.**''^ 


fl»4 


laiioiu  or  vu 


^  f4^:.mt.^<>^  «BoBTOir,  Sept.7. 

t  tsta  gUvd  the  hyniii  book  takes  so  well,  for  it  shows  disceroment 
cold  a  gwA  taste  in  onr  brethren.  The  book,  as  a  whole,  is  not,  in 
my  opinion,  excelled  hy  any  one  now  in  use  in  its  literary  charao- 
ter ;  and  its  religious  character  accords  fiiBr  with  the  sentiments  of 
our  denomination.  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  it  will  be  approved 
by  every  competent  judge.  Jobit  K.  Simpson.*' 

Another  edition  of  the  hymn  book  being  called  for,  it  was  deci- 
ded to  issue  it,  and  for  this  purpose  Mr.  Beede  was  again  onployed 
to  go  to  Boston.  So  much  expense  had  been  incurred,  and  so 
much  inconvenience  su^ered  for  want  of  a  printing  press,  that  Mr. 
Marks  (with  the  concurrence  of  the  Publishing  Committee)  was 
now  bent  on  purchasing  one,  especially  as  he  was  anxious  that  a 
periodical,  devoted  to  the  interests  of  religion  and  the  reforms  of 
lira  day,  should  be  issued  by  the  Book  CMicem.  He  c(moluded, 
however,  to  delay  any  action  till  the  meeting  of  the  General  Con** 
ference  in  October,  and  wut  their  advice.  The  cwductors  of  the 
Morning  Star  had  made  proposals  to  sell  their  establishment  to 
him,  as  the  Agedt  of  the  denomination ;  and  as  the  publishers  and 
patxons  of  that  paper  were  Free-will  Baptists,  and  the  issmng  of 
another  permdical  might  create  a  clashing  of  interests,  he  thought 
seriously  of  accepting  their  proposals.  The  Morning  Star  had  been 
published  for  seven  years,  and  had  about  one  thousand  and  six  hun- 
dred subscribers.  He  looked  forward  to  the  ensuing  Conference 
with  much  interest,  as  a  session  that  would  .do  much  for  the  pros- 
perity of  the  denomination.  He  wrote  to  Mr.  Beede  on  this  sub- 
ject as  follows :  "  The  mission  cause,  suj^rt  of  the  ministry,  the 
Book  Concern,  its  establishment,  number  of  directors,  its  rules,  a 
printing  press,  &  periodical,  &c  &c  are  weighty  subjects  on  which 
there  should  be  mature  deUberaticm  and  resolves  at  the  next  Gen- 
eral Conference.  I  wish  you  would  indite  some  resolutions  «hi 
these  subjects  previous  to  the  Conference.  If  brethren  of  piety  and 
talent  would  do  this,  it  would  greatly  facilitate  business  and  save 
precious  time." 

During  the  remainder  of  September,  Mr.  Marks  preadied  in 
several  towns  in  the  southwestern  part  of  Maine,  and  eastern  pwrt 
of  New  Hampshire,  attended  the  Mune  Western  yearly  meeting  at 
Farsonsfield,  and  the  ministers'  conference  of  the  Sandwich  quar- 
terly meeting  in  Holdemess.  The  latter  met  for  the  purpose  of 
discussing  the  Unitarian  views  <^  the  character  of  Christ,  and  the 
doctrine  of  the  annihilation  of  the  wicked,  there  being  a  few  mem- 
bers of  the  conference  supposed  to  believe  these  sentiments.  The 
discussion  ccmtinued  three  days,  and  resulted  in  the  following  re- 
solves.   "  That  we  agree  with  the  report  of  the  General  Confer- 


DA  VXD   MABKS. 


295 


ence  oa  the  diaracter  of  Christ — that  the  souls  oi  the  wicked  are 
in  a  stito  of  punishment  between  death  and  the  judgntent— ^at 
the  punidunent  of  the  wicked  is  without  end." 

During  this  period,  Mr.  Marks  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Beede^ 
from  which  the  following  is  taken. 

Boston,  Sept  19, 1832. 
*  *  *  My  views  upon  the  various  subjects  about 
which  we  have  conversed  so  much,  are  fkr  from  being  those  of  ed- 
ucation. If  they  were^  I  should  be  a  blind  sectarian.  They  have 
been  formed  from  careful  research,  meditation,  and  prayer.  My 
olyeot  has  been  to  know  the  tnUhf  not  to  find  this,  that,  or  the  oth- 
er opinion  supnorted.  To  get  a  knowledge  of  our  own  nature  and 
&cultiea,  suifiiaently  to  diatli^guieh  how  much  of  our  religbns  creed, 
attachments,  and  preferences  to  partieular  modes  and  forms,  is  the 
offspring  oi  pr^udtce,  education,  or  ^orance*^  and  how  much  is 
the  ofispring  of  God's  truth,  requires  an  extensive  philosophical 
studv  of  the  phjsica],  intelleikual,  and  mocal  powers  of  man,  with 
all  the  candor  wad  hiunility  that  a  heart  filled  with  God's  grace  can 
give  us.  The  spirit  of  a  man  ,onIy  knows  the  things  of  a  man ;  but 
u  the  things  of  a  man  are  not  studied  by  him,  he  ever  remains  i^^ 
norant  of  his  own  nature,  and  unless  he  has  mudi  fervent  duurity, 
he  becomes  a  bigot  rather  than  jk  Christian.  That  man  who  has 
become  well  acquainted  with  his  own  intellectual  and  moral  pow- 
ers, is  in  a  niiti^le  state  of  prepsTation,  through  the  illuminating 
power  of  God's  Spirit,  to  understand  G^'s  truth.  None  others  can 
consistently  hold  it  without  mixture  with  prejudice  and  imperfeo- 
iUm,  A  man  mi^  have  the  heart  of  a  saint  with  the  judgment  par- 
tially of  an  idiot.  He  may  p<M8ess  all  holiuess  of  heart,  and  yet» 
through  pr^udioe,  hold  doctrines  contrary  to  God,  and  that  would 
lead  others  to  ruin.  Hence  the  jproprietv  of  serving  God,  wi& 
body,  soul,  fmd  spirit ;  of  employing  all  Ihe  capacities  of  mind  a» 
well  as  of  our  wills  imd  bodies,  in  keeping  his  commands.  But,  my 
brother,  I  acknowledge  myse^  to  be  very  deficient  as  to  serving 
God  in  any  way  as  I  ought.  I  am  too  oflen  under  the  influence  of 
pride,  ignorance  and  slcdi.  So  fcur  as  you  have  seen  me  wroa{^  I 
wish  you  to  reprove  me.        •        #        *        ♦ 

From  twelve  to  tw^ity  persons  have  died  here  with  the  ch<^era. 
I  have  just  returned  from  a  walk  taken  to  inspect  the  district, 
where  the  pestilence  has  principally  appeared.  The  street  [Elliot  j 
is  the  most  noted  for  (urostitution  of  any  in  Boston.  It  is  low,  we^ 
and  every  thing  about  it  i^pears  filthy.  I  think  they  might  hon- 
estly have  the  diolera,  or  some  other  pestilence,  without  its  being 
communicated  fix>m  alaroadi        «        • 

Tours  ia love,         .,,...    :   .         ,    S.Bewsu'' 


„u 


;iii:i^^:l-; 


■■*f 


296 


MBM0IB8  OF  f 


^rJn  the  early  part  of  October^  Mr.  Marks  attended  the  Vermont 
yearly  meeting  in  Cabot :  thenoe,  preaching  daily,  he  went  to  Mer>' 
edith,  N.  H.  where  the  General  Conference  opened  its  sixth  session' 
October  10,  and  to  which  he  had  again  been  appointed  a  delegate 
by  the  Holland  Purchase  yearlr  meeting.  The  Conference  took 
lugh  ground  on  the  various  subjects  brought  before  them.  They 
resolved  themselves  into  a  temperance  society,  appointed  a  Boara 
for  Foreign  Missions,  and  a  board  of  Trustees  for  the  Parsonsfield 
Seminary.  As  there  had  been  much  misrepresentation  of  the  sen- 
timents of  Free-will  Baptists,  which,  in  some  places,  had  been  tt' 
barrier  to  their  usefulness,  the  Conference  decided  that  a  Treatise 
should  be  prepared,  embodying  the  general  views  and  practice  of 
Free-will  Baptists,  and  presented  to  the  next  Greneral  Conference 
for  their  approval.  The  Conference  highly  approbated  their  Book 
Agent  *'  for  his  faithfulness  and  ability  in  conducting  the  business 
in  all  its  parts,"  re-appointed  him  Agent,  advised  the  purchase  of 
the  Morning  Star,  and  added  three  more  to  the  Publishing  Coih- 
mittee,  viz.  Hosea  Quinby,  Silas  Curtis,  D.  P.  Cilley.  ^ 

The  foUowing^rticulars  relative  to  the  purchase  of  the  print- 
ing establishment,  are  taken  from  an  article  Mr.  Marks  addressed 
to  Free-will  Baptists  through  the  Star.  ' 

"  As  Agent  for  the  Conference, .  I  have  ventured  to  become  per- 
sonally responsible  for  the  payment  of  about  $3700  in  the  purdiase 
of  the  Morning  ^r,  in  order  that  this  establishment  may  become 
the  property  of  the  denomination,  and  this  periodical  be  under  its 
direction.  The  debts  for  which  I  was  personally  responsible  for 
the  Bo<^  Concern  at  the  time  of  this  purchase,  were  about  $2000 ; 
so  that  now  I  am  bound  for  the  payment  of  nearly  $6000  for  the 
denomination,  and  if  circumstances  should  be  favorable,  so  that  I 
can  with  the  utmost  diligence  meet  these  engagements,  then  what- 
ever profits  may  have  arisen  will  belong  to  the  denomination;  for 
I  have  given  an  instrument  according  to  law,  binding  myself,  heirs, 
&c,  to  deliver  this  property  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Conference— 
but,  on  the  other  hand,  if  pestilence  should  put  an  end  to  business, 
if  any  unforeseen  losses  should  accrue,  or  the  influence  of  enemies 
interfere,  or  if  the  indifference  of  brethren  should  prevent  success, 
if  these,  or  any  other  misfortunes,  should  blast  my  hopes,  and  ren- 
der payment  impossible — then  I  shall  be  exposed  to  all  the  af- 
flictions of  a  failure,  and  sustain  the  loss  of  all  my  own  property, 
wi&out  the  least  ground  of  redress  from  any  source,  except  it  be 
from  the  good  feehngs  of  the  denomination  to  which  I  belong.  It 
has  been  with  trembling,  and  after  many  prayers  and  tears,  that  I 
have  taken  upon  me  these  responsibilities.  I  would  have  preferred 
to  delay  the  purchase  of  the  printing  establishment,  until  the  funds 
of  the  Book  Concern  should  be  sufficient  to  purchase  one,  without 


DAVID  MABKI. 


287 


t 


contracting  a  debt,  but  circumstances  were  such  that  it  was  thought 
the  longer  the  purchase  was  delayed^  the  greater  would  be  the  dif- 
ficulty with  which  it  would  be  effected.  The  hope,  therefore,  that  ev- 
ery brother  will  lend  ahelping  hand,  and  that  by  gaimng  this  establidi- 
ment  for  the  denomination,  there  will  be  laid  a  permanent  foundation 
for  the  spread  of  rel{|^ous  knowledge,  by  which  hundreds  of  church- 
es will  bie  btittefited,  and  thonsancte  of  sonls  converted,  l^as  induc- 
ed me  to  enter  cheerfully  into  these  engagements.  *  But,'  said 
a  brother  tkioe  I  took  upon  me  these  obligations,  'Brother 
Marks,  I  fear  you  are  leaving  the  word  of  God  to  serve  tables.* 
The  answer  I  gave  that  brother,  I  would  g^ve  to  all  my  friend* 
who  have  similar  fears.  The  service  of  tables  is  the  procuring  of 
neoessariei  for  the  destitute.  Now,  so  ftsr  fh>m  leaving  the  word 
of  Qoi  to  do  tUs^  I  have  disregarded,  to  a  conriderable  degree,  my 
temporal  inteneat,  and  an  ea^  manner  of  livh^,  [Sor  the  sole  pur* 
pose  of  pobUdihiig  the  word  «  God,  and  dua  in  svch  a  way  aa  to 
lay  a  foundation  to  liable  others  to  publish  it  when  I  am  dead. 
I  do  believe^  if  h  shall  please  God  to  blesa  my  labors  to  the  sae- 
cest  of  thk  des^  I  shall  th^eby  be  made  mstrumentid,  in  the 
end,  of  convertu^f  ten  times  as  many  soals^  as  I  could  by  any  oth- 
er ooune«  Again,  another  (Ajjeota :  *  This  work  is  good  and  itt- 
ptniant }  bol  may  be  attended  to  by  others,  and  you  may  devote 
your  whole  time  to  preaching.*  I  have  bat  on4  work,  and  this  b 
the  publishing  of  the  gospdi  by  evevy  means  pofl6iMe,and  I  believe 
there  is  no  way  that  I  can  be  more  iMefbl,  tlwn  tiie  <mm  in  which  I 
am  engaged.  The  estatUishment  of  a  well  r^nlated  Book  dm- 
cem,  on  a  permanent  bairis,  is  a  task  attended  with  no  small  diffi- 
cult by  any  denomination.  Many  attempts  have  been  made, 
and  few  have  succeeded  to  any  extent.  Lideed  I  know  of  none 
except  the  Methodist  Book  Ccmcem,  and  that  has  been  favor* 
ed  with  great  advantages.        »        *        « 

D*  Mabks." 


'■f. 


nM 


^'fi 


m' 


\ 


298 


MKXOIKS  OF       t 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

Tour  to  New  Tork  and  Upper  Canada^  return  to  New  England^ 
another  tour  to  New  Tork,  labore  in  New  England  till  Septem- 
herf  1835,  return  to  New  York,  journey  to  Upper  Canada. 

Journal.  *^  At  tbe  close  of  the  General  Conference,  I  set  mj- 
face  towards  New  York,  accompanied  by  mj  companion.  We  had 
now  been  in  New  England  more  than  two  yean;  and,  for  i\A 
spread  of  the  gospel,  h^  been  sitdated  like  certain  preachers  that 
lived  in  Asia  eighteen  hundred  years  ago,  '  having  no  certain  abid- 
ing place.'  On  the  way,  we  attended  the  New  Durham  quarterly 
meeting  in  Canterbury ;  the  brethren  gave  me  the  most  liberal  con- ' 
tribtttion  I  had  ever  received.  In  Fishersfield,  I  had  an  interview 
with  Elder  Timothy  Morse.  [Elder  Morse  had  been  a  very  suc- 
cessful preacher,  and  was  cotemporaiy  with  BandalL  Ed.]  The 
June  previous,  I  Was  much  struck  with  a  remark  he  made  as  he 
arose  to  preach.  <  Brethren,'  sud  he,  *  I  have  come  to  finish  up 
my  work.  I  shall  never  attend  our  yearly  meeting  again,  or  preach 
to  you  any  more.'  His  sermon  was  more  like  the  last  warning  of  a 
fiuthful  minister,  than  like  usual  preaching.  Still  I  could  not  then 
think  he  was  about  to  die,  as  his  appearance  did  not  betray  much 
ill  health.  But  now  his  pale  countenance  witnessed  with  his  tes- 
timony that  his  end  was  nigh.  He  was  sitting  in  a^  chair,  with  a 
staff  in  his  hand,  just  able  to  walk  about  the  house.  Said  he,  *I 
have  finished  my  work,  and  am  almost  home,  and  all  I  fear,  is, 
that  I  shall  commit  sin  in  my  anxiety  to  be  gone.'  He  exhorted 
mQ  to  continue  steadfast,  and  expressed  great  comfort  in  the  re- 
flection that  he  had  preached  plain  truth  in  the  simplicity  of  the 
gospel,  witnessing  day  and  night  against  the  spirit  and  pride  of  the 
world.  He  said  he  had  felt  great  satisfaction  in  seeing  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  Book  Concern,  and  rejoiced  that  the  denomination 
was  furnished  with  such  an  excellent  hymn  book.  I  felt  very  sol- 
emn as  I  took  my  leave,  being  satisfied  that  his  abundant  and  faith- 
ful labors  were  done. 

Sabbath,  October  21, 1  preached  in  Windsor,  Vt,  and  during  the 
week  proceeded  to  Bussia,  N.  Y.  where  we  were  very  courteously 
received  by  the  Free  Communion  Baptists.  Sabbath,  Oct.  28,  I 
had  the  privilege  of  preaching  Christ  to  them.  Leaving  Russia,  I 
attended  meetings  with  the  churches  in  Fabius  and  Spafford.  In 
the  latter  place,  there  had  been  considerable  departure  from  the 
faith,  in  embracing  Mormonism.  Consequently,  the  exposure  of 
this  delusion  was  the  subject  of  discourse.    If  we  were  correctly  in- 


DAVID  1CABK9. 


299 


'.I 


in- 


fonned,  the  Mormons  had  gathered  a  church  of  about  forty  menu* 
bers,  naade  up  mostlj  of  Methodists,  Presbyterians,  and  Free-will 
Baptists.  Nov.  2,  we  arrived  at  my  fethei^s  in  Tyre,  (formerly  a 
part  of  Junius,)  where  we  met  a  very  affectionate  reception.  Aner 
having  a  solemn  interview  with  my  youngest  brother  in  an  acfjacent 
town,  who  was  thought  to  be  lying  at  the  point  of  death,  we  contin- 
ued our  joum^  to  Canandaigua.  A  revival  was  progressing  here, 
and  witlun  a  few  months,  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  souls 
had  been  added  to  the  Lord.  We  remained  a  few  days,  and  had 
heavenly  seasons  in  the  worship  of  God.  In  this  time  I  had  the 
privilege  of  baptizing  my  brother  next  younger  than  myself,  and  my 
onfy  sister. 

Tuesday,  Nov.  18j  we  left  Canandaigua  on  a  tour  to  Upper  Can- 
ada, and  on  arriving  at  Rochester,  were  courteously  received  by 
Mr.  Graham,  formerly  a  resident  in  Canada.  This  gentleman  con- 
tinued with  his  family  in  this  city  during  the  raging  of  the  late  pes- 
tilence. While  surrounded  by  the  overilowing  scourge,  Mrs. 'Gra- 
ham stood  by  the  bed  of  the  sick  and  dying,  to  administer  to  their 
wants,  it  was  thought  more  dangerous  to  be  with  the  dead  than 
with  the  sick ;  still  when  she  heard  that  five  had  died  in  a  neigh- 
boring house,  and  that  the  bodv  of  the  last  was  now  left  alone,  she 
hastened  to  the  deserted  dweUmg,  and  was  much  affected  by  the 
silent  gloom  that  reigned  in  this  house  of  death.^  She  returned 
^pme,  was  soon  seized  by  the  cholera,  and  .her  case  considered 
hopeless.  She  was  composed,  for  her  trust  was  in  God.  Med- 
icine had  the  desired  effect,  her  spasms  ceased,  and  she  recov- 
ered. 

Thursday,  Nov.  15,  I  attended  a  meeting  in  Clarkson.  .The 
church  was  enjoying  a  revival,  and  several  presented  themselves  for 
prayer.  The  Sabbath  following,  I  preached  in  Lewiston ;  next  day 
crossed  the  Niagara,  and  arrived  at  St.  Catharines,  wet  and  weary. 
Here  we  met  fHends  who  had  suffered  the  severest  bereavements 
by  the  cholera.  Leaving  St  Catharines,  we  proceeded  to  Hamil- 
ton, a  small  village  near  the  head  of  lake  Ontario,  where  we  were 
informed  that  the  pestilence  suddenly  made  its  appearance  without 
any  known  medium  of  introduction,  and  soon  forty-two  were  hur- 
ried to  eternity.  Nov.  22,  we  met  a  most  affectidnate  welcome  at 
the  parental  home  in  Zorra,  and  our  hearts  were  filled  with  thank- 
fulness for  that  guardian  care  and  protection  that  had  attended  us 
through  the  fatigues  of  a  long  tedious  journey,  amidst  the  nuns  of 
autumn,  and  the  deep  mud,  that  in  tlus  section  of  country  makes 
travelling  at  this  season  extremely  wearisome  both  to  man  and 
beast.  I  spent  ten  days  in  this  town  and  in  Oxford,  preached 
twelve  sermons  in  different  neighborhoods,  and  enjoyed  some  very 
comforting  seasons.    In  the  latter  town  we  visited  the  uoFeaved 


J.  »  xj/L.tijJjh'J^nf*     ^^  ''■*  ^-i- 


aoo 


MBXOnM   ov 


haHf  of  tht  late  OoL  C  IngenolL  He  oAdftted  at  oar  nuurriage 
eeremony,  end  for  wtrnttX  jean  irat  a  member  of  pariiaaMnt  In  a 
former  Tiait,  more  than  two  jean  einoe)  we  were  imeotionatelj  re- 
eeived  in  his  fiunilj,  and  tiie  sm  of  fortnne  thone  brig^j  on  all 
their  earthly  proapacts.  Mr.  IngenoU  did  not  profess  to  be  a 
Christian,  but  listened  witii  eomplaisanoe  to  mj  entreaties  that 
he  would  ehoose  the  better  part,  sometimes  dro|»ped  a  tear,  and 
as  the  claims  of  the  gosp^  were  nroed  upon  him,  confessed  his 
du^.  When  the'  choknra  unsheathed  its  sword  on  this  otmtinent, 
he  mvfted  his  friends,  whose  situation  «Kposed  them  to  the  pestl- 
hnee,  to  take  reftige  in  his  ratired  dwelling,  little  thinking  it  Wiould 
be  the  scene  of  its  ravagen.  He  had  continued  his  negleet  of  God 
tiU  a  few  weeks  prevkus  to  his  death,  when  he  became  verj 
thonghtAil,  and  buib,  at  his  own  expense,  a  small,  conrenient  house 
for  publie  worriiip.  He  flnallj  became  verr  solemnlj  impressed 
with  the  idea  that  he  was  going  to  die,  and  derided  to  submit  to 
the  BavSor.  Aeoordimrlj,  he  wrote  his  will,  and  felt  that  his 
peace  was  made  with  God.  6oon  after,  there  were  «  few  cases  of 
dwlera  fai  his  nbigblMihood.  Noct  Mr.  Ingersott's  son,  aged  thir- 
teen years,  was  aeiaed,  and  seem  afterwards  Mt,  IngersoU.  The 
«on  med  at  eight  in  the  morning,  was  buried  at  twelve,  A»  M., 
?«nd  the  fiither  at  eight  in  the  eyening,  and  at  the  lond j  hour  of 
iinidnigfat  wasiaid  in  the  graye  bj  the  side  of  his  son.  Ha  was 
fcomposed  and  faappj,  and  had  his  senses  tQl  a  short  tkne  before  his 

'^    Mr.  Madn  left  Oxford  on  Monday,  Dee.  4,  to  yisit  die  Free-will 

Baptist  churches  in  the  towns  west.    Some  particulars  are  detailed 

in  the  following  letter. 

**  LowDOH,  December  12,  ISB3^\^ 
"'Mj  ttoar  wife, 

*  **  On  the  day  I  left  my  <  world  of  comfort,' I  preach- 
f^  in  Westminstor.  Though  ti^ekly  settled,  tiiere  was  scarcely  a 
^professor  of  rel^^n  in  the  neiglAKnrfaood.  (Still,  the  people',  by 
t<heir  solemni'hr  mid  eittention  to  the  word,  mamfested  that  Ihey 
'I  srere  not  indimrent  to  *  life's  great  oonrem.'    Tnesdi^  eyoung,  1 

i»d  a  meeting  in  Nissouri,  and  the  day  following,  I  went  to  die 
Inorth  part  of  London,  aoeompanied  by  two  brethren.  We  had  to 
''iwim  oar  horses  oyer  the  nor&  branch  of  Uie  Thames ;  I  got  wet 
l^nd  was  much  fatigued,  and  -next  morning  found  Uiatmy  exposures, 
itegetiier  with  improper  food,  had  greatly  debilitated  my  stomach,  so 
Nhttt  I  haye  einoe  been  able  to  retmn  mUe  food  except  gmel  and 
fhroiled  iresh  meat  .As  a  eonseqnenoe,  my  strengUi  is  consi^rabfy 
^vedoeed.    I  hare  had  blessed  meetings  wiUi  the  ehurdi  in  London. 

rlSevoai  of  the  oneonyerted  in  the  yicinity  haye  ooyenttted  with 
line  to  sedL  the  Lord.    A  new  church  of  twenty*one  memben  has 


,-A  .   :j.ill!e^ii^..i^4ii3.ji, 


DATID  MjLBKI. 


SOI 


been  gathered  in  the  «ait  pMt  of  the  town.  In  Soathwold  I  fomd 
the  state  of  religion  k>w->-the  church  had  had  little  preaching  for 
many  months.  Our  meetings,  however,  were  consideMblv  refresh* 
ing.  There  are  now  fire  churches  of  our  denomination,  aU  situated 
within  forty  mfles  of  each  other.  I  am  of  opinion  that  thay  might 
be  proAtabiv  organised  into  a  quarterly  meeting.  I  am  to  preaeh 
again  in  thu  place,  and  then  in  Westminster,  on  my  retan  to  Ox- 
ford. 

Im  general,  I  have  felt  comforted  by  the  presence  of  our  dear 
Redeemer,  but  I  feel  the  need  of  befaiff  more  devoted  to  Him.  O 
that  I  w«re  more  spiritual,  more  humble,  and  that  my  faith  in  Ood 
was  stronger.  This  morning  I  felt  depressed,  under  a  sense  of  my 
unworthiness,  and  entered  into  a  covenant  to  be  more  ihithflil.  We 
have  but  little  while  to  stay  in  this  vale  of  tears,  and  my  prayer  to 
God  is,  that  ihe  interests  of  Zion,  the  saWatien  of  sonls,  and  the 
glQiy  of  Qodt  may  be  our  only  object  and  aim ;  in  this  way,  we 
shall  eigoy  peace  of  conscience,  peace  with  GU>d,  and  we  shaU  en- 
joy even  <Ai«  lift  better  than  it  could  be  possiMy  eiyoyed  o^erwise. 
Sometimes  ihe  thought  occurs,  that  we  may  not  meet  again  in  this 
world;  yes,  many  iriends  have  parted  even  indifibrently  for  a 
mnch  less  time,  who  never  met  again  on  earth ;  butr-4hank  kind 
Heaven  for  one  thing — ^while  we  have  been  (ogetfaer,  we  have  liv- 
ed in  the  bve  of  God,  and  shoold  <me  parting  he  a  Jtnal  one,  the 
one  that  diall  go  wSl  be  the  gainer,aiid  the  one  that  stays  will  have 
an  Ahnightjr  Protector,  Und  an  etcurnal  Fiiend.  O  how  good  it  is 
to  feel  and  know,  that  for  as  *  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  would  be 
gain ;'  therefore  let  ns  patiently  submit  to  God  In  all  things,  be 
thankfol  for  his  merdes,  and!  prepared  for  the  ills  of  life,  which 
are  inseparable  frmn  this  mortal  state.  My  love  to  our  paronts, 
brothers,  sister,  and  fHends.    Farewell.  v 

Tour  affectionate  husband, 

David  Masks."  >w 

Journal.  "  Dec  23.  We  bade  our  dear  parents  farewell,  and 
commenced  our  return  to  Ganandaigua.  I  preached  in  the  Metho- 
dist chapel  in  St.  Catharines,  and  was  abundantly  favored.  The 
people  treated  me  very  affeotionately<  Dec.  .29  and  80,  we  attend- 
ed the  M(Miroe  quarterly  meeting  in  Clarkson,  which  was  followed 
by  a  revival.  Becendy  in  Clarkson  village,  more  than  one  hun- 
dred had  turned  to  the  Lord.  Jan.  2 — 8, 1883,  I  spent  in  Canan- 
daigua,  m^aching  daily,  and  rejoiced  to  see  some  fhut  of  my  labors. 
Jan.  9, 1  set  out  for  the  Benton  quarterly  meeting  in  Middlesex ; 
such  was  the  state  of  the  roads  that  I  was  nearly  ten  hours  travell- 
ing ten  miles,  but  by  industry  and  perseverance,  I  succeeded  in 
getting  ^trough  the  next  day.  A  profitable  season  was  eigoyed, 
26 


8Q^ 


MIMOimS  Of 


I  I 


and  I  was  pennitted  to  greet  several  of  my  earlient  Christian 
fWends.  Leaving  Middlesex,  I  went  to  China  and  atf^nded  the 
Genesee  quarterly  meeting,  (formerly  called  Bethany.)  On  the 
Sabbath  the  congregation  was  large,  and  not  having  a  convenient 
house  fos  worship,  three  separate  meetings  were  held.  In  this  place 
the  Mormon  delusion  had  ensnared  several  who  seemed  to  have 
lost  the  power  to  reason.  In  vain  do  the  Christians  of  different  de- 
nominations think  that  their  many  conclusive  arguments  will  pre- 
vent the  spread  of  this  delusion.  Alas  I  there  are  thousands  who 
have  no  taste  for  reading  any  thing  till  the  Mormon  bible  comea, 
and  then  they  are  so  ignorant  as  to  think  it  all  wonderfulf  miracu- 
lous, and  purely  from  Qod.  If  their  leaders  And  any  dif^culiy  in 
persuading  them  to  do  any  thing  they  please,  there  Is  one  v:;>  y  i'\ 
which  they  are  sure  of  success.  Like  Mahomet,  thev  come  with  a 
new  command  Arom  Heaven,  exactly  suited  to  their  wishes,  and 
their  ends  are  accomplished. 

.  From  Jan.  21  to  Feb.  9, 1  preached  daily  among  the  churches  of 
the  Genesee  quarterly  meeting,  and  labored,  as  opportunity  offered, 
to  enlist  their  efforts  in  the  Book  Concern,  foreign  mission^  and 
the  temperance  cause.  I  next  attended  the  Erie  quarterly  meet- 
ing at  Little  Vallev.  The  reports  from  these  churches  were  re- 
freshing, though  there  was  a  great  cry  among  destitute  churches 
for  help.  The  meetin^d  of  worship  were  very  much  crowded,  and 
several  came  forwarl  ior  prayer.  The  Erie  quarterly  meeting 
has  now  twenty-throe  chvrches,  and  only  six  ordained  preachers, 
two  of  whom  are  laid  aside  on  account  of  sickness.  Two  years 
previous,  a  travelling  ministry  was  established  in  this  quarterly 
meeting.  Revivals  spread  under  their  labors  in  every  direction : 
nine  churches  were  gathered,  and  three  preachers  ordained.  One 
of  the  ministers  baptized  more  than  a  hundred.  Leaving  Little 
Valley,  I  met  thirteen  appointments,  and,  Feb.  27,  arrived  in  Can- 
andaigua." 

The  discussion  of  slavery  had  at  this  time  just  commenced,  and 
the  Colonization  Society  was  enjoying  the  <'cnfid'>nce  of  many  true 
friends  of  the  slave.    Mr.  Marks  wrote  thu^  mi  \,iih  subject,  in  re- 

Ely  to  a  letter  receivea  from  Elder  Elias  V;  Mt..\  vho  war  un 
1  North  Carolina.  Elder  Hutchins'  let  r  u  us  WxiUen  during  the 
prevalence  of  a  dreadful  panic  in  a  portion  of  the  south,  occasion- 
ed by  an  insurrection  of  a  few  slaves  in  Virginia,  led  on  by  Nat 
Turner. 

"February  15, 1888. 
^  Dear  Brother, 

^'j  »  «  «.  As  to  what  you  write  of  slavery,  it  is  true' 
'  .be  evil  is  gr^c/v  and  I  know  not  what  will  be  the  result  more  than 
^  :;u  do;  but  I  think  we,  as  a  nation,  may  boast  in  vain  of  freedom, 


DAVID  MARKS. 


S08 


838. 


Mrhile  we  hold  (  ir  fellow  n.  n  iu  slavery.  The  ekve  trade  has  l«d 
to  the  making  ot  iaw«  of  a  piece  with  it,  and  this  iniquity  is  estab- 
lished by  law.  Connected  with  slavery,  is  'he  expediencv  of  keep- 
ing the  poor  creatures  in  ignorance  ;  and  a  multitude  ot  evils  fol- 
low of  necessitv.  But  I  t>elieve  God  will  overrule,  and  these  sla- 
vish bands  will  yet  be  broken  off.  May  that  blessed  day  be  has- 
tened. As  to  the  danger  that  you  and  sister  Hut4 -ains  are  in,  from 
the  rising  of  the  blacks,  I  hope  you  will  not  let  your  heart  be 
troubled,  for  you  know  in  whom  vou  have  believed :  and  consoling 
will  be  the  reflection,  that  not  a  hair  of  your  heads  can  fall  to  the 
ground  without  the  notice  of  your  Heavenly  Father.  May  a  sense 
of  the  protecting  care  of  Him  who  delivered  you  from  the  tempes- 
tuous deep  during  your  voyage,  comfort  your  heart,  and  keep  your 
soul  in  perfect  peace.     But  as  we  know  not  when,  nor  how,  it  will 

E lease  our  Heavenly  Father  to  call  us  home,  it  should  be  our  daily 
ibor  to  be  ever  ready,  so  that  should  the  call  '  o  like  the  thief  in 
the  niffht,  we  may  be  ready. 

I  believe  a  Society  that  is  very  popular  has  boen  for  some  time 
in  successful  operation  for  the  removal  of  free  bla^^ks  to  a  new  col- 
ony in  Africa.  Some  of  the  first  men  in  our  nati*  >q  have  been  ao- 
tive  in  its  movements,  and  may  we  not  hope  tua  such  Societies 
will  yet  banish  slavery  from  our  shores.  But  if  the  rising  of  the 
blacks  is  the  wortt  difficulty  that  afflicts  you  in  North  Carolina,  it 
cannot  be  the  only  one  that  must  seriously  affect  the  people  of  that 
state.  The  course  pursued  and  stUl  persisted  in  by  South  Caroli- 
na, I  think  must  agitate  the  public  mind  in  the  vicinity  of  your 
travels.*  What  is  this  sad  affair  about  to  amount  to  r  In  this  sec- 
tion of  countrv,  the  people  are  generallv  much  incensed  against  the 
movements  of  South  Carolina,  and  a  spirit  of  war  is  so  much  awak- 
ened, that  I  am  sorry  to  say,  many  seem  to  thirst  for  blood,  and 
even  are  anxious  to  go  to  the  south  to  avenge,  with  the  sword,  Uie 
treasonable  movements  of  the  Legislature  of  that  state.  While  oth- 
er nations  have  been  in  commotion,  ours  has  long  enjo  ed  peace, 
and  has  little  appreciated  the  value  of  its  blessings.  ,  fear  our 
sins,  our  dreadful  sins,  have  provoked  the  Almighty,  anr  that  our 
nation  must  receive  of  the  cup  of  his  indignation.        *         * 

My  health  is  very  poor :  dyspepsia  and  other  diseases  render 
my  life  quite  uncertain.  But  die  Lord  reigneth.  Glory  be  to 
God.    Farewell.  Your  brother  in  Christ, 

David  Marks." 

Journal.  '<In  the  early  part  of  March  I  attended  a  few  meet- 
ings in  Scriba,  and  baptized  some.  The  brethren  were  steadfast, 
and  we  had  heavenly  seasons.     I  spent  the  remainder  of  the 

^  *  Reference  is  had  to  the  nullification  acts  of  South  Carolina*  ^ 


304 


MEMOIBB  or 


month  with  other  churches  in  the  Ontario  and  Benton  quarterly 
meeUngs.  My  dyspeptic  difficulties  had  severely  afflicted  me 
through  the  winter,  and  in  the  hope  of  being  benefited,  we  con- 
cluded to  '  keep  house'  a  few  days  in  our  own  little  home  in  Can- 
andaigua,  that  I  might  try  the  effect  of  a  regular  diet,  and  daily 
manual  labor,  at  the  same  time  preaching  less,  and  relinquish- 
ing  study.  My  health  under  these  circumstances  improved  rapid- 
ly, and  I  was  soon  enabled  to  labor  and  attend  to  business  some- 
tunes  twenty  hours  in  twenty-four*  Blessed  be  God  for  aU  his 
mercies. 

April  25 — 28, 1  attended  the  Monroe  quarterly  meeting  in  By- 
ron. It  was  a  time  of  mourning,  for  the  conference  had  before 
them  fair  examples  of  the  spirit  and  effects  of  false  doctrines. 
What  is  called  Campbellism  (being  understood  to  be  the  opinions 
of  Alexander  Campbell  and  Walter  Scott,)  had  entangled  the 
minds  of  some  of  the  preachers*  A  public  wscussion  was  held,  in 
which  one,  who  had  embraced  these  yiews,  argued  that  the  £U>ly 
Spirit  does  not  influence  or  strive  with  the  world—- that  his  mission 
was,  and  is  oonflned  to  the  diuroh  that  nono  have  been  ministers 
of  Christ  except  such  as  were  sent  personally  by  him,— -that  all 
true  ministers  in  this  day,  are  sent  by  the  church  to  convert  the 
world,  by  compelling  them,  with  sound  and  unanswerable  argu- 
ment^ to  believe  that  Jesus  Chritrt;  is  the  Son  of  God — ^thatthe  Scrip- 
tures, abstract  from  the  Spirit,  are  our  only  guide — that  the  only 
things  necessary  for  one  to  become  a  Christian  are,  to  assent  to  the 
truth  of  the  facts  contained  in  the  Scriptures,  reform,  and  be  im- 
mersed in  water— that  assent  to  the  truth,  and  a  purpose  of  heart 
to  obey  the  gospel,  are  sufficient  qualifications  for  baptism — ^that 
baptism  is  regeneration,  and  by  it  one  is  bom  again,  and  inducted 
into  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  has  the  promise  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
— 4hat  repentance  and  faith,  without  immersion,  do  not  entitle  one 
to  the  promise  of  the  Spirit.  On  this  occasion,  I  believe  the  Lord 
especially  assisted  me  in  defending  his  truth,  and  in  exposing 
the  fallacy  of  these  views,  which  rob  Christianity  of  its  life  and 
soul. 

After  attending  a  few  meetings  in  the  vicinity  of  Byron  and  Can- 
andaigua,  we  bade  our  dear  western  brethren  farewell,  and  com- 
menced our  return  to  New  England,  having  previously  notified  a 
line  of  appointments.  May  7 — 14, 1  preached  with  several  church- 
es, and  attended  a  session  of  the  Benton  quarterly  meeting  at  Mid- 
dlesex. Some  of  these  were  refreshing  seasons,  and  the  churches 
were  prospering.  May  15,  I  preached  in  Tyre,  (formerly  a  part 
of  Junius,)  the  place  where  I  commenced  a  religious  life.  Here  I 
was  filled  with  joy,  for  many  who  used  to  be  scoffers  of  religion  were 
now  happy  converts^    A  revival  had  almost  entirelv  chaneed  the 


DAVID  UABKB. 


805 


dtate  of  society,  and  rent  the  Bad  gloom  that  once  veiled  the  face  of 
this  people.  Indeed,  this  whole  section  had  been  wonderfully  bless- 
ed. In  the  month  of  March,  protracted  meetings  commenced  in 
Auburn  (a  few  miles  from  Tyre)  with  the  Methodists  and  Presby- 
terians, which  continued  five  weeks,  in  which  time,  as  we  were  in- 
formed, six  hundred  joined  each  society,  making  twelve  hundred 
that  in  this  short  period  professed  to  turn  to  God. 

Leaving  Tyre,  we  proceeded  on  our  way  to  New  England,  but 
met  with  difficulties  occasioned  by  a  late  flood.  The  turnpike,  near 
the  Montezuma  marshes,  for  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile,  was  over- 
flowed with  running  water,  from  one  to  two  feet  in  depth.  When 
we  had  passed  this  almost '  ocean  for  a  highway,'  we  hoped  we  had 
escaped  the  greatest  danger  in  our  journey;  but,  the  next  day,  soon 
after  leaving  Weedsport,  before  we  were  aware,  we  found  ourselves 
surrounded  by  water,  and  the  road  entirely  washed  away.  The 
only  alternative  was  t/>  proceed.  Our  horses  and  carriage  were 
washed  nearly  under  by  i  .^avy  current  and  some  damages  sus- 
tained. Through  a  kind'lrrovidence,  our  lives  were  preserved,  and 
after  a  few  hours,  we  were  able  again  to  go  forward.  Sabbath, 
May  19, 1  preached  in  Spafford  and  Fabius.  In  the  former  place, 
Mormonism  continued  to  bear  some  sway,  though  its  adherents  had 
been  divided  among  themselves.  Pursuing  our  journey,  I  preach- 
ed in  Eaton,  Hamilton,  Trenton,  Russia,  Norway,  N.  Y.,  m  Ar- 
lington and  Windsor,  Vt.,  and  on  the  8th  of  June,  arrived  at  Gil- 
ford, N.  H. 

June  9  and  10,  the  New  Hampshire  yearly  meeting  was  held  in 
Gilford,  and  its  interest  was  greatly  heightened  by  the  presence  of 
Mr.  Amos  Sutton,  General  Baptist  missionary  from  Orissa.  Hi& 
health  having  failed,  physicians  advised  a  voyage  to  a  northern 
climate.  He  decided  to  improve  the  opportunity  to  visit  America,, 
and,  if  possible,  get  some  missionaries  to  return  with  him.  His 
pale  emaciated  countenance  gave  an  additional  interest  to  his  ap- 
pearance. Ou  the  Sabbath,  it  was  judged  that  about  8000  were 
present ;  and  as  Mr.  Sutton  commenced  speaking,  every  eye  was 
fixed.  Said  he,  *  As  I  arise  to  speak,  I  seem  to  see  the  seventy 
millions  of  India,  with  bended  knees  and  tearful  eyes,  saying,  <Sir» 
plead  our  cause — plead  it  effectually.'  My  residence  is  near  the 
temple  of  Jugumath,  which  signifies  the  Lord  of  the  world.  There 
are  in  India  thirty-three  millions  of  gods.  There  are  more  mis- 
sionaries sent  out  from  Jugumath  to  invite  the  people  to  make  pil- 
grimage  to  this  temple,  than  there  are  from  all  the  Christian  world. 
I  have  seen  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  people  congregated  at 
once  at  the  temple  of  Jugumath,  and  have  also  seen  the  poor  wor- 
shippers throw  themselves  under  the  wheels  of  the  idol's  car,  where 
they  were  crashed  to  death  I  mashed  in  pieces,  and  as  the  spokes^ 
26* 


806 


UEuozBB  or 


which  were  made  to  project  through  the  felloes,  fell  upon  them,  I 
have  seen  their  blood  and  brains  spirt  in  every  direction  I'  Mr. 
Sutton  exhibited  a  number  of  idols :  Jugumath,  the  principal  god 
of  the  Hindoos,  was  a  strange  and  ugly  kxAing  image.  He  stated 
some  of  the  arguments  by  which  the  deluded  worshippers  of  Boodh 
or  Guadama  proved  his  divinity.  One  was,  his  ears  came  down  to 
his  shoulders ;  another,  that  he  could  sit  in  the  position  represented 
by  his  image.  [The  position  of  a  tailor.]  Another  argument  in 
proof  (^  his  divinity  was,  that  from  the  top  of  his  head  diere  arose 
a  kind  of  spire,  which  they  supposed  to  be  the  projection  of  the  rays 
of  glo^*  He  rdated  many  affecting  anecdc^s,  among  which  was 
the  following : 

<  One  day,  as  I  went  out  into  a  neighboring  village  to  preach,  I 
saw  a  woman  with  an  infant,  apparently  about  eight  months  old, 
lying  under  a  tree,  in  the  agonies  of  the  cholera.  She  was  from 
upper  Hindoostan,  and  had  probably  been  deserted  by  her  friends. 
I  gave  her  some  medicine,  ^t  she  soon  died.  The  poor  child 
Beemed  almost  fkmished.  I  *ried  to  get  some  one  in  the  village  to 
iake  it,  but  met  wSth  the  uniform  answer,  <'  Why,  let  it  die,  it  is 
only  a  girl.'  After  about  two  hours'  effort,  I  succeeded  in  getting  , 
a  tea-cup  half  full  of  milk.  As  the  little  creature  saw  me  approach 
her,  she  stretched  out  her  little  hands  towards  me,  as  if  she  would 
say,  'Sir,  have  pity  upon  me,  for  if  you  do  not,  there  is  not  one 
in  this  wide  world  that  will.'  I  could  not  resist  this  touching  ap- 
peal. I  took  the  child  home  to  my  wife ;  we  adopted  her  as  our 
own,  and  have  brought  her  with  us  to  this  country.  She  is  now  an 
interesting  little  girl,  about  five  years  old.'  Mr.  Sutton's  delinea- 
tions were  so  graphic  that  he  seemed  to  remove  his  hearers  to  the 
seat  of  idolatry,  and  to  cause  them  to  see  with  their  own  eyes  some 
of  the  sorrows  of  those  who  hasten  after  other  gods,  while  tears, 
sighs,  and  even  shrieks,  spoke  the  anguish  of  many  hearts.  At  the 
close  of  the  meeting,  a  collection  of  one  hundred  dollars  was  taken 
for  the  cause  of  missions.  How  criminal  have  been  our  ignorance 
and  neglect  of  this  holy  enterprise,  and  how  wonderful  that  provi- 
dence that  has  illumined  our  darkness. 

Monday,  June  11,  we  lefl  Gilford  for  Limerick,  Me. ;  and,  on 
the  way,  spent  a  night  with  brother  Hosea  Quinby,  preceptor  of 
Farsonsfield  Seminary.  The  prospects  of  the  school  were  good, 
and  some  more  than  sixty  students  were  in  attendance.  June  IS 
03ai  14, 1  met  with  the  Publishing  Committee.  The  Morning  Star 
had  been  enlarged  without  addition  to  the  price, — the  subscrip- 
tion list  had  been  much  increased,  and  Samuel  Beede  appointed 
one  of  the  assistant  editors.  My  time,  until  the  22d  of  June, 
was  closely  occupied  in  Limerick  and  vicinity,  in  preaching  and 


attending  to  busi 


inesfi  fnr  the  Book  C&acvm. 


DAVID  HABK8. 


807 


in 


had  a  very  interesting. interview  with  brother  Sutton,  and  some 
conversation  about  publishing  for  him  a  Narrative  of  the  Orisaa 
Mission. 

June  22.  Having  been  urgently  requested,  I  went  to  New  Dur- 
ham to  stay  a  few  days,  and  at  least  to  sigh  over  the  desolations  of 
Zion  in  me  place  where  our  denomination  took  its  rise.  The 
winds  of  doctrine  for  years  had  blasted  the  hopes  of  the  gospel  la- 
borer, and  Universalism  had  taken  many  in  its  snare.  Though 
the  state  of  the  church  in  this  place  could  not  be  compared  to  die 
temporal  desolations  that  have  succeeded  in  the  land  where  the 
gospel  ofChrist  was  first  preached,  yet,  in  general,  there  appeared 
little  activity  and  holy  zeal,  compared  with  what  we  might  expect 
in  a  place  where  Qandall  labored  so  much,  and  where  his  sleeping 
dust  reposes.  Alas !  «very  age  of  the  church  has  presented  a  prac- 
tical prod"  that  this  is  a  blicksliding  world.  I  held  a  few  meetings ; 
solemnity  clothed  the  congregations,  and  there  appeared  to  be  deep 
searchings  of  heart.  S{d}bath,  June  30, 1  preached  th^ijjk  times  to 
a  very  lajrge  assembly.  In  the  last  meeting,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
was  in  our  midst  like  the  early  rain.  Several  came  forward  for 
prayer,  five  of  whcnn,  in  a  most  afiecting  manner,  prayed  for  mercy. 
One  <^  these  soon  rejoiced,  and  another,  with  great  anguish  of  soul, 
confessed  that  for  two  years  he  had  tried  to  believe  Universalism ; 
but  now  he  knew  it  would  not  do,  and  in  the  presence  of  several 
strong  advocates  of  this  system,  he  eateestly  prayed  God  to  sweep 
away  this  refuge  of  lies.  This  meeting  continued  with  much  intei^ 
est  for  five  hours.  The  five  ensuing  days,  I  visited  from  bouse  to 
house,  and  attended  meetings.  Numbers  came  forward  for  prayer, 
and  several  were  converted. 

July  6  and  7,  I  attended  meetings  at  Great  Falls  and  Dover. 
At  the  latter  place  I  was  greatly  blessed  in  preaching  from  Phil. 
6:6—8.  "  Let  this  mind  be  in  you  which  was  also  in  Christ  Je- 
sus," &c  Never  had  I  felt  so  great  a  weight  of  the  subject  as  I  did 
at  this  time.  The  love  of  Christ  in  laying  aside  God-like  form  and 
riches,  that  we,  poor  rebels,  might  be  rich,  appeared  before  me 
with  inexpressible  majesty,  and  the  mandate  of  the  Scripture,  '  Let 
this  mind  be  in  tfouj  came  to  my  soul  so  full  of  meaning,  that  I 
was  filled  with  astonishment  that  Christians  could  be  contented  to 
do  so  little  for  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  I 
felt  so  much  convicted  by  the  truth  I  had  preached,  that  I  deter- 
mined to  contribute  more  liberally  to  missions  of  the  little  over 
which  Grod  had  made  me  steward.  During  the  week  I  held  sever- 
al meetings. 

Sabbath,  July  14.  At  an  early  hour  we  were  visited  by  a  thun- 
der shower,  and  a  beautiful  rainbow,  which  rendered  the  morning 
very  majesties    iSoOn  afterwards  I  learned  that  three  persons  were 


808 


MEU0IB8     OF 


killed  with  lightning  in  New  Hampton.  0n  this  day  I  held  five 
meetings,  and  baptized  a  young  brother  juat  converted  from  sin  and 
Universalism.  He  came  out  of  the  water  praising  God,  and  so  sol- 
emn was  the  scene  that  many  wept 

Having  agreed  with  Mr.  Sutton  to  publish  a  histoiy  of  the  Gren- 
eral  Baptist  Mission  in  Orissa,  I  went  to  Sandwich,  Monday,  July 
15,  and  engaged  brother  Beede  to  go  to  Boston  and  superintend 
its  publication.  Thence  I  returned  to  Limerick,  and  attended  to 
important  business  connected  with  the  Book  Concern.  Sabbath, 
July  21, 1  preached  to  a  large  assembly  in  Alton.  Great  attention 
was  paid  to  the  word,  and  fourteen  came  forward  for  prayer.  July 
28,  I  preached  in  New  Durham,  from  Luke :  *  Cut  it  down,  why 
cumbereth  it  the  ground?'  It  was  a  solemn,  weeping  season. 
Five  penitents  continued  kneeling  and  praying  for  about  an  hour, 
as  though  loth  to  leave  till  they  had  evidence  of  their  submission 
to  God. 

Since  il^  return  to  New  England,  my  New  York  correspondents 
had  continued  to  inform  me  of  the  havoc  Campbellism  was  making 
in  the  churches  of  ^e  Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting.  Until 
the  introduction  of  these  sentiments,  there  had  been  the  most  hap- 
py union  in  this  branch  of  the  Free-will  Baptist  denomination. 
Now  the  yearly  meeting  was  in  a  very  distracted  condition.  Four 
ministers  of  considerable  influence,  had  embraced  these  views,  and 
had  zealously  propagated  them.  My  mind  had  become  so  pain- 
fully exercised,  that  I  had  concluded  it  was  my  duty  to  attend  the 
next  session  of  the  yearly  meeting,  which  was  to  be  held  the  ensu- 
ing August,  five  hundred  miles  distant.  Still  there  were  obstacles 
in  my  way.  I  was  incurring  new  responsibilities  in  the  publica- 
tion of  works  in  the  press ;  the  expenses  of  my  journey  would 
amount  to  about  fifty  dollars,  and  it  was  a  critical  time  to  leave.  I 
had  scarcely  made  this  conclusion,  when  I  received  a  letter  from 
the  Monroe  quarterly  meeting,  requesting  me  to  attend  the  ensuing 
session  of  the  yearly  meeting,  and  offering  to  bear  my  expenses. 
As  I  had  been  stigmatized  by  one  of  the  leaders  of  this  schism,  as 
the  *  woiUd-be-pope,'  I  thought  the  presence  and  counsel  of  some  of 
our  older  eastern  ministers  would  he  a  blessing  to  the  yearly  meet- 
ing. Accordingly  I  went  to  Strafford,  and,  with  much  entreaty, 
persuaded  Elder  Place  "to  accompany  me,  paying  him  $10  to  em- 
ploy a  man  on  his  farm  during  his  absence,  and  obligating  myself 
to  bear  his  expenses,  or  see  that  they  were  borne.* 

Thursday,  Aug.  1,  I  went  to  New  Market,  and  met  a  very  af- 
fectionate reception  from  Elder  D.  P.  Cilley,  who  was  laboring  in 


*  A  little  of  this  expense  wa»  defrayed  by  brethren,  bat  Mr.  Marks  paid 
most  of  it.  • 


DAVID  lUBXB. 


809 


paid 


thie  place.  In  the  evening,  I  enjoyed  a  good  season  in  dispensing 
the  word  of  life,  but  I  understood  that  several  who  had  supposed 
the  minister  would  preach  so  as  to  electrify  them,  went  away  dis- 
appointed. During  the  three  days  following,  I  preached  in  the  same 
place.  The  Sabbath  was  a  day  of  intense  interest  My  soul  was 
unusually  enlarged  iu  speaking,  while  deep  solemnity  dothed  the 
audience.  Many  tears  were  shed,  and  there  appeared  a  prospect 
that  good  would  follow.  At  the  dose  of  the  meeting,  brother  CUley 
baptized  five  happy  converts,  nearly  all  of  whom  came  out  of  the 
water  shouting  and  praising  God.  The  large  attentive  assemblv 
on  the  banks  of  the  stream,  seemed  mudi  affected.  A  revival  fol- 
lowed, and,  I  was  informed,  that  two  days  after  this  meeting,  twen- 
ty were  converted.  The  week  following  I  spent  in  Limeridc,  ma- 
king preparation  for  my  journey.  Sabbath,  Aug.  11,  I  preached 
three  sermons  at  Great  Falls,  and  the  <  word  of  &e  Lord  was  like 
fire  shut  up  in  my  bones.' "  f 

The  lociUioa  <n  the  pjnnting  office  at  Limerick,  Me.,  which  wsus 
an  inland  town,  without  a  bindery,  and  visited  by  the  mail  only 
twice  a  week,  subjected  Mr.  Marks,  as  Agent,  to  much  expense 
and  perplexity,  and  he  had  for  some  time  been  decided  to  effect,  if 
possible,  its  removal.  But  wishing  to  avoid  censure,  he  concluded 
to  submit  the  matter  to  the  ensuing  G«neral  Conference.  He 
wrote  Mr.  Beede,  who  was  still  in  Boston,  on  this  and  other  sub- 
jects, as  follows : 

"August  9, 1888.  ^ 
:    My  dear  brother, 

*  *  About  4500  copies  of  the  Scriptural  Catechism 

are  published,  but  we  have  almost  endless  perplexities  in  publish- 
ing books  in  the  country.  Just  to  print  this  little  work,  we  have 
had  to  send  a  man  twice  to  Portland,  [80  miles,]  and  in  one  in^ 
stance,  he  had  to  stay  five  days,  waiting  for  paper.  Brother  Burr 
and  myself  are  about  discouraged.  We  think  the  removal  of  the 
office  die  only  remedy ;  the  sooner  the  better,  unless  we  should  in- 
cur censure.  I  think  it  should  be  removed  by  the  advice  of  Con- 
ference, as  soon  as  the  first  of  November,  either  to  Dover  or  Bos- 
ton. 

JuW-  80, 1  attended  the  first  meeting  of  the  corporation  of  the 
Strairord  Academy.  The  Legislature  has  granted  the  corporation 
the  privilege  of  holding  $15,000  without  taxation.  About  SIOOO  have 
been  subscribed,  and  the  building  is  to  be  enclosed  and  fitted  for  a 
school  by  the  15di  of  October.  I  feel  deeply  the  want  of  a  syste- 
matic, theological  course  of  study.  You  have  been  instrumental,  in 
some  measure,  in  correcting  my  opinions  on  different  points,  and  for 
this  I  thank  you.  I  hope  ybu  will  continue  your  favors,  and  give 
me  your  advice  with  regard  to  the  course  of  study  most  advisable 


810 


MSM0IB8  OF 


for  me  to  pursue,  the  time  best  to  spend  in  it,  &c  &c.,  and,  withal, 

J  ray  for  me,  that  I  may  «ver  be  humble,  like  a  little  child,  and  that 
may  be  filled  with  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.  For  some  months 
past,  I  have  had  such  a  sense  of  the  imperfect  state  of  the  church, 
the  lack  of  energy  in  its  ministers  and  membership,  that  my  heart 
has  bled  at  every  pore,  until  sometimes  I  have  almost  feared  I 
should  bleed  to  death.  Do  give  me  any  advice  you  may  see  need- 
ful, with  regard  to  my  exertions  for  the  service  of  Zion.  I  am 
willing,  yes,  it  is  my  blessed  privilege,  to  i^ve  all  I  have  for  the 
sanctification  of  the  church  and  the  salvation  of  the  world.  God 
has  already  made  you  instrumental  of  much  good  among  us.  May 
you  keep  very  humble,  live  in  the  Spirit,  and  feel  your  dependence 
on  our  Heavenly  Father,  that  your  usefulness  may  abound.  I 
feel  my  spirit  greatly  stirred  up,  and  pressed  to  write  on  different 
topics  in  the  Star.  I  have  written  down  about  fifty  subjects,  on 
which  I  wish  I  could  write  immediately. 

?.'  I  have  been  well  pleased  in  general  with  your  articles  in  the 
Star.  Some  complain  of  your  pointed  pen  and  severe  rebukes. 
*  •  •  f  •  With  you,  I  am  satisfied  that  our  denom- 
ination needs  a  great  reform :  and  may  God  nve  you  faith,  wis- 
dom, and  success,  as  a  reformer  among  us.  ^though,  when  i  can- 
not see  the  propriety  or  usefulness  of  a  measure,  I  must  tinder- 
stand,  and  judge,  and  act  for  myself,  I  assure  you,  I  wUl  not  de- 
sert you,  so  long  as  I  am  convinced  that  reform  will  be  the  effect 
of  your  labor,  and  thus  long  I  shall  be  happy  to  be  a  io-worker 
with  you.  I  have  sometimes  feared  you  would  be  discouraged  and 
leave  the  denomination;  and  then  again,  I  have  thought  you 
would  be  compelled  to  stay  with  us  for  conscience  sake,  however 
much  you  may  be  grieved  with  our  imperfections.  «  * 
Farewell    Your  lnx>ther  in  tribulation,  D.  Mabks."  ^ 

:    Mr.  Beede's  reply  contained  the  following: 

*  *  "I  am  glad  to  have  you  collect  the  objections  you 
find  brethren  making  to  any  thing  of  mine,  and  wish  careftilly  to 
weigh  them  all.  The  welfare  of  our  denomination  lies  near  my 
heart.  I  am  fully  convinced,  that  unless  a  bold  hand  of  reform 
and  improvement  is  exerted,  our  prosperity  cannot  be  secured. 
Slight  exertions  can  accomplish  nothing  answerable  to  the  crisis, 
because  we  need  much  change  from  long  established  practices,  and 
in  the  face  of  determined  opposition.  With  this  view,  I  have  purr 
sued  the  course  I  have,  in  the  Star,  in  perfect  accordance  with  the 
instructions  of  my  brethren  of  the  Committee  at  their  session  in 
January  last.  My  instructions  Were  to  exhibit  Scripture  doctrine. 
This  I  have  endeavored  to  do,  carefuHy  withholding  every  thing 
offensive,  which  the  crisis  does  not  absolutely  demand.    I  expect 


:i-i^'dt;v-A&'lC\^.''j:^'Al'S'jii^i:J.'^:^\^ 


DAVID  MARKS. 


811 


.h: 


opposition — it  cannot  be  otherwise.  I  look  for  many  to  be  dissat- 
isfied---it  must  necessarily  be.  I  do  not  intend  to  faint  nor  be  in- 
timidated in  a  good  cause,  so  long  as  I  profess  the  name  of  Christ. 
But  unless  reform  succeeds  with  a  powerful  hand,  numbers  of  our 
intelligent  members  will  leave,  for  their  usefulness  would  in  their 
view  be  more  promising  in  some  other  denomination  than  ours. 
When  I  contemplate  the  pointed  exhibitions  of  errors  and  sins,* 
and  the  sharp  reproofs  for  them,  that  are  conspicuous  in  Christ's 
teaching  addressed  to  the  Jews — ^in  the  epistles  to  the  Corinthians 
and  Galatians  (one  of  which  reproofs  was  given  to  the  inspired 
apiostle,  Peter) — in  the  epistles  of  James  and  Peter— and  in  those 
addressed  to  Uie  seven  churches  of  Asia — and  when  I  reflect  that 
all  these  were  addressed  directly  to  the  professed  followers  of  Grod, 
or  professed  teachers  of  the  people,  and  that  too  in  a  public  man- 
ner ;  and  when  I  am  also  conscious,  that  the  most  useful  and  pious 
servants  of  the  church  in  every  denomination,  present  and  past, 
have  exposed  the  obvious  sins  and  imperfections  of  their  brethren, 
and  sharply  rebuked  them  before  the  worl^  my  soul  shudders  that 
I  have  ventured  forward  no  more  boldly  through  the  Star — and  I 
tremble,  I  fear,  for  that  temporizing,  softened  policy  that  is  in  so 
high  esteem  among  us.  Unless  abandoned,  it  will  eventually  ruin 
us,        *        •        *        Yours  in  love,  S.  Bbbde." 

The  following  letter  contains  a  few  partictilars  connected  with 
Mr.  Marks'  tour  to  New  York  to  attend  the  Holland  Purchase 
yearly  meeting. 

"Btbon,  August  26, 1833.  I 
My  Dear  Wife,  t 

*  *  I  met  Elder  Place  at  Alton,  Tuesday,  August 
12 ;  next  morning  w^^-iiet  oflf,  and  Friday  night,  arrived  at  your 
brother's  in  Arlington,  Vt.,  where  we  left  our  carriage  and  took  the 
stage  for  Albany.  Being  detained  two  hours  in  Albany,  we  visit- 
ed the  State  House  and  City  Hall,  two  very  superb  buildings.  In 
the  City  Hall,  we  saw  the  most  striking  and  solemn  painting  that 
I  ever  beheld.  It  was  "  Danby^s  Opening  of  the  sixth  seal"— the 
judgment  day.  Even  the  sight  was  truly  awful.  We  did  not  see 
a  smile  among  the  visitants,  and  as  for  myself,  I  could  not  refrain 
from  tears.  The  painting  was  ten  feet  by  eight.  First,  there  was 
a  view  of  the  sun  turned  to  the  blackest  darkness,  and  the  heavens 
wrapped  in  the  most  dismal  gloom.  In  these  clouds  of  darkness, 
there  appeared  streaks  of  lightning  interspersed  among  their  thick 
dark  folds.  Next,  there  was  a  column  of  light,  incomparably 
brighter  than  any  fire  I  ever  saw,  darting  from  the  frowning  heav- 
ens, representing  the  appearance  of  the  Son  of  God  not  yet  come 
in  sight.    In  the  middle  of  the  view,  the  brightest  fire  was  blazing, 


81S 


MBMOnS  ov 


and  flames  were  starting  up  behind  the  falling  cities,  and  the  crum- 
bUnff  moontains  tossing  to  aaod  fh>.  All  claises  of  men  were  in 
oonrasion ;  a  slave,  almost  naked,  stood  with  broken  manadesi 
reaching  his  hands  toward  heaven  and  looking  iqpward,  while  kings 
lay  helpless  at  his  feet  Over  the  wreck  of  all  created  matter,  a 
small,  pure,  undqpded  cross  personified  that  mi^est  j  which  is  be- 
yond all  human  power  to  conceive.  But  language  fails  to  give  a 
just  representation.  Please  read  the  sixth  chapter  of  Revela* 
tion,  and  pictore  to  your  imagination  the  most  literal  accomplish* 
ment  of  every  word.* 

At  Albany  we  took  the  ndlroad  for  Schenectady.  I  must  de-* 
lay  a  particular  description  of  this  wonderfiil  modem  invention  till 
I  see  you.  It  is  a  mode  of  travelling  which  I  assure  you  exactly 
suits  me.  O,  what  fadfities  for  spreaiding  the  gospel  will  railroads 
and  steam  navigation  yet  furnish.  At  Schenectady  we  took  a  tem* 
petance  boat  Soon  a  man  in  tattered  garmento  came  on  board, 
begging  a  free  passage.  In  a  few  minutes,  be  took  from  his 
podcet  a  bottle  and  drank.  Tliis  made  him  very  religioii»:  he 
said  he  had  had  the  good  seed  sown  in  his  heart  aad  if  he  should 
drink  ten  thousand  tuDgsheads  of  mm,  it  would  not  unchristianize 
him. 

Augnst  22,  we  arrived  in  Byron,  met  several  ministers  and  in 
the  evening,  I  had  a  most  refreshing  time  in  preadiing.  The  ses- 
pion  of  the  yearly  meeting  commenced  n^t  morning,  tt  was  a 
very  interesting  though  trymg  season.  I  think  the  object  of  our 
journey  (the  suppression  of  the  spread  of  Campbellism  among  us) 
is  accomplished;  but  it  will  be  some  time  before  our  western 
churches  will  recover  from  the  shock  they  have  received.  Three 
ministers  who  have  been  active  in  the  dissemination  of  these  er- 
rors, are  now  disowned,  tt  has  been  a  painful  ordeal.  The  year- 
ly meeting  resolved  itself  into  a  temperance  society,  and  the  meet- 
ings of  worship  were  enconra^ng.  Sabbath  evening,  seventeen 
or  eighteen  presented  themselves  for  prayer,  and  durhig  the  year- 
ly meeting,  two  or  three  found  p^ace  in  believing. 

Since  I  parted  with  you,  I  have  thought  of  you  much,  and  have 
missed  you  all  the  time,  but  have  kept  my  mind  so  close  to  my 
studies,  and  to  the  duties  before  me,  that  I  have  had  no  time  to 


*  The  public  poornals,  both  m  England  and  America,  were  lavish  in  their 
encominms  of  tnis  celebrated  painting.  It  was  prononnced  by  some  English 
jndges,  the  greatest  picture  of  the  kind  ever  spread  on  canvass ;  and  it  -vras 
stated  that  "  from  the  fame  it  gained,  his  Majesty,  George  IV.,  desired  to  be 
the  purchaser ;  bnt  this  right  was  claimed  by  Wm.  Beekford,  Esq.  of  Fonthill 
Abbey,  he  having  made  previous  application.  The  honorable  members  of  die 
British  Institution,  being  also  excluded  the  privilege,  presented  the  artist  with 
three  hundred  guineas  as  a  reward  of  his  talent." — [£d.] 


i\h- 


DAVID  MABKI. 


aia 


give  up  to  lonely  f^elingi.  When  I  reflect  how  ey«ne6cent  are  tXL 
Uie  joys  of  this  world,  and  how  soon  you  and  I,  and  all  our  friends, 
will  be  no  more  on  the  earth,  and  have  no  share  in  all  thjRi  is  done 
under  the  sun,  O,  how  empty  this  world  iq;>pears.  Time  jA^ea 
pleasures  for  a  few  da^s — eternity  takes  ns  from  them  all.  Time 
gives  objects  of  pursuitr— eternity  rends  us  fttnn  them.  In  time, 
our  friends  give  us  oomfortr— in  eternity,  God  will  be  oar  only 
fbuntun  of  happiness.  O,  my  dear  MarUla,  mapr  that  Christian 
calmness,  affection,  faitUulaess,  and  devotion,  whieh  have  hitherto 
marked  your  conduct,  and  interwoven  your  soul  with  mine,  mark 
your  paUi  tiU  death.  If  you  weep,  may  the  Lord  bottle  your  tears, 
and  pour  the  sweet  consolations  of  heaven  into  your  cup.  Fare- 
well. Your  affectionate  husband, 
, ,  D.  Makkb."  „ 

Mr.  Marits  returned  to  Kew  England  the  early  part  of  Septem- 
ber, attended  a  **  three  days'  meeting''  in  Northwood,  and  preach- 
ed in  several  towns  on  his  way  to  limerick.  He  spent  a  few 
days  in  this  tour,  preparing  his  business  for  the  inspection  of 
the  Publishing  Committee,  who  were  soon  to  meet^  and  in  mak- 
!ng  a  report  of  the  Book  Concern  affairs  for  the  ensuing  General 
Conference.  The  latter  part  of  September  he  again  wrote  in  his 
journal: 

"  September  27, 1  attendeid  the  ftiheral  of  a  woman  in  Actoii, 
Me.,  who  triumphed  gloriously  in  her  last  conflict  The  assembly 
was  greatly  melted  by  the  truths  presented,  and  my  own  soul  deep- 
ly felt  their  power.  The  text  was  Job  14:12.  "  So  man  lieth 
down  and  riseUi  dot :  tiU  the  heavens  be  no  more  the^  shall  not 
awake  nor  be 'raised  out  of  their  sleep."  My  propositions  were 
as  follows.  1.  That  sin  is  the  original  cause  of  death.  2.  That 
though  occasioned  by  transgression,  God  had  appomted  it  in  jus- 
tice, and  for  our  good.  3.  That  through  grace  it  is  a  pturt  of  the 
Chnstian's  Treasure.  4.  That  the  circumstances  attendant  on  our 
dissolution  are  calculated  deeply  to  impress  the  human  mind.  5. 
That  death  is  a  state  of  sensibility  to  the  soul.  6.  llbat  man  shall 
live  again.  7.  l^t  future  existence  will  be  infinitely  joyous  to 
the  righteous,  and  sorrowful  to  the  wicked.  8.  That  as  we  are 
forming  characters  for  our  eternal  destiny,  we  should  be  careful 
how  we  live. 

September  30,  I  preached  twi<!e  in  Springvale,  and  next  day, 
met  ^e  publishing  Committee  at  Limerick.  X  found  considerable 
sensitiveness  existing  in  Limerick  and  vicinity  about  the  proposed 
removal  of  the  printing  oflice.  Slanderous  reports  were  in  circu- 
lation, designed  to  shake  the  public  confidence  in  my  integrity,  and 
produce  the  impression  that  I  intQode4  to  mtwo^Mze  for  Mjoyfjf^ 


du 


ycMoxBt  or 


selflflh  parposesi  aU  the  property  of  the  Book  Concern.    But  "  it  is 
'  enough  that  the  servant  be'as  his  lord.    If  they  have  called  the 
Master  of  the  house  Beelzebub,  how  much  more  shall  they  call 
them  of  his  household  ?" 

October  9—15.  I  attended  the  seventh  session  of  the  General 
Conference  m  Strafford,  Vt.  as  a  delegate  Arom  the  Holland  Pur- 
chase yearly  meeting.  It  was  a  very  interesting  time,  and  the  busi- 
ness was  transacted  with  more  unanimity  than  on  any  former  occa- 
sion. A  delegate  was  received  from  the  Free  Communion  Baptists 
in  New  York,  and  it  was  agreed  to  continue  the  correspondence 
with  this  body  of  Christians,  hoping  that  we  shall  yet  become  one 
pemile. 

The  Conference  advised  the  removal  of  the  pointing  office  to 
Dover,  re-appointed  me  Agent,  and  S.  B.  Dyer,  S.  Curtis,  W. 
Burr,  and  D.  P.  Cilley,  Publishing  Committee,  and  agreed  that  we 
should  be  governed  by  the  following  rules.    '<!.  It  shall  be  the 
dutv  of  the  Book  Aeent  to  notify  the  Publishing  Committee  of 
their  appointment  and  call  the  first  meeting  of  the  Committee,  which 
shall  be  within  one  month  from  the  Conference.    2.  He  shall  pro- 
vide the  necessary  buildings  and  utensils  for  the  printing  establish- 
ment, publish,  and  as  far  as  practicable,  make  sales  of  all  such 
books  as  the  Committee  shall  direct ;  collect  all  monies,  and  pav 
all  debts ;  provided,  however,  that  "^  hftnever  the  Agent  shall  think 
the  Committee  require  him  to  exceec  the  proper  l^unds  in  incur- 
ring expenses,  he  may  request  them  to  give  him  security,  and  in 
'  case  they  omit  to  do  this,  the  Agent  shaU  be  at  liberty  to  decide 
whether  to  publish  or  not    8.  It  shall  be  the  privilege  of  the 
Agent  to  cast  his  vote  with  the  Publishing  Committee  in  all  mat- 
ters relative  to  the  Book  Concern.    4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Agent  to  report  the  state  of  his  accounts  and  of  the  Book  Con- 
'  cem,  to  the  General  Conference.    5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Publishing  Committee  to  employ  the  printer  and  editor  or  editors 
to  manage  the  publication  of  the  Morning  Star,  to  fill  vacancies  in 
the  committee  and  agency — ^to  select  and  prepare  for  publication 
such  books  as  they  may  deem  expedient — and  give  to  the  Asent 
such  direction  as  they  shall  think  essential  to  the  prospierity  of  the 
'establishment.    6.  They  shall  annually  examine  and  settle  the  ac- 
counts of  the  Agent,  and  report  their  doings  to  the  General  Con- 
ference.   7.  In  case  the  Agent  should  not  properly  manage  the 
httsiness  of  the  Book  Concern,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Publish- 
ing Committee  to  make  examination,  and,  if  necessary,  to  dismiss 
him,  see  that  he  is  cleared  from  his  engagements,  and  appoint  an- 
other in  his  stead." 

The  «  Treatise  on  the  Faith  of  the  Free-will  Baptists"  in  man- 
uscript was  read  to  the  Conference.    Its  sentiments  with  some 


rr 


ut"itis 
lied  the 
iiey  call 

General 
id  Pur- 
Lhe  basi- 
er  occa- 
Baptists 
ondence 
»me  one 

office  to 
itis,  W. 
that  we 
i  be  the 
aittee  of 
)e,  which 
hallpro- 
sstablish- 
all  such 
and  ]^av 
tail  think 
in  incur- 
,  and  in 
0  decide 
;e  of  the 
all  mat- 
7  of  the 
ok  Con- 
of  the 
editors 
ancies  in 
)lication 
.  Agent 
ty  of  the 
3  the  ac- 
ral  Con- 
lage  the 
Publish- 
dismiss 
}oint  an- 

in  man- 
th  some 


DATID  MABK8. 


816 


amendments  were  approved.  The  work  was  then  committed  to 
the  Publishing  Committee  and  Agent  to  abridge  and  revise  for 
publication.  A  committee  of  five  were  also  appointed  to  meet 
with  them  to  examine  the  work  as  soon  as  it  was  done,  and  if  nec- 
essarv,  give  it  a  further  revision,  and  certify  that  the  sentiments, 
as  len  by  the  Conference,  have  been  rettdned  by  the  Committee 
and  Agent.  *  « 

Brother  Sutton  attended  the  Coqference  and  gave  a  new  im- 
pulse to  the  missionary  cause.  As  he  had  decided  to  visit  England, 
the  Conference  addressed  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  the  General 
Baptist  Mission  Society,  requesting  them  to  permit  Mr.  Sutton,  on 
his  return  from  England,  to  labor  with  us  for  a  season  to  forward 
the  missionary  enterprise  amonff  us." 

The  following  extract  is  t«£en  from  a  copy  of  a  letter  Mr. 
Marks  wrote  at  this  time  to  Mr.  J.  6.  Pike,  Secretary  of  the  Gen- 
eral Baptist  Mission  Society,  and  known  in  this  country  as  the  au- 
thor of  "  Persuasives  to  Early  Piety,"  "  Guide  to  Young  D<<>ci- 
pies,"  dec. 

<<Stbaffobd,  Yt.,  October,  1888. 
My  Dear  Brother, 

When  I  was  sixteen  ^eara  old,  while  on  a  passa^  up  lake 
Erie,  I  formed  a  short  acquaintance  with  three  persons  trom  Eng- 
land, who  said  they  were  members  of  a  religious  community  call^ 
General  Baptists.  Finding  their  sentiments  nearly  the  same  as 
those  of  Free-will  Baptists  in  America,  I  became  much  interested 
in  them.*  They  handed  me  several  books ;  and  among  them  was 
your  "Persuasives  to  Early  Piety."  This  I  read  with  avidity, 
and  on  parting  with  my  new  friends,  it  was  extremely  hard  to  re- 
linquish it.  Its  contents  deeply  impressed  my  mind,  and  served 
to  increase  my  anxiety  for  the  conversion  of  souls.  Six  years  af- 
terwards, to  my  great  joy,  I  met  with  a  copy  of  this  work  at  the 
printing  office  devoted  to  the  service  of  our  denomination  where 
an  edition  had  just  been  published.  I  distributed  about  fifty  cop- 
ies, and  have  frequently  had  the  satisfaction  of  hearing  that  others 
too  have  profited  by  its  perusal.  Since  that  time,  it  has  been  ste- 
reotyped and  published  by  the  Sabbath  School  Union,  so  that  it  is 
now  affi>rded  cheap,  and  is  extensively  circulated.  About  eighteen 
months  since,  I  obtained  a  copy  of  your  "  Guide  to  Young  Disci- 
ples," and  soon  after  by  the  directions  of  a  Publishing  Committee 
appointed  by  our  General  Conference,  I  published  two  thousand 


%> 


*  The  name  Free-will  Baptist  was  given  to  ns  by  onr  iiMdestinarian 
^brethren  on  account  of  onr  rejecting  the  doctrine  of  a  particnur  atonement, 
and  teaching  that  the  free  grace  of  God  gives  power  to  every  sinn^  to  cliange 
his  will,  and  conform  it  to  the  gospel. 


.1^; 


816 


MIMOraS  OF 


copies  of  an  extmct  flrom  this  work,  including  that  part  which 
Boeaki  of  the  oharaotor  of  Christ  and  the  personality  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  The  edition  has  been  distributed,  and  has  already  done 
maoh  good.        ♦        •        • 

My  dear  sir,  I  feel  very  grateAil  to  you,  and  to  my  Heavenly 
Father,  for  the  spiritual  benefit  that  my  brethren,  myself,  and  oth- 
ers in  thi»  country,  have  received  from  ydhr  pen.  May  the  Lord 
strengthen  tou,  bless  and  reward  your  labors  of  love,  and  long  con- 
tinue vour  life  for  the  edification  of  the  church,  and  the  conver- 
sion or  souls.        •        •        •        • 

Brother  Sutton's  visit  to  this  country  is  hailed  with  joy,  and  will 
be  a  great  blessing  to  us.  I  am  sorry,  I  am  ashamed,  that  we,  as 
a  people,  have  done  so  little  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel.  I  think 
our  inaictivity  has  not  originated  from  wani  of  love  to  the  cause, 
but  from  a  lack  of  information.  We  have  had  many  humble,  devo- 
ted, and  nseftil  ministers,  yet  we  have  had  Yery  few  who  have  com- 
bined deep  piety  with  leamins  and  talent  sufflcient  to  direct  and 
unite  the  energies  of  our  denomination.  Consequentiy  our  la- 
bora  aod  u«eftiliM88  have  been  restricted  to  our  own  country.  * 
*  *  Brother  Sutton's  letter,  written  in  India,  had  ahnosl 
the  effect  of  ao  electric  thoek  upon  us,  and  while  it  exdted  much 
inquiry  fiw  facta,  his  timely  visit  has  aroused  a  spirit  that  has  gone 
forth  among  our  churohfes,  that  will  never  slumber,  till  we  too 
shall  see  some  fruits  of  our  labors  among  the  poor  degraded  idoUip 
tera.        •        •        • 

We  feel  very  grateful  to  G6d  for  the  correspondence  that  has 
commenced  between  the  General  Baptists  and  ourselves ;  and  we 
pray  that  it  may  be  tor  our  mutual  edification,  and  the  advance- 
meot  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  ,>^-. 

Yours  in  the  bonds  of  our  holy  religion, 

David  Marks. 

After  the  dose  of  the  Conference,  Mr.  Marks  returned  to  Do- 
ver, and  assisted  in  making  preparations  for  the  removal  of  the 
printing  office,  which  was  soon  effected.  The  latter  part  of  Octo- 
ber he  went  to  Portland  to  box  up  and  send  to  different  places 
several  hundred  copies  of  the  "  Narrative  of  the  Orissa  Mission," 
just  out  of  press,  and  forwarded  from  Boston.  The  volume  con- 
tained 482  pages,  duodecimo.  The  following  notice  of  the  work 
was  given  by  the  Boston  Recorder. 

«  The  Narrative  of  the  Orissa  Mission  is  a  very  handsome  vol- 
ume to  begin  with:  and  then  it  is  published  chiefly. for  the  purpose 
of  exciting  a  missionary  spirit  amcMig  a  large  denominati<m  of 
Christiana  in  this  country,  who  have  hitherto  stood  quite  aloof 
from  such  efforts.  It  relates  also  to  a  mission  at  one  of  the  chief 
seats  of  idolatry  in  India,  and  is  written  by  one  who  has  long  been 


DATIO  MARK!. 


817 


as 


p^'raonally  engaged  in  it.  We  have  already  made  lome  extracts 
f)  ova  it,  illustrative  of  heathen  superstitions,  and  intend  to  use  it 
further  for  the  same  purpose.  In  its  illustrations  of  the  abomina- 
tions of  heathenism,  it  is  more  abundant  than  almost  any  missiona- 
ry narrative  with  which  we  are  acquainted." 

Mr.  Marks  on  his  return  to  Dover,  learned  that  Mr.  Beede  was 
ill  in  Boston,  and  that  his  presence  was  necessary  in  the  manage- 
ment of  his  business.  He  hastened  to  the  bed-side  of  his  sick 
friend,  found  him  alone  and  suffering  the  most  excruciating  pain, 
vet  perfectly  resigned.  Mr.  Beede  said  to  him,  "  I  have  been  anx- 
ious to  live,  for  as  my  youth  was  wasted  in  sin,  I  have  desired  to 
redeem  the  time,  and  yet  try  to  do  a  little  good  in  the  world.  But 
now  there  is  little  remaining  to  make  life  desirable.  For  years  my 
health  has  been  such  that  I  have  enjoved  little  temporal  com- 
fort. Nearly  all  my  labors  have  been  perrormed  in  the  most  excru- 
ciating pain  that  human  nature  can  endure.  A  complication  of  dis- 
eases 18  fastened  on  mv  system,  so  that  should  I  recover  from  my 
present  illness,  there  is  every  prospect  that  my  future  life  will  be 
a  continued  scene  of  distress."  In  a  few  days,  Mr.  Beede  recov- 
ered his  usual  state  of  health. 

About  the  middle  of  Nov.,  Mr.  Marks  met  the  Publishing  Com- 
mittee in  Dover,  and  with  them  commenced  the  work  of  revising 
and  abridging  the  "  Treatise  on  the  the  Faith  of  the  Free-will  Bap- 
tists." The  latter  part  of  November  and  first  of  December,  he 
spent  laboring  in  a  revival  in  Strafford,  and  often  had  solemn  and 
powerful  seasons. 

The  banks  had  now  refused  to  discount,  and  a  severe  pressure 
in  commercial  affairs  began  to  excite  painful  apprehensions  that 
a  trying  crisis  was  at  hand.  Payments  came  in  slowly  while  heavy 
debts  would  soon  make  their  demands.  Mr.  Marks'  health  was 
extremely  poor,  still  that  he  might  be  prepared  to  meet  the  exi- 
gency, he  thought  it  duty  to  ma^ke  a  tour  through  the  churches  in 
the  eastern  part  of  New  Hampshire  and  in  Maine,  preaching 
among  them  and  collecting  bills  due  for  the  Morning  Star  and  for 
books.  Accordingly  he  sent  appointments  to  about  thirty  church- 
es, including  attendance  at  the  New  Durham  quarterly  meetlag  in 
Lebanon  and  the  Anson  quarterly  meeting  in  Waterville,  Me. 
which  would  occupy  him  till  the  12th  of  February.  He  commenced 
his  tour  January  3,  1884.  Some  of  his  meetings  were  seasons  of 
great  solemnity  and  power.  Several  were  awakened,  some  of 
whom  never  rested  till  they  submitted  to  Christ.  About  the  25th 
of  January,  a  very  deep  snow  fell,  accompanied  by  a  heavy  wind, 
which  so  filled  the  roads  with  drifts,  as  to  vender  the  travelling  ex- 
tremely difficult  and  fatiguing.  Mr.  Mark's  health  again  began  to 
decline ;  but  he  continued  travellinir  until  he  met  his  twentieth  ap> 
27* 


818 


HEM0IB8   or 


pointment  in  Wilton,  the  5th  of  February.  After  preaching  in 
the  evening,  he  went  to  the  hou9e  of  Col.  C.  Morse,  the  brother  who 
80  liberally  received  the  Fifth  General  Conference  in  1881.  In  a 
few  moments,  he  was  seized  with  great  cKstress,  imd  was  immedi- 
ately confined  to  his  bed  with  biUous  fever.  As  he  had  everbeen 
punctual  in  his  business  engagements,  never  sufi^ring  a  note  to  run 
out,  he  at  first  Mt  much  anxiety.  Five  hundr''>d  dollars  would 
soon  be  due  in  Boston.  He  had  succeeded  in  collecting  the  amount, 
but  eould  not  forward  it,  as  it  wa3  in  small  bills,  and  he  was  at  some 
distance  from  any  bank.  But  rather  than  iiEdl  of  meeting  his  en> 
^gement,  he  sent  the  money  to  one  of  the  Publishing  Committee, 
with  instructions  to  hire  a  man  to  carry  it  to  Boston,  which  was 
accordingly  done.  His  sickness  raged  with  great  violence,  inso- 
much that  he  was  deprived  of  his  reason,  and  for  a  f^w  days,  little 
hopes  were  entertained  of  his  recovery.  Every  care  and  atten- 
tion were  freely  bestowed  by  the  hospitable  family  where  he  was 
confined,  and  by  the  Christian  friends  in  foe  vicinity.  A  skillful 
physician  also  rendered  his  services  gratuitously.  In  a  few  days, 
his  symptoms  changed,  and  he  improved  rapidly. 

As  the  snpw  wa9  fast  wasting,  as  soon  as  he  could  sit  up  a 
part  of  the  disnr,  he  commenced  his  return  to  Dover,  where  he  ar- 
rived about  the  24th  of  February,  somewhat  invigorated.  His 
dyspeptic  difiSculties  being  very  severe,  he  now  commenced  house- 
keeping, in  order  that  he  might  pursue  such  a  course  of  dieting  and 
regimen  as  best  suited  him.  From  the  25th  of  Februaiy  to  the 
4th  of  March,  he  was  able  to  meet  the  Publishing  Committee,  and 
labor  with  them  in  revising  the  "  Treatise  on  the  Faith  of  the 
Free-will  Baptists,"  when  Mr.  Beede  was  taken  ill,  and  the  work 
was  adjourned, 

Mr.  Beede  continued  to  grow  worse ;  soon  his  case  became  crit- 
ical, and  in  a  few  days  his  friends  despaired  of  his  recovery.  Mr. 
Marks  spent  all  the  time  his  strength  would  permit  by  the  bed- 
side of  his  suffering  friend.  As  he  saw  the  uplifted  blow  about  to 
sever  him  from  one  so  deservedly  dear,  his  anguish  was  unutterable. 
Mr.  Beede's  sufferings  were  excruciating,  but  he  was  all  patience, 
hufnility,  and  resignation :  &.nd  when  his  distress  permitted,  he  was 
much  engager  in  supplications  to  God.  Wednesday,  March  26th, 
he  said :  "I  am  wasting  away,  but  I  have  taken  more  comfort  on 
this  bed  of  affliction,  in  being  resigned  to  the  will  of  my  Heavenly 
father,  than  all  this  world  could  afibrd.  The  prayers  of  his  dear 
ohiidren  have  given  me  inexpressible  satisfaction.  They  have  of- 
ten brought  me  a  cluster  of  grapes  that  showed  me  the  pastures 
where  they  had  been  feeding.  My  thoughts  are  absorbed  in  the 
contemplation  of  the  things  of  another  world,  and  my  heart  is  filled 
with  inexpressible  desires  for  ^e  happinessof  my  fellQW  creatures." 


DAVID    UABK8. 


819 


tures." 


He  expressed  the  most  anxious  interest  for  the  pro^rit j  of  pure 
region,  scriptural  doctrine,  and  practical  holiness,  among  Free- 
will Baptists.  On  ths  evening  of  this  day,  he  called  Mr.  Marks 
to  his  bed-side,  and,  leaning  on  his  bosom,  asked  him  to  settle  his 
temporal  affiurs,  then  casting  on  him  a  look  of  inexpressible  afiPec- 
tion,  said :  "  Tou  and  I  have  labored  much  for  which  we  shall  re- 
ceive no  reward— >but  a  eroton — jea,  a  crown.  I  have  never  dar- 
ed to  tell  you  how  much  I  have  loved  you.  O  that  I  had  sought  1;he 
Lord  as  young  as  you  did.  I  have  had  nothing  but  my  shatter- 
ed faculties  to  devote  to  the  service  of  GK>d.'*  The  following  morn- 
ing the  symptoms  of  approaching  death  were  visible.  He  called 
Mr.  Marks  and  said  be  wished  to  talk  with  him :  he  sat  by  him  two 
hours,  but  such  were  his  distress  and  weakness  that  he  could  no 
hnger  converse.  At  lengdi,  he  lodked  upon  his  weeping  wife,  and 
with  much  effiurt  said  to  her,  "  Don't  hinder  me.  Let  me  go  to 
perfect  happiness,  the  Lord  is  ready  to  receive  me."  She  replied: 
*^  You  may  go~-we  wiU  give  you  up,  fuid  detain  you  no  longer." 
About  one  o'clock,  he  said  in  much  apparent  bodily  suffering: 
"Where  shaU  I  go?"  His  companion  replied,  '< You  will  go  and 
be  with  Jesus."  His  countenance  lighted  with  a  smile,  and  he 
said,  "  Yes-^I  may  go  and  be  with  Jesus."  At  two  o'clock,  P.  M. 
she  asked  him  if  Jesus  was  i»:ecious.  He  answered,  "Yes,"  and 
said  slowly,  "  I  feel— Jesufr— to  be-— gracious  to  me— Come  !—> 
G>me! — Gomel"  His  dying  agonies  were  very  severe.  For  hours  his 
whole  frame  shook  with  a  convulsive  tremor,  h6  was  continually 
struggling  and  tossing  from  one  side  of  the  bed  to  the  other,  and 
all  present  seemed  anxious  for  the  termination  of  his  sufferings. 
Several  prayers  were  (^ered  that  he  might  have  a  speedy  release. 
He  continued  thus  till  fifteen  minutes  past  eleven  o'clock  at  nighty 
when  suddenly  his  strength  failed,  his  glazed  eyes  rolled  swiftly  in 
their  sockets,  then  became  fixed  wide  open,  his  breath  was  short 
and  quick,  and  fifteen  minutes  before  twelve  his  spirit  took  its 
flight.  This  was  the  first  death  of  an  adult  person  Mr.  Marks  had 
ever  witnessed,  and  it  almost  overcame  him. 

At  this  period  he  wrote  thus  in  his  journal : 

"  Saturday,  Marcli  29, 1  felt  very  thankful  to  my  Heavenly  Father 
that  my  dear  brother  Beede  had  got  through  his  sufierings  and  ex- 
treme distress,  though  language  can  scarcely  tell  the  gratitude  we 
should  have  felt,  had  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  continue  his  life  to  us. 
His  corpse  is  the  most  smiling  and  beautiful  I  ever  saw.  It  was 
affecting  to  see  the  poor  widow  cleave  to  the  room  where  it  lies. 
The  sun  shone  with  clearness,  and  the  day  was  beautiful ;  but  O,  I 
felt  bereaved.  The  hand  of  i^iction  was  heavy  upon  me.  Sam- 
uel was  very  dear  to  me.  O,  he  was  one  of  the  most  valuable 
friends  I  had  on  earth ;  most  valuable  because  hb  (^course  was 


^'■'7y,T,y-'^''': 


■  >,-iv^. 


820 


MSMOiBs  or 


! 


most  free  from  flattery,  most  futhful  in  telling  me  my  faults,  show- 
ing me  my  prejudices,  and  the  fallacy  of  my  reasonings  for  favor- 
ite sentiments.  But  he  is  gone  I  gone  I  This  morning  I  went 
with  two  brethren  to  the  grave-yard  to  select  a  resting  place  for 
his  remains.  As  I  passed  the  places  where  I  had  associated  with 
him,  every  thing  seemed  to  remind  me  of  my  loss.  Indeed,  my 
affliction  pressed  so  heavily  upon  me,  that  I  was  under  the  neces- 
sity of  turning  away  my  thoughts,  and  compelling  them  to  other 
subjects,  to  keep  from  sinking  under  my  burden. 

Sabbath,  March  80,  I  preached  in  Dover  with  much  freedom 
from  Eccl.  2:22,  28.  "  For  what  hath  a  man  of  all  his  labor,"  &c. 
Monday  morning,  a  post  mortem  examination  of  the  body  of  my 
friend  showed  that  there  was  much  disease  of  long  standing.  His 
liver  was  a  mass  of  ulcers.  His  physician  said  nothing  but  his 
extreme  temperance  had  enabled  him  to  livf"  so  long.  At  nine 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  after  a  prayer,  his  body  was  removed  on  a  hearse  to 
the  meeting  house  about  a  mile  distant,  which  was  crowded  to  over- 
flowing. It  was  my  mournful  lot  to  preach.  I  spoke  from  Rom. 
8:22,  28.  "  For  we  know  that  the  whole  creation  groaneth  and 
travaileth  in  pain  together  until  now :  And  not  only  they,  but 
ourselves,  also,  which  have  the  first  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  even  we 
ourselves  groan  within  ourselves,  wsuting  for  the  adoption,  to  wit, 
the  redemption  of  our  body."  This  text  was  repeatedly  suggested 
to  my  mind,  while  witnessing  the  dying  agonies  of  my  dear  broth- 
er.  The  division  was  as  follows.  1.  The  doctrine  of  the  text. 
2.  Its  applicati(m  to  the  life  and  death  of  our  brother.  In  the 
doctrinal  part,  I  attempted  to  show  that  there  were  universal  pangs 
endured  through  all  nature,  animate  an  J  inanimate,  in  consequence 
of  sin — that  the  redemption  provided  by  the  gospel  does  not  save 
the  bodies  of  Christians  from  the  pains,  infirmities,  and  mortality 
endured  by  others — thai,  the  adoption  or  resurrection  of  the  body 
is  the  support  of  the  righteous  amidst  the  groans  and  afflictions  of 
this  state.  Great  solemnity  pervaded  the  assembly ;  many  min- 
isters attended,  and  a  large  procession  followed  the  corpse  to  the 
grave." 

Mr.  Marks  wrote  through  the  Morning  Star  (which  was  clad  in 
mourning)  the  following  notice  of  Mr.  Beede*s  death.  * .  ;„■ 

*'  *  How  unsearchable  are  His  judgments  and  His  ways  past  find' 
ing  out*    Romans  11:83. 

Dear  Brethren, 

The  hand  of  the  Lord  hath  touched  us,  and  it  has  become 
our  painful  duty  to  announce  the  sad  tidings  that  our  dear  brother 
Samuel  Beede,  has  closed  forever  his  labors  on  earth.  *  * 
*       '^        *        Language  cannot  describe  the  bitterness  of  our 


DJlYID  mabkb. 


821 


become 
brother 

of  our 


grief  at;  this  visitation.  Though  we  feel  to  submit  without  a  muiv ' 
muring  thought,  and  to  kiss  the  rod  that  struck  the  blow,  yet  our 
afHicti<ni  seems  to  be  greater  than  we  can  bear.  If  we  met  with 
difficulties  in  the  important  trust  committed  to  us  by  the  Gen- 
eral C!onference  in  relation  to  your  Book  Concern,  his  counsel  was 
as  a  light  in  our  path.  Wherever  he  was  called  to  act,  if  breth- 
ren had  different  views,  and  were  tenacious  of  pursuing  opposite 
measures,  he  scarcely  ever  failed  to  effect  a  reoondliation.  But, 
alas  I  he  is  gone  irom  us  never  to  return.  This  is  not  the  first 
time  in  whi^  the  hopes  of  the  church  have  been  taken  away  as 
with  a  stroke.  Tet,  in  similar  instances,  God  has  effected  much 
more  for  his  kingd<Hn  by  the  deaUis  of  his  eminent  servants,  than 
could  have  been  accomplished  by  the  continuance  of  their  Uvea. 
Though  the  deaths  of  Harriet  Newell  and  Henry  Obookiah  al- 
most blasted  the  hopes  of  the  friends  of  nnssions,  and  led  them  to 
say  with  Jacob,  *  iUl  these  things  are  against  us,'  yet  these  very 
circumstances  kindled  a  missionary  fitme  that  has  accomplish^ 
more  for  the  conversion  of  the  woiid  than  oonld  have  been  effect* 
ed  by  several  long  lives  of  arduous  toiL  The  Lord  is  able  to  over* 
rule  the  brief  labors  and  early  death  of  our  brother  in  a  similfff 
manner." 

Journal.  "Tuesday,  April  1,  was  a  solemn  day  spent  in  tet- 
tlbg  the  affa.irB  of  my  departed  friend,  in  compliance  with  his  dry- 
ing request.  The  remainder  of  the  week  was  occupied  in  writing 
for  the  Morning  Star  and  the  Treatise.  Sabbath,  April  6,  I 
preached  in  Portsmouth  and  felt  much  of  the  power  of  God.  Af- 
ter the  close  of  one  of  the  meetings,  I  baptized  three.  There  had 
been  a  great  revival  since  I  preached  here  in  January  last.  Sev- 
eral <^  the  converts  dated  their  awakening  at  that  meeting,  and  I 
was  informed  that  it  was  the  commencement  of  the  revival.  Bless- 
ed be  the  Lord  for  all  his  goodness. 

The  little  church  in  Portsmouth  are  very  anxious   I  should 

? reach  with  them  for  a  season.  Periiaps  it  is  duty,  especially  as 
am  unable  to  travel.  They  are  few,  only  thirteen  or  fourteen 
members,  very  unpopular,  no  meeting  house,  and  what  is  most  dis- 
couraging, one  of  their  principal  men  is  a  distiller  of  ardent  spir- 
its. Notwithstanding  he  knows  my  views  he  seems  very  friendly, 
expresses  great  anxiety  that  I  should  come  to  Portsmouth,  says  he 
is  willing  I  should  preach  as  much  as  I  please  in  favor  of  the  temp 
perance  cause,  Mid  that  if  I  will  give  an  appointment  for  a  temper- 
ance lecture,  he  will  attend.  Tins  dburch  has  recently  jraied  the 
denomination,  fuid  was  received  on  condition  that  they  would  ex- 
erdse  gospel  discipline  in  case  of  this  distiller. 

April  7, 1  returned  to  Dover,  and  till  Wednesday.  April  17,  was 
mostly  engaged  with  the  PubUahii^  Committee  in  preparing  the 


V 


822 


MEUOIBR  OF 


Treatise.  When  completed,  as  we  signed  our  names,  vfe  had  a 
solemn,  weeping  season.  One  of  our  number  was  gone,  and  his 
absence  reminded  us,  that  soon  we  too  shall  finish  our  work.  Thurs- 
day, April  18, 1  preached  in  a  protracted  meeting  in  Dover.  This 
meeting  continued  eleven  days,  and  about  fifty  professed  to  be 
converted.  Having  been  appointed  an  assistant  editor  of  the 
Morning  Star,  I  was  much  engaged  until  May  23,  in  writing  for 
the  Star  and  in  labors  for  the  Book  Concern.  In  this  time  I 
preached  in  Dover,  New  Market,  Barrington,  Strafibrd,  and  Ports- 
mouth. In  the  latter  place,  on  Sabbath,  May  4,  I  was  present  at  ^ 
a  very  interesting  baptismal  scene.  At  half  past  8  o'clock,  A.  M., 
four  thousand  people  assembled  at  the  water  to  witness  the  immer- 
sion of  thirty-six  believers,  about  to  be  received  into  three  differ- 
ent churches,  the  Calvinistic  Baptist^  Methodist  and  Baptist* 
After  singing  and  prayer  the  three  officiating  ministers,  arm  in 
arm,  walked  into  the  water  together;  afterwards  they  led  in  their 
candidates,  and  baptized  each  in  his  turn ;  the  first  thirteen,  the 
second  twelve,  and  the  third  eleven.  The  solemnity  and  remark- 
able order  that  were  visible  in  the  surrounding  multitude,  the 
union  of  Christians,  the  unruffled  water,  the  serenity  of  the  sky^ 
and  the  universal  quiet  of  nature,  conspired  to  render  the  scene 
inexpressibly  impressive  and  delightful. 

May  29.  We  removed  to  Portsmouth.  May  God  ^ve  wis- 
dom and  success.  I  have  adopted  some  rules  in  relation  to  diet 
and  regimen,  with  the  hope  that,  through  the  blessing  of  God,  they 
will  be  the  means  of  improving  my  shattered  health." 

The  rules  to  which  Mr.  Marks  referred  were  written  with  ex- 
press reference  to  rest  and  quiet.  But  the  truth  was,  he  knew  not 
how  to  rest  in  a  world  like  this,  where  he  saw  so  much  to  be  done. 
Labor  and  activity  were  his  element,  and  such  was  the  all  consum- 
ing ardor  of  his  soul,  that  whatever  were  his  circumstances,  there 
seemed  a  pressure  upon  his  spirit,  which  constantly  moved  his 
heart,  his  lips,  his  pen,  his  hands,  and  kept  him  abounding  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord.  In  a  short  time  after  his  settlement  in  Ports- 
mouth, he  seemed  to  have  as  much  to  occupy  his  energies  as  at 
any  former  period,  so  that  he  could  allow  himself  only  from  four 
to  six  hours  sleep  in  twenty-four.  If  he  awoke  in  the  night  and 
felt  wakeful,  he  would  immediately  arise,  and  study  or  write,  till  he 
felt  inclined  to  sleep.  He  resumed  his  course  of  careful  theolog- 
ical reading  which  he  commenced  sometime  previous,  and  continu- 
ed to  discharge  his  duties  as  an  assistant  e£tor  and  as  Agent  for 
the  Book  Concern.  Three  thousand  copies  of  "  True  Happiness," 
by  J.  G.  Pike,  had  been  issued  by  the  establishment,  and  about  this 


'^  This  yfts  Si  cKurcli  indspsudcitt  of 


^AVAAVAAAAMMHAV 


DAVm  HABKS. 


823 


time,  five  thousand  copies  of  the  "  Treatise  on  the  Faith  of  the 
Free-will  Baptists."  He  entered  with  his  accustomed  zeal  upon 
his  labors  as  pastor.  One  of  his  first  efforts  was  a  temperance  lec- 
ture, in  which  he  was  very  pointed  in  his  rebukes  of  the  unholy 
trafilc,  and  concluded  by  exhorting  those  who  thought  there  was 
no  other  way  to  procure  a  livelihood,  to  die  martyrs  to  right  prin- 
ciples, and  go  and  receive  a  martyr's  crown.  He  next  set  about 
making  religious  visits,  and  gathering  a  Sabbath  school,  of  which 
'  he  was  superintendent. 

The  following  was  found  recorded  in  one  of  his  private  papers : 
^  I  resolve  to  visit  and  pray  with  at  least  four  families  every  day, 
as  long  as  I  live  in  the  town,  and  to  aim  at  visiting  and  praying 
with  every  family,  and  conversing  with  every  person  in  the 
town.  O  Lord,  ^ve  me  wisdom,  and  aid  me  in  these  my  ef- 
forts to  save  soulst"  He  preached  four  sermons  weekly  to  the 
little  church,  and  attended  two  prayer  meetings :  he  also  accepted 
frequent  calls  to  attend  meetings  in  towns  in  the  vicinity  of  Ports- 
mouth. ^ 

In  the  early  part  of  June,  he  labored  three  days  at  a  protracted 
meeting  in  Hampton,  which  was  attended  with  a  prospect  of  much 
good.  June  14  and  15,  he  attended  the  New  Hampshire  yearly 
meeting  in  New  Hampton.  On  the  Sabbath  the  congregation  was 
so  large  that  they  were  obliged  to  convene  in  a  grove.  Several 
sermons  were  preached.  Mc  Marks  spoke  from  Genesis  8:8, 
**  Neither  shall  ye  touch  it  lest  ye  die,"  and  was  fpe&t\j  favored  in 
speaking.  Some  came  forward  for  prayer,  and  it  was  thought  ex- 
pedient in  view  of  the  prospect,  to  protract  the  meeting  another 
day.  On  Monday,  as  an  invitation  was  given  for  those  to  come 
forward  that  desired  prayer,  a  young  gentieman  arose,  trembling 
and  weeping,  and  called  on  his  youthful  friends  and  acquaintance 
to  seek  the  Lord  with  him,  and  prepare  for  heaven.  The  effect 
was  thrilling.  A  large  number  presented  themselves  for  prayer, 
and  some,  before  they  left,  ^und  peace  in  believing. 

The  missionary  enterprise  had  gained  a  deep  hold  upon  the  heart 
of  Mr.  Marks.  Perhaps  his  views  and  feelings  on  this  subject,  as 
well  ashis  manner  of  expressing  them,  cannot  be  better  portrayed 
than  in  the  following  extracts  of  an  article  written  by  him  and  pub- 
lished in  the  Star  of  July  9.  Mr.  Sutton  was  th§b  hourly  expected 
from  England.  ♦  *  »  »  « We  would  say  to  our 
brethren — ^whom  the  Lord  has  placed  as  stewards  over  his  gold  and 
silver^— lict  in  the  discharge  of  your  trust,  in  that  way  that  you 
can  review  it  with  satisfaction  in  a  dying  hour,  and  as  the  Judge 
of  all  the  earth  will  approve  when  you  are  put  on  trial  at  the  judg- 
ment day.  «  ♦  ♦  Y^Q  ure  calling  on  you  to  dis- 
charge your  diUff — ^not  to  give  to  Christ  as  though  it  were  a  ckari- 


ft4 


MKllOntS  OF 


ty.    If  any  have  so  misunderstood  or  misinterpreted  the  Scrip- 

;  tares,  as  to  consider  the  subject  in  tlus  light,  we  would  address  to 

-  them  the  language  oH  a  minister  in  Bwton  t    "  What,  Christ  a 

a  ehlld  of  charity,  oonung  around  and  begging  of  you  ?    Christ,  lord 

;  of  this  world,  whose  stewards  ye  are  ?    What  if  the  elerks  in  tUa 

.  dty  should  take  it  into  their  mmds  that  all  the  property  they  had 

in  their  care  was  their  own,  and  should  get  together  and  propose 

to  give  a  little  charity  to  their  employers  and  owners  ?    WUl  you 

:  treat  Christ  thus  ?*    Dear  brethren,  O  let  us  awake,  and  no  longer 

liye  to  ourselves,  but  to  Him  who  died  for  us.         *         *  * 

*        ♦        ♦        *        •        •        The  loss  of  one  soul  is  incal- 

calable.    What  then  the  loss  of  five  hundred  millions  that  die 

.'  among  the  heathen  every  thirty  years  I    We  are  amased  and  lost 

in  trying  to  compute  the  dreadfhl  ruin  I    Its  very  greatness  so 

overwh^ras  us,  that  it  is  only  by  descending -to  particulars,  that 

-  our  minds  can  receive.aBy  distinct  impressions.    Were  all  the  pop- 

-  ulation  of  &ese  United  States  to  die  this  year,  it  would  not  include  as 
many  souls  as  go  in  this  period,  in  all  the  pollutions  of  idolatry,  to 
the  eternal  world.  Who  that  is  acquainted  with  the  love  of  Christ, 
ean  take  this  glance  without  crying  with  the  prc^phet,  *  O  that  my 
head  were  waters,  and  mine  eyes  a  fountain  ci  tears,  that  I  might 
weep  day  and  night'  Then,  with  a  deep  sense  <^  our  dependence  on 
lus  ann  in  whom  our  strength  lies,  may  oar  hearts  devise  and  our 
hancb  execute  withered  thingt  I*  While  God  is  preparing  his  peo- 
ple to  make  an  onset  that  shall  cause  the  firmest  pnUars  of  sataa's 
em^re  to  tremUe,  let  us  do  all  we  can  to  hasten  this  mighty  con- 
summation, and  scatter  terror  through  the  kingdom  of  de^kness. 

*  The  Lord  Grod  of  Hosts  »  our  leader,  and  will  certainly  ooaduct  to 
*■  victwy.  A  v<Moe  is  caUing  to  ua  from  the  four  winds  of  heaven,  say- 
ijB^^  OMeard/  Onward  T  We  have  talked,  and  written,  and  hesita- 
ted, and  wept  k»g  enough.  The  time  has  now  come  for  action. 
The  first  great  direction  to  be  given  now,  not  only  ia  this,  but  in 
everv  good  work,  is,  iX>  ^  ;  and  the  second  is.  Do  *t ;  and  Uie  third 
is,  Do  it.  Deeds  are  the  arguments  by  whidt  the  timid  are  made 
bold,  the  feeble  strong,  and  the  doubting  eo&vineed — the  heavy  ar- 
tillery by  which  the  waUa  oi  satan's  empire  are  broken  down,  and 
the  aiemy  put  to  flight.  These,  then,  are  the  a^uments,  and 
these  are  the  weapons,  by  which,  we  hope  in  God,  to  be  able  to  go 
forward  ia  this  holy  work.  If  any  still  doubt,  we  have  no  time  to 
stop  and  convince  them.  We  see  our  fellow  men  tinidng—iinking 
on  every  side,  iato  a  bottomless  abyss  to  rise  no  more.  That  they 
may  be  saved,  we  choose  to  prove  by  our  ef  brts  to  save  them.  If 
others  prefer  to  stand  still  aad  do  nothing,  let  them  at  least  throw  no 
obstacles  in  the  way  of  those  who  are  trying  to  rescue  from  eter- 
nal wo  our  miserable  foUow  men.    The  widow's  mite  is  worth 


DAVID  MABK8. 


326 


more  in  such  a  cause  than  millions  of  empty  words  and  unsubstan- 
tial g:v)d  wishes.  O  that  a  new  spirit  of  prayer  among  us  may 
now  go  up  to  Heaven,  accompanied  with  strong  crying  and  many 
tears,  that  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  will  send  forth  laborers  into  the 
whitened  fields." 

For  several  months,  Mr.  Marks  had  had  his  sympathies  greatly 
pained  by  his  inability  to  answer  favorably,  the  numerous  requests 
from  different  sections  for  laborers,  addressed  to  him  as  Agent  of 
the  printing  establishment.  These  calls  continued  to  grow  more 
numerous  a  xd  importunate.  In  the  early  part  of  July,  while  he 
and  Mr.  Burr  were  conversing  on  this  subject,  it  was  agreed  that 
Mr.  Marks  should  write  a  notice  in  the  Star,  calling  a  meeting  for 
the  formation  of  a  Home  Mission  Society,  to  be  held  at  Dover,  N. 
H.  on  Thursday,  July  31, 1834,  at  10  o'dock,  A.  M.  Among  oth- 
er remarks  appended  to  this  notice,  were  the  following :  "  Some  of 
our  brethren,  when  asked  what  they  will  do  for  the  Orissa  mis- . 
sion,  have  plead  that  they  thought  there  was  need  of  doing  some- 
thing at  home  first.  *  They  say, '  We  have  many  heathen  in  our 
own  country.'  Such  brethren  will  now  have  an  opportunity  to 
show  their  mith  by  their  vforks  ;  and  it  is  confidently  expected  that 
all  who  have  excused  themselves  on  this  ground,  excepting  those 
whose  covetousness  has  driven  them  to  this  subterfuge,  will  now 
come  forward,  and  lend  their  fud  in  converting  the  heathen  of  our 
land.  It  cannot  be  denied  that  there  is  great  need  of  gospel  labor 
in  our  own  country.    We  have  long  heard  the  cry  for  help." 

At  the  time  appointed,  the  Society  was  organized  with  the  usu- 
al officers,  and  fifty  directors.    A  season  of  most  intense  interest, 
amounting  almost  to  enthusiasm,  was  enjoyed.    The  terms  for  life 
membership  were,  fifteen  dollars  for  males,  and  ten  dollars  for  fe- 
males.   Ten  brethren  and  four  sisters  became  lifo  members  imme- 
diately.   The  office  of  Corresponding  Secretary  was  assigned  to 
Mr.  Marks,  and  as  such,  he  was  directed  to  write  to  every  ofiloer 
and  director,  furnish  them  with  a  copy  of  the  oonutitution,  and  the 
most  important  doings  of  the  Executive  Committee,  inform  them  of 
the  duties  of  the  office  to  which  they  had  been  respectively  chosen, 
lay  before  th^n  the  importance  of  their  united  exertions  in  the 
missionary  cause,  and  request  an  answer  whether  they  will  accept 
their  appointment."    A  missionary  was  engaged  immediately  to 
go  to  Ohio. 

The  church  in  Portsmouth  having  labored  under  great  disadvan- 
tages for  want  of  a  meeting  house,  had  bought  the  south  parish 
church.  It  was  built  in  old  style,  and  would  seat  between  two  and 
three  thousand  people.  Mr.  Marks  again  made  a  few  entries  in 
bis  journal:        -.-:^-. .-  ■-.,-.  .•-■:;     •■  ...-..-v..^'  -■^-,-^..^  .■^^-ys-' 


m 


ICSMOIRS  Ot 


**  Sabbath,  Auguat  34,  we  held  our  first  meeting  in  the  meetuig 
boiue.  I  hope  yet  to  \^itneM  in  it  rich  diaplaya  of  Qod's  mercy. 
Monday,  I  attend  d  a.  meeting  in  Bye,  four  miles  from  Portsmouth, 
where  I  had  engaged  to  preach  once  in  two  weeks  on  a  week  day 
evening.  As  the  people  were  going  out,  a  little  girl  came  up  to 
ae  and  said, '  Sir,  I  am  a  great  dinner ;  will  you  pray  for  me  ?' 
She  kneeled,  and  weeping,  prayed,  *  Lord,  I  am  a  great  sinner. 
Q,  do  forgive  me  and  have  mercy  on  me.'  Another  little  girl  came 
forward  also,  and  kneeled,  and  prayed  for  herself  in  a  very  solemn 
manner.  These  were  soon  converted.  Tuesday,  I  returned  to 
^Portsmouth,  and  learned  that  five  persons  lay  dead  in  town.  I 
jnet  a  hearse,  followed  by  the  parents  and  usters  of  a  young  woman, 
who  had  often  attended  my  preaching,  but  neglected  Christ  un- 
JtU  oonsumption  warned  her  to  prepare  to  meet  (^.  I  followed  to 
the  grave.  Here  I  saw  a  solemn  spectacle.  The  burying  ground 
.was  so  filled  with  the  dead,  that  the  sexton,  in  digging  the  grave  in 
A  Bfot  where  there  was  no  monumental  stone,  bad  thrown  out  the 
bimes  of  three  dead  bodies.  During  the  remainder  of  August,  I 
was  busily  engaged,  early  and  late^  in  writing,  studying,  visiting 
Irom  house  to  house,  and  ^tending  meetings  almost  daily.  In 
some  of  these  exercises,  my  soul  was  often  greatly  blessed,  and  I 
lelt  the  witness  that  my  labor  was  not  in  vain. 

Monday,  Sept.  1, 1  preached  by  request  in  Newburyport,  Mass. 
t  had  long  desired  to  visit  the  spot  where  rest  in  glorious  hope  the 
mortfd  remains  of  Greorge  Whitefleld.  It  had  ever  been  a  source  of 
.gweet  satisfactioD  to  me  that  Randall,  the  founder  of  the  Free-will 
Baptist  denonunation,  was  one  of  Whitefield'sconvertS'— one  whom 
jhe  slew  at  his  death.    Tuesday,  I  visited  his  tomb,  in  company 
.with  several  others.    It  was  under  the  pulpit  of  a  Congregational- 
ist  meeting  house,  built  in  1756.    On  entering  the  house,  we  saw, 
at  tibe  ri^t  side  of  the  pulj^t,  a  splendid  monument,  the  cost  of 
which,  we  were  ii^ormed,  was  $1400.    The  pedestal  is  made  of 
«oap  fetone,  and  has  three  steps  ascent  on  every  side.    The  monu- 
ment is  eight  feet  high,  three  feet  seven  inches  square,  is  of  va- 
riogated  'white  marUc^  most  exquisitely  poUshed,  and  is  bordered 
<oo  the  t<^,  bottom,  and  comers,  wiUi  variegated  black  marble.  On 
«Qe  sido  IS  the  following  inscription,  in  carved  letters,  inlaid  with 
foid. 

"  This  cenotaph  is  erected  with  the  most  affectionate  veneration 
.  to  the  meooory  of  the  Bev.  GbOboi:  Whitefigld,  bom  at  Glou- 
cester, Eng.,  Dec.  16,  1714,  edu<iated  at  Oxford  University,  or- 
dained 1736.  In  a  ministiy  of  84  years,  he  crossed  the  Atlantic 
tiiirteen  times,  and  preached  more  than  18,000  sermons.  As  a  sol- 
dier of  the  cross,  humble,  devout,  ardent,  he  put  on  the  whole  ar- 
mor of  God,  preferring  the  honor  of  Christ  to  his  own  interest, 


<-;^»:iii&J^mi\AMii'x-^.<. .  ^»^..: 


DATIO  KAHKB. 


8S7 


m  saw, 

cost  of 

lade  of 

monu- 

of  va- 

jrdered 

)le.  On 

id  with 

leration 
kt  Glou- 
sity,  or- 
Ltlantic 
a  sol- 
ute ar- 
Interest, 


repose,  reputation,  or  life.  As  a  Christian  orator,  his  deep  pietj, 
disinterested  zeal,  vivid  imagination,  gave  unexampled  energy  to 
his  look,  action,  and  utterance.  Bold,  fervent,  pungent,  and  pop- 
ular in  his  eloquence,  no  other  uninspired  man  ever  preached  to  so 
large  assemblies,  or  enforced  the  simple  truths  of  the  gospel  by  mo- 
tives so  persuasive  or  awfiil,  and  with  an  influence  so  puweruil  on 
the  hearts  of  his  hearers.  He  died  of  asthma,  Sept.  80,  1770,  iud- 
denly  exchanging  his  life  of  unparalleled  labors  for  his  eternal 
life."^ 

Immediately  in  fttmt  of  the  pulpit,  is  a  plain  white  marble,  bear- 
ing the  following  inscription :  "  Under  this  pvitpit  are  deposited 
the  remains  of  Sie  Rev.  Geo.  Whitefleld,  acd  the  Rev.  Jonathan 
Parsons,  the  first  pastor  o^  this  church,  who  died  July  19^  1776. 
Also  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Prince,  who  died  1791."  The  sexton  con- 
ducted us  to  the  vault  under  the  pulpit.  He  unlocked  it,  and  I  en- 
tered with  a  lighted  candle.  Here  were  three  oofBns  side  by  sid«. 
On  the  middle  one  was  the  name  of  Whitofield.  I  op^ied  it— 4be 
coffin  was  about  one  third  full  of  black  earth,  out  of  which  project- 
ed a  few  hemes.  The  skull  bone  was  detached  from  the  rest,  and 
was  turned  over.  Here  I  sat  a  ftw  minutes,  and  while  earing  ftt 
the  sleeping  dust,  the  most  thrilling  refleotiona  forced  Ihemselvee 
upon  my  mind.  Ah  I  thought  I,  is  it  possible  that  I  am  standfaig 
by  the  relics  of  that  man  of  God,  who  felt  so  much  for  sinners— 
who  so  often  poured  forth  fk)od8  of  twn  over  weeping  thonsandiP 
Is  this  that  dust  which  was  once  animated  with  Mfe,  and  which  en- 
dured such  unparalleled  labors  and  fatigue,  to  warn  the  wicked  to 
flee  trom  the  wrath  to  come  ?  Is  such  the  end  of  all  the  gl<H7  of 
earth  ?  Must  all  the  great,  the  honorable,  the  strong,  the  bea!i>- 
ti^,  and  thegay,  soon  come  to  this  ?  It  was  but  yestorday,  as  it 
were,  that  TVnitefleld  died,  and  now  what  a  contrast  between  that 
splendid  monument  and  his  remains.  O  how  em^^iatically  tame, 
that  <  All  flesh  is  as  grass  and  all  the  gloiy  of  man  as  the  flower 
of  grass ;' yet,  alas  I  how  little  the  muVitude  think  of  it  or  lay  it  to 
heart.  '  0  that  men  were  wise,  that  they  understood  thi%  that  they 
would  consider  their  latter  end.' 

September  2, 1  returned  to  Portsmouth,  uid  for  the  seven  days 
following,  attended  to  my  usual  duties.  Sept  9, 1  met  a  Ccmven- 
tion  at  the  Great  Falls,  and  assisted  in  organizing  the  Rockingham 
quarterly  meeting,  formed  from  eight  churches  of  New  Durham 
quarterly  meeting.  Wednesday,  Sept.  10, 1  preached  at  the  epetk- 
ing  of  worship,  with  much  freedom,  frmn  the  text,  'Ye  are  bought 
with  a  ;)rice.'  Returning  to  Portsmouth,  I  c(»tinued  my  labors 
in  thskt  and  adjacent  towns  till  Sept.  23.  I  then  attended  the 
Maine  Western  yearly  meeting,  dso  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
Foreign  Mission  Society  in  Parsonsfleld;  Me.  and  was  appoiaied 


m 


HSMOncs  or 


one  of  the  Executive  Committee.  Saturday,  Sept.  27,  I  went  to 
N.  Market,  where  I  had  an  appointment,  in  exchange  with  brother 
Cillej.  When  within  a  mile  of  the  village,  I  heard  a  woman  cry- 
ing, <  Lord,  have  mercy  I'  On  entering  the  house,  I  found  her 
husband  apparently  dying  with  consumption.  Yet,  alas !  ho  was 
unprepared.  Sabbath,  I  preached  three  sermons,  spoke  an  hour 
to  the  Bible  class,  attended  a  prayer  meeting,  and  visited  and  pray- 
ed with  five  sick  persons.  In  the  evening  meeting,  eight  kneeled 
for  prayer,  and  most  of  them  prayed  for  themselves.  Three  of  the 
number  obtained  a  very  joyful  hope,  and  two  others  found  some  re- 
lief. Blessed  he  God  for  *hQ  mercies  and  strength  he  has  given 
me  this  day.  Monday  I  preached  in  Newburyport,  the  day  fol- 
lowing went  to  Deerflold,  and  labored  in  a  protracted  meeting  till 
Thursday,  Oct.  2.  On  the  second  day  of  the  meeting,  fifty  or  six- 
ty came  forward  and  kneeled  fw  prayer,  and  several  were  convert- 
ed. Friday,  Oct.  b,  I  wrote  fifteen  hours,  and  my  companion  six- 
teen, to  get  readv  to  meet  the  Publishing  Committee.  Next  day 
we  returned  to  Fortsmouth." 

After  this  period  Mr.  Marks  seldom  found  time  to  make  any  en- 
tries in  his  journal ;  and  when  he  did,  they  were  generally  very 
brief.    He  labored  aa  usual  in  Portsmouth  till  October  22,  when 
he  took  an  agency  for  raising  something  toward  aiding  the  church 
.in  paying  for  their  meeting  house,  and  notified  between  twen- 
ty and  thirty  appointments  in  New    Hampshire    and    Maine. 
The  meeting  of  these  appointments,  and  the  duties  connected  with 
them,  occupied  his  time  till  November  14,  when  he  returned  to 
Portsmouth,  and  labored  the  remainder  of  the  month.    During  this 
.journey  he  attended  a  meeting  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Executive 
Committee  in  North  Parsonsfield,  also  spent  three  days  at  a  gen- 
eral conference  of  Free-will  Baptist  ministers  in  Readfield,  Me., 
called  for  the  purpose  of  "  promoting  the  union,  piety,  and  usefulness 
of  the  ministry."  Mi'.  Marks  proposed  the  following  subjects  for  dis- 
cussion.   "  How  far  is  it  essential  that  the  ministers  of  the  same 
denomination  be  united  in  doctrine  and  practice  ?    Does  the  gos- 
pel warrant  any  regular  system  for  the  support  of  ministers  ?    Is 
the  establishment  of  Home  and  Foreign  Missions  scriptural  ?    Is 
the  establishment  of  our  Book  Concern  calculated  to  promote  the 
gospel  ?"    The  discussions  on  these  and  other  subjects  were  ani- 
mated, and  the  reports  were  made  with  much  unanimity.     He  met 
with  Mr.  Eli  Noyes  in  Jefferson,  and  proposed  to  him  to  go  as  a 
missionary  to  India.    He  persuaded  him  to  relinquish  teaching,  of- 
fer himself  to  the  Mission  Board,  and  spend  the  winter  in  study  at 
Parsonsfield. 

December  2  and  3,  Mr.  Marks  attended  the  second  session  of 
the  Rockingham  quarterly  meeting  at  New  Market.    It  was  a  time 


DATID  MARKS. 


829 


■o  as  a 
ling,  of- 
itudy  at 


of  great  harmony,  and  the  prospect  for  a  revival  was  such  that  the 
meeting  was  protracted.  About  forty  came  forward  for  prayer, 
and  some  were  converted.  Mr.  Marks'  dyspeptic  difflculties  still  con- 
tinued to  be  very  severe.  His  stomach  rejected  almost  every 
kind  of  food,  while  he  was  afflicted  with  the  most  gnawing  hunger. 
He  often  said  he  knew  all  the  sufferings  of  death  by  starvation.  He 
now  resolved  on  a  more  rigid  course  of  dieting  than  he  had  as  yet 
pursued,  allowing  himself  but  twelve  ounces  of  food  daily,  and 
weighing  it  with  much  exactness.  Under  this  treatment  his  ileeh 
wasted,  while  his  stomach  gained  strength,  and  his  general  health 
improved.  He  labored  this  month  as  usual  in  Portsmouth,  and  al- 
so preached  in  Newburyport,  Kittery,  North  Hampton,  and  Rye. 
The  church  in  Fbrtsmouth  had  been  gradually  increasing  in  num- 
bers and  interest,  and  occasionally  some  had  been  converted.  De- 
cember 80,  he  went  to  Boston  and  attended  a  protracted  meeting 
four  days  with  a  church  enjoying  the  labors  of  Elder  Jonathan 
Woodman.  This  church  had  not  joined  toy  denomination,  but 
having  expressed  a  wish  to  become  connected  with  the  Free-will 
Baptists,  and-  applied  to  them  for  aid,  the  Home  Mission  Society 
had  sent  brother  Woodman  to  preach  with  them  for  a  season. 
Some  twelve  or  twenty  were  about  to  be  added  to  the  church. 

So  great  and  important  changes  had  taken  place  in  the  Free- 
will Baptist  denomination  in  the  brief  period  of  three  years,  that 
Mr.  Marks  was  often  led  to  exclaim,  "■  What  hath  God  wrought  P' 
The  interest  awakened^  in  the  benevolent  enterprises  of  the  da^, 
was  closely  knitting  the  hearts  of  ministers  and  members.  The 
diaheartened  were  encouraged  and  schisms  had  disappeared.  About 
this  time,  he  wrote  in  the  Star  as  follows :  "  As  far  as  we  are  able 
to  learn,  unparalleled  unity  of  efforts  is  consolidating  our  ranks  on 
every  hand.  Never  was  there  in  our  denomination,  a  brigjiter 
prospect  of  usefiilness  than  is  now  presented.  Doors  are  opened 
on  every  hand,  and  there  is  scarcely  a  city,  village,  or  town  of  ftit> 
portance,  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Rocky  mountains,  where  there  is 
not  either  a  call  or  an  open  door  for  us  to  labor  in  the  vineyard  pf 
the  Lord.  If  we  had  a  sufficient  number  of  devoted  ministers, 
thousands  of  churches  might  be  raised  up  and  millions  of  souls 
soon  be  converted.  Who  will  offer  the  prayer  of  faith  for  an  in- 
crease of  faithful  laborers  V 

The  Morning  Star  had  at  this  time  entered  the  lists  in  the  great 
mond  contest  with  slavery, — ^and  the  facts  that  were  daily  coining 
before  the  public,  exempli^ing  its  horrid  abominations,  very  deep- 
ly affected  the  subject  of  these  memoirs.  In  his  editorial  articles, 
he  was  very  pointed  against  this  legalized  system  of  wickedness,, 
as  were  also  some  of  the  other  writers.  Subscribers  in  the  Free- 
will Baptist  churches  in  the  Garolinas  were 
'28* 


igry,  wrote  mui  opir- 


V 


880 


MKMOIRS   or 


ited  letters,  and  discontinued  in  larffe  numbers.  Many  others 
were  also  dissatisfied,  and  a  dark  cloud  threatened  the  prospect  of 
the  future.  But  he  knew  not  how  to  compromise  truth  with  error, 
and  he  resolved  that  if  his  influence  could  avail,  the  Star  should 
maintain  its  high  and  holy  stand,  though  the  violence  of  the  gath- 
ering storm  should  demolish  the  establishment,  for  whose  prosper- 
ity he  had  so  assiduously  labored,  and  finally  involve  himself  in 
bankruptcy. 

January,  1885,  Mr.  Marks  spent  mostly  in  Portsmouth,  saw 
•ome  accessions  to  the  church,  and  signs  of  a  revival.  He  also  at- 
tended the  New  Durham  quarterly  meeting  in  Gilmanton, 'which 
was  followed  by  several  conversions.  In  February,  in  addition  to 
his  usual  duties,  he  preached  with  the  churches  in  South  Berwick, 
Dover,  Loudon,  and  Canterbury.  March  2  and  3,  he  attended  the 
third  session  of  the  Rockingham  quarterly  meeting,  which  was  a 
time  of  more  than  ordinary  interest.  The  church  in  Boston,  of 
more  than  fitly  members,  was  received,  and  strong  resolutions  were 
passed  agunst  American  slavery.  Active  measures  were  taken  for 
furthering  the  cause  of  missions,  and  for  increasing  the  circulation 
of  the  Morning  Star.  After  his  return  to  Portsmouth,  he  read 
from  his  pulpit,  several  of  Mr.  C.  G.  Finnev's  "  Revival  Lectures,'* 
.  which  were  first  published  in  the  New  York  Evangelist,  and  were 
re-published  in  the  Morning  Star,  '^hose  were  read  between  the 
afternoon  and  evening  •  service  on  the  Sabbath,  and  on  week  day 
evenings.  While  he  was  reading  the  remarks  on  tobacco  in  the 
18th  lecture,  one  professor  of  religion  immediately  took  his  tobacco 
from  his  mouth  and  threw  it  away,  and  at  the  close  of  the  meeting, 
another  emptied  his  pockets  of  the  filthy  drug,  saying,  "  I  will  nev- 
er chew  any  more  tobacco  as  lc:;g  as  I  live." 

Munch  13,  Mr.  Sutton  visited  Portsmouth,  exhibited  his  idols, 
and  preached  on  the  subject  of  missions  with  very  great  accep- 
tance. The  meeting  house  was  crowded  in  every  part,  and  many 
went  away  v  lio  could  not  get  in.  It  was  thought  that  about  three 
thousand  people  were  present.  March  17,  Mr.  Marks  met  the 
Foreign  Mission  Board  in  Parsonsfield,  Me.  It  was  agreed  to 
send  Mr.  Eli  Noyep  with  Mr.  Sutton,  the  ensuing  fall,  as  a  mis- 
sio'^.TTy  to  India. 

The  latter  part  of  March,  Mr.  Marks  was  unusually  feeble.  His 
rigid  dieting  had  reducid  his  weight  to  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
■  seven  pounds,  having  lo<t  thirty-eight  in  the  last  four  months. 
[Previous  to  his  first  attacks  of  sickness,  he  weighed  two  hundred 
and  thirty-five  pounds.]  He  again  relinquished  his  studies  and 
writing,  and  made  an  effort  to  rest ;  but  as  the  power  of  motion 
.  was  siill  left  him,  he  endured  the  ordeal  but  a  few  days,  and  then 
resumed  his  usual  pureuits.    The  signs  of  a  revival  in  his  congre- 


DAVID  MARES. 


881 


fatten  continued,  and  ho  concluded  to  liold  a  protracted  meeting, 
le  had  invited  Mr.  Sutton  to  his  aid,  who  had  expressed  much 
desire  to  attend  such  a  meeting  before  he  left  America.  He  had 
also  secured  the  attendance  of  some  other  ministers  a  part  of  the 
time.  April  1,  the  meeting  commenced,  und  continued  eighteen 
days.  Congregations  were  large,  solemn,  and  attentive,  and  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  poured  upon  them.  The  first  that  was  con- 
verted dated  her  awakeninff  from  the  reading  of  one  of  Mr.  Fin- 
ney's lectures.  Immediately,  others  present^  themselves  as  anx- 
ious inquirers  for  salvation,  and  soon  several  found  peace  in  believ- 
ing. The  work  went  on  with  power.  In  about  two  weeks,  thirty- 
two  had  professed  submission  to  Christ,  and  seventeen  had  been 
baptized.  Near  the  close  of  the  meeting,  Mr.  Sutton's  engage- 
ments called  him  to  Boston,  but  his  heart  was  so  much  in  the  work, 
that  it  was  hard  leaving :  and  before  he  could  tear  himself  away, 
he  preached  three  discourses,  intending  each  of  them  as  his  fare- 
well to  the  people.  On  these  occasions,  the  large  meeting  house 
was  crowded  to  overflowing.  The  work  continued  with  consider- 
able interest  afler  the  meeting  closed,  and  the  church  was  increased 
to  about  sixty  members,  notwithstanding  several  subjects  of  the  re- 
vival united  with  the  churches  where  they  had  usually  attended 
worship.  An  interesting  missionary  concert  wns  now  sustained, 
and  the  Sabbath  school  was  flourishing. 

The  last  of  April,  Mr.  Marks  visited  Boston,  :\nd  heard  the  cel- 
ebrated ^  Lish  anti-slhvery  agent,  George  Thompson.  His  sub- 
ject wu>  ilie  merits  of  the  Colonization  Society.  Although  he  had 
long  ince  abandoned  the  idea  of  any  hope  for  the  slave  from  that 
quarter,  yet  he  had  not  until  now  supposed  that  it  actually  aided 
slH%ery.  He  pronounced  Mr.  Thompson  the  most  eloquent  man 
he  ever  heard.  He  said  his  appeals,  at  times,  overpowered  his 
feelings  to  a  degree  that  almost  produced  suffocation,  and  it  was 
of^en  with  difficulty  that  he  could  get  power  to  breathe.  On  his 
return  to  Portsmouth,  as  he  called  at  the  Post  OfTice,  his  attention 
was  arrested  by  the  appearance  of  a  young  man,  whose  exterior 
was  unusually  gentlemanly  and  iiueresting.  But  while  he  was 
admiring  his  very  agreeable  manners,  an  oath  suddenly  fell  from 
his  lips.  With  deep  emotions  of  grief,  Mr.  Marks  fixed  his  eyes 
upon  him,  and  said  kindly,  "  Friend,  you  ought  not  to  swear." 
The  young  man  followed  him  to  his  carriage  and  inquired,  "  What 
is  that  you  said?"  "You  ought  not  to  swear,"  was  the  reply. 
"  Bat,"  rejoined  '.he  young  man,  "1  can  prove  to  you  from  the 
Bible  that  it  is  right  to  swear.  It  is  written  that  every  knee  shall 
bow,  and  every  tongue  shall  swear."  "  But  not  profanely,"  said 
Mr.  Marks.  "  It  is  also  written  of  some  that  they  wrest  the  Scrip- 
tures to  their  own  destruction."    Said  the  young  man,  "  I  don't 


^mMoiM  or 


{Relieve  I  the  dectrinft  yon  preach.  I  believe  aH  w^ll  be  treU  after 
deatli.  I  am  a  Uiiiversalist,'*<^^then,  in  a  numient,  as  if  consdeiice- 
stvicken,  he  added,  « Friend,  70a  ard  right,  and  I  am  wrong:  I 
ongfat  not  to  awear.  But  it  it  of  no  use  to  talk  tome.  I  was  not 
ahmvs  as  I  now  am.  Onoe  I  had  serious  impressions.  In  Boston 
and  Poplin,  I  was  respected  and  happy.  But  now  I  am  miserable. 
I  know  there  id  no  mercj  for  me.  Ji  there  is  a  hell  I  know  I  shall 
go  to  it.  I'trj  to  think  there  is  none ',  but  I  am  an  unhappy  man. 
When  it  is  morning,  I  loag  for  the  night,  imd  when  it  is  night,  I 
kmg  for  the  morning."  Mr.  liforks  tmed  to  enoourage  him  to  turn 
ftom  his  sins  and  UtSk  to  Christ  Said  the  young  man,  **  It  is  of 
no  u^e,  yoa  need  not  talk  to  me.  I  know  I  shaiQ  go  to. hell,  and  I 
wiU  go ! !  Gould  tempcnral  eircumstttices  make  me  happvj  I  should 
be  a  happy  man.  I  have  enough  <^  this  world's  wealth,  and  my 
friends  try  to  make  me  happy ;  but  I  am  a  wretched  man.  I  have 
indulged  in  every  pleasure,  and  have  given  unrestrained  license  to 
my  appetites  and  passions.  But,  O!  lam  miserable.  I  long  to 
die  and  ki  nw  the  wont  of  my  ease.'*  Mr.  Marks  still  urged  him 
to  refinm,  arid  cast  hfanself  upon  the  mercy  of  God,  and  extorted 
ftom  him  a  partial  promise  to  call  and  see  him.  But  he  never 
saw  him  afterwards,  nor  was  he  able  to  learn  his  subsequent  his- 
tory. ^ 
-  May  4,  Mr.  Marks  was  present  1^  tibe  marriage  of  Mr.  EK  Noyes 
lo  Ml8»  Clementina  Pierce,  of  Portsmouth.  Miss  Pierce  was  the 
only  surviving  daughter  of  her  widowed  mother,  who  had  followed 
seven  daughters  to  the  gr&ve.  It  was  a  severe  pnd  painful  strug- 
gle for  the  mother  to  lay  her  idol  upon  the  missionary  altar ;  but, 
at  last  she  made  the  sacrifice  with  mudi  cheerftilness.  The  mar- 
riage solenmities,  under  these  circumstances,  were  very  solemn, 
and  many  wept.  During  this  m<mth,  Mr.  Maiks  was  engaged  early 
and  late,  with  the  care  of  his  increasing  flock,  preaching  to  the 
sailors,  and  the  inmates  of  the  Poor  Asylum,  and  in  discharging 
the  duties  of  his  various  offices.  Among  the  latter,  was  the  outfit 
,of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Noyes  for  India. 

About  this  time,  he  became  much  interested  in  the  Oberiin  Col- 
legiate Institute,  and  oflen  expressed  a  desire  to  spend  a  season 
there.  It  hod  been  in  npemtion  one  year  and  a  half,  and  Mr.  C. 
6.  Finney  had  accepted  an  appointment  in  it,  as  Professor  of  The- 
ology.  May  27,  he  wrote  in  the  Star  a  lengthy  notice  of  this  In- 
stitution, embracing  facts  taken  mostly  from  the  New  York  Evan- 
gelist, and  commended  its  patronage  to  the  young  men  and  women 
of  the  Free-will  Baptist  denominaticm. 

"  June  4,  he  attended  the  second  anniversary  <^  the  New  Hamp- 
fhire  Anti-Slaveiy  Society  at  Concord,  and  was  exceedingly  inter- 
ested.   Among  ths  ipeakers  were  HduFy  B.  Stamoni  one  of  the 


SI* 


DAVID  KABXS. 


888 


lamp- 

inter- 

lof  the 


fifty  students  who  had  recently  left  Lane  Seminary  in  Cincinnati 
because  the  college  faculty  wonid  not  allow  them  to  discuss  the 
slavery  question,  and  Mr.  WoodbuiT)  brother  of  the  Hon.  Levi 
Woodbury,  then  Secretary  of  Wstr,  now  one  of  the  judges  of  the 
Supreme  Court  <^  the  United  States.  Mr.  Marks  briefly  report€d 
their  addresses  in  the  Star.  Aaiong  many  interesting  things  said 
by  Mr.  Woodbury,  were  the  following:  "They  say  to  us,  keep 
still.  We  have  kept  still  two  centuries.  I've  tried  to  keep  stil^ 
but  I  can't  keep  still — ^I  won't  keep  still— I  wcm't,  I  won't  Two 
or  three  years  ago  I  went  on  a  kind  of  patriotic  excursion  to  visit 
the  tomb  of  Washington.  A  man  guided  me  to  the  spot  He  was 
a  man,  Mr.  President,  not  a  thii/iff,  a  man  with  a  black  face.  His 
head  was  whitor  than  any  one's  in  this  audience.  I  was  not  then 
an  aboUtionist,  nor  even  a  colonizationist  I  asked  the  man  if  he 
were  a  slave.  He  said  he  was— was  Washington's  slave.  But, 
I  said,  I  thought  Washington  liberated  all  his  slaves.  He  re- 
torted, *  I  guess  if  he  had,  I  should  have  known  it  No,  he  only 
liberated  his  household  slaves.  His  field  slaves  descended  with  thie 
&rm ;  I  was  a  field  slave.'  I  inquired,  have  you  any  children  ? 
>  I  have  had  ten.'  Ten—where  are  they  ?  *  I  don't  know.  They 
were  taken  to  a  southern  market  and  sold,  and  in  my  weak  old  age 
I  have  no  one  to  bring  me  even  a  cup  of  water.'  While  I  gazed 
on  that  poor  old  man,  my  vow  went  up  to  heaven  that  I  would  be 
an  abolitionist" 

In  the  early  part  of  June,  Mr.  Marks  left  Portsmouth,  accom- 
panied by  his  companion,  to  attend  the  anniversary  of  the  Home 
Mission  Society,  and  the  New  Hampshire  yearly  meeting,  which 
were  soon  to  be  held  in  Lisbon  in  the  north  part  of  the  state.  He 
soon  fell  in  company  with  several  brethren  in  the  ministry,  and  en- 
joyed the  sweets  of  Christian  intercourse  the  remainder  of  the  jour- 
ney. Nature  had  put  on  her  most  beautiful  robe,  and  the  enchant- 
ing scenery,  as  they  passed  along,  among  the  hills,  vallies,  and 
streams,  united  to  inspire  the  sou'  with  emotions  of  holy  delight 
He  arrived  in  Lisbon,  June  11,  physically  and  mentally  invigorat- 
ed by  this  delightful  journey. 

1^  The  Home  Mission  anniversary  opened  Friday  morning  at  half- 
past  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  Mr.  Marks,  as  Corresponding  Secretary, 
reported  that  thirteen  quarterly  meetings  had  organized  societies 
auxiliary  to  the  parent  society.  A  circular  had  been  published, 
and  sent  to  neariy  every  church,  entreating  them  either  to  form  so- 
cieties or  hold  quarterly  conferences.  One  missionary  had  been 
sent  to  Ohio,  whose  labors  had  been  blessed  to  the  conversion  of 
several  souls,  missionaries  had  been  sustained  a  few  weeks  in  Bos- 
ton, Newburyport,  and  Portland,  and  a  part  of  the  time,  an  agent 
had  been  employed  to  travel.    Many  urgent  calls  had  been  sent 


\ 


WOLOtM  OF 

to  (b9  ^weiy  for  lUd,  Among  which  was  the  foUowing  very  pathetic 
request  ftom  aa  a«8ooiation  of  Qeneral  BapUsts  in  Indiana.  After 
gi?hig  a  painflil  deseriptifio  of  tJwir  destitate  state  they  wrote«-<* 
f*  From  our  near  situi^n  to  New  Hannonyt  the  prindpiea  of  Rob- 
ert Owen  have  taken  deep  root  in  many  mlndi^  and  vn  want  a 
preacher  to  oomhat  them.  '  0»  send  us  mm  kborer.  We  ask  but 
^«<-<-we  wiU  be  satisfied  with  on«T-we  will  try  and  support  one. 
.Be  assured  th«t  he  who  cornea  will  find  many  here,  -whoae  hearts 
;WiU  le^  for  joy  at  the  presence  of  a  feithfid  Free*will  Baptist 
IHi'eaoher*  Our  home  shall  be  Ins-home^  and  our  firesides  and  tables 
aliaU  render  hin  the  eomforts  we  receive  eurselves.  Let  ns  know 
If  you  will  comply  with  our  request.  We  feel  that  we  are  the 
same  with  you  in  priaei|^  and  our  intoest  ia  in  eranmon  with 
yours*  therefore  we  are  the  more  bold  in  soUcitang  assistance.''  The 
Corresponding  Se^retwy  in  his  report  asked,  '^Is  this  a  time  for 
the  church  of  God  to  be  idle,  or  the  saints  of  the  Most  High  to 
^mber  ?  No  I  No^^I  There  ia  too  mueh  to  be  done  for  a  «tn^ 
ChrisiBan  to  be  waetive.  Ye  soldiers  of  Jesus,  <*  To  yonr  aims) 
^Q  your  arms  I  ibemenber  the  crown  la  fiur  those  who  fight'*  Sev- 
mnal  resolutions  were  passed,  aoeompanied  by  soul-sdrring  speeches. 
H- .  Sutton,  in  speaking  on  a  resclntian  r^resenting  North  Amer- 
iM  as  an  hiviting  field  rar  gospel  labors  said, « Thiais  true.  I  was 
10  Yirgmia  a  few  weeks  since,  and  had  the  privilega  of  preaehing 
to  the  slaves,  and  O,  never  shall  I  forget  their  amdous  looks  and 
■l^ii^eaiiung  eyes.  TI»y  hung  on  every  word,  with  -their  months 
ogexk,  mid  seemed  ready  to  catch  all  Ui^  heard.  O,  how  I  did 
love  to  preach  to  them.  *  f  I  was  mndb  affected  this  morning 
vhen  hearing  in  yonr  Corresponding  Secretary's  report  the  pathet- 
ic entreaties  for  labor  in  IndMna. .  I  almost  wished  I  could  be  di- 
vided into  ten  thousand  pieces,  and  every  piece  should  go  and 
preach  the  goapeU  I  wou^d  send  one  to  Indiana,  one  to  Virginia 
among  tlie  po<Mr  slaves,  others  farther  south,  some  to  India,  China, 
&c  among  the  heathen." 

Alter  the  close  of  the  discussions,  opportunity  was  given  for  any 
to  become  members  of  the  Society.  Mr.  Marks,  to  illnstrate  tho 
principle  of  missionary  operations,  said:  "According  to  the  last 
fepwt,  there  are  three  hundred  members  belonging  to  the  church 
in  this  town.  Now  let  ns  suppose  that  Whitefield  [an  adjacent , 
town]  contcnns  one  thousand  inhabitaatu,  ammig  whom  there  »  not 
a  minister  nor  a  single  Chri^an.  Some  of  the  brethren  here  begin 
to  think  and  talk  about  the  lamentaUe  conditiea  of  the  people  of 
Whitefield.  They  have  no  Sfd^bath,  and  all  their  children  are 
growing  up  witho^  any  religious  instruction.  One  says,  I  think 
the  command  to  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creatore  is  binding  on 
the  church,  and  lome  of  us  ou^ht  to  go  over  to  Whitefield,  and  give 


DATID  UAXEM* 


any 
the 
last 
lurch 
aoent  . 
not 
)eg^Q 
lie  of 


9 


the  people  reUgiotts  Indtnictkm  and  prftY  with  thettt^  Says  anoth- 
er, I  eoald  for  my  part  spmd  oaehoor  ma  day  toeonvert  the  peo* 
pie  in  Whiteileld)  if,  when  I  had  laboit^d  nine  liMre  /in  a  day) 
(wM^  I  most  to  Mf^rt  my  fiuniiy,)  I  was  only  there  to  spend  the 
tenth.  All  agtee  that  they  would  he  wilUtigtft  do  this  I  but  as  the 
distance  to  Whitefield  Is  sueh,  that  they  cannot  all  Ubor  personally  to 
convert  the  pe^e,  one  proposes  the  ibUowtttg  {dan.  That  they  shall 
choose  one  out  of  eveiy  ten  members  of  the  duir<^  to  gb  and  i^nd 
his  whole  time  in  laboiring  to  convert  tiie  pe^e  in  llt^tefldd,  and 
the  remaining  nine  nvMnbem  idtall  mch  one  go  and  work  their  faonir 
on  the  farm  of  the  one  Aat  is  absent  Now,  wcmid  this  be  every 
one  ffiving  an  hour's  woi%  to  the  brother  that  has  gone  to  White* 
field  ?  OBrUAnljf  Mt.  It  is  mearely  an  ixdhtrngB  of  im  hoards  worl^ 
to  eave  you  the  expense  and  time  of  journeying  to  Whitefield  to  d6 
your  da^.  By  this  eac^ange^  the  ehuroh  might  si^iport  thirty  mis» 
sionaries  in  Wlbitefield,  while  without  it  they  would  do  just  notluHg 
at  aU.  How  much  love  wonld  a  member  show  fe^  these  destitute 
l^ple,  shonid  he  say,  <*  I'll  have  nothing  to  dn  with  your  phmdf. 
excliange.  When  I  feel  it  duty  to  go  to  Whitefield,  I  will,  and  if 
Ood  sends  yon,  he  will  support  you  and  yotir  fjunily."  Now  this 
is  just  the  ease  with  our  Home  Mission  Society.  It  is  founded  on 
the  ibllowiog  i»opositionS. 

1.  God  has  commanded  that  the  gospel  be  pleached  to*  ef  ety 
creature.  2.  Thii  command  is  not  oUi^oty  on  merely  a  few  in» 
^vidiials,  bttt  is  direetly  or  indh«ctfy  bkkding  on  every  incBvidnd 
in  the  whole  ohurcii.  3.  Every  man  has  his  own  proper  calling  of 
6od>-^aU  len  are  not  called  to  preach  personally  i  but  while  one 
does  thie,  'lers  are  called  to  uphold  his  hands  by  supporting  hiffi, 
and  in  d<^g  it,  they  do  not  give  to  the  preacher,  but  only  do  them' 
«^e»j  hjf  txchang$i  what  Ck^  has  commuided  them  to  do.  Thus 
we  »e  called  to  be  co>-workers  with  God,  and  if  every  one  is  faith- 
fiil,  according  to  the  {dt)ility  dven  of  God,  the  erowns  of  glory,  the 
rewarcb  of  righteobsneSs,  will  be  cfetribdted  as  fteely  in  the  great 
judgment  day,  to  those  who  have  given  of  their  substance  with  a 
pure  heart,  as  to  those  who  have  entered  personally  into  the  field. 
And  now,  Christians,  let  me  ask  yon  before^  the  Lord,  can  you  not 
spare  one  hcmr  of  the  twenty-fbur  to  labor  fbr  the  spread  of  the 
^pel  ?  This,  at  ten  centt  per  hour,  would  be  nearly  forty  dollars 
inmuaUy;  at  half  this  price  H  would  be  nearly  twenty  dollars.  Can 
you  not  spare  half  an  honr,  or  at  least  fifteen  minutes  per  day? 
Should  every  one  devote  only  five  minutes  didly,  to  some  em- 
ployment for  this  purpose,  it  would  amount  to  several  dollars ' 
every  year  and  who  cM^not  do  this?  What  Oiristian  will 
not?" 


886 


KBKOIBS  OF 


Satnirday  moniii^,  the  yearly  meeting  of  busmess  was  opened. 
Mr.  Marks  presented  a  resolution  for  the  discussion  of  the  subject 
of  slavery,  which  was  the  first  that  was  ever  presented  to  the  New 
Hampshire  yearly  meeting.  He  spoke  with  much  effect  in  its  sup- 
port, and  was  followed  by  others.  Another  resolution  was  intro- 
duced, lamenting  the  condition  of  the  slave  in  reference  to  his  relig- 
ious privileges,  the  discussion  of  which  powerfully  excited  the  sym- 
pathies of  the  audience.  Mr.  Sutton,  in  speaking  on  this  resolu- 
tion, said :  "  I  am  glad  to  see  your  tears  fall  and  your  bosoms  heave* 
Time  was  when  the  glory  of  Africa  would  compare  with  that  of  the 
most  honored  nations  of  the  earth.  She  took  the  lead  in  the  arts 
and  sciences.  She  had  her  splendid  churches,  her  men  oi  learn- 
ing and  her  martyrs.  What  has  made  the  change?  Ah  I  it  was 
the  Christian's  cursed  thirst  for  ^Idl  The  dave  ships  went 
to  ^Africa— stole  her  sons,  and  sold  them  to  fill  the  Christian's 
purse!" 

Dr.  F.  A.  Cox,  a  delegate  from  the  "  London  Baptist  Union"  in 
England,  to  the  Baptist  Triennial  Convention  recently  held  in  Rich- 
mond, Ya.,  also  spoke  on  this  resolution.  This  was  the  first  if  not 
the  only  time,  that  h&  publicly  rebuked  slavery  during  his  stay  in 
America.  He  apologized  for  his  silence,  on  the  ground  that  he 
believed  he  could  do  more  good  in  the  anti-slavery  cause,  by 
exerting  his  influence  in  a  private  way.  Mr.  Marks  reported 
this  discussion  for  the  Star;  it  was  subsequently  copied  into 
the  Emancipator  and  sent  to  Virginia.  The  Petersburg  Con- 
stellation in  that  state,  came  out  with  a  violent  article  against 
Mr.  Sutton  and  Dr.  Cox,  calling  the  lattei'  a  "snake  in  the 
grass." 

Saturday  afternoon  and  evening,  interesting  sermons  were 
preached  by  Elmers  J.  Buzzell  and  J.  Woodman,  and  a  few  pre- 
jaented  themselves  for  prayer.  Preparations  had  been  made  for 
convening  the  congregation  on  the  Sabbath,  in  a  beautiful  px>ve, 
as  an  overflowing  attendance  was  anticipated,  notice  having  been 
^yen  that  Mr.  Sutton  would  be  present,  and  that  Mr.  E.  Noyes 
would  be  ordained  as  a  missionary  to  India.  Early  in  the  morn- 
ing, multitudes  were  seen  flocking  to  the  "  leafy  temple,"  tiU,  at  the 
j^me  the  hour  for  preaching  arrived,  it  was  judged  that  three  thous- 
i»^d  people  were  present.  Dr.  Cox  preached  the  ordination  ser- 
jnon  from  our  Savior's  words :  "  I  am  the  light  of  the  world,"  af- 
ter which  the  solemn  services  of  the  ordination  were  performed, 
't'he  serious,  universal,  and  unbroken  attention  of  the  audience, 
evinced  their  deep  interest.  In  the  afternoon,  Mr.  Sutton  preach- 
ed on  missions  with  his  accustomed  ardor,  after  which,  a  request 
;  was  made  that  all  present  who  would  engage  to  pray  for  missions 
and  contribute  to  their  support  would  raise  their  hands.    Many 


DAVro  IffABKS. 


887 


1,  at  the 
thous- 


hundreds  of  hands  were  instantly  raised.  Mr.  Marks  preached  ui 
the  evening ;  abont  thirtj-five  went  forward  for  prayer,  and  sever- 
al prayers  were  offered  in  their  behalf.  Dr.  Cox,  spealring  of  this 
meeting  in  his  <<  Baptists  in  America,"  said,  <<The  impassioned 
character  of  the  supplications  was  often  ast^mishing  for  fervenqr  and 
flow.  Th9  whole  atmosphere  seemed  infected  with  exdtement 
You  seemed  to  have  got  into  a  new  element  of  existence.  The 
whispers  or  appeals  to  candidates  in  a  subdued  t<me,  were  often 
solemn,  seasonable,  and  pointed."  Thus  dosed  one  ckT  the  most  in- 
teresting and  important  sessions  ever  held  by  the  New  Hampshire 
yearly  meeting.  Mr.  Marks,  in  subsequent  days,  often  refeired  to 
this  season  as  one  of  the  happiest  of  his  life.  Dr.  Cox  said  to 
him,  that  the  sentiments  of  Free-will  Baptists,  as  fhr  as  he  had 
been  able  to  learn  them,  were  more  in  unison  with  the  sentiments 
of  the  churches  of  the  London  Baptist  Union,  than  were  the  Oal- 
vinistic  Baptists.  In  the  work  just  alluded  to,  he  remaiks :  **  My 
intercourse  with  the  ministers  and  people  of  this  denomination,  con- 
vinced me  of  their  eeal  and  union.  I  perceived  also  much  <^  en- 
larged benevolence  and  individual  generosity  of  feeling.  Their 
sentiments  towards  each  other  were  eminently  fraternal.  Whoev- 
er was  the  preacher,  he  was  equally  cheered  by  every  other.  The 
puritanical  manner  appears  to  be  very  geneittUy  retained ;  and  it  is 
combined  with  much  of  the  primitive  spirit.  Their  method  is 
often  pointed,  and  commonly  vehement  *  *  *  As 
a  denomination,  their  views  in  some  points,  and  their  practices  in 
other  respects,  will,  no  doubt,  be  modified  by  time  and  experi- 
ence." 

Monday,  June  15,  Mr.  Marks  met  with  the  Foreign  Mission 
Board,  and  it  was  decided  to  send  out  another  missionary  with  Mr. 
Noyes.  In  the  afternoon  he  set  out  on  his  return  to  Portsmouth, 
in  company  with  brethren  Burr,  Cilley,  and  Thurston,  purposing 
to  visit  the  summit  of  Mt.  Washington,  (the  highest  peak  of  the 
White  Hills,)  and  pass  through  what  is  called  the  "  Notch."  Tues- 
day morning,  having  procured  horses  and  saddle^  they  proceeded, 
at  six  o'clock,  accompanied  by  a  guide,  to  ascend  Mt  Washington, 
the  highest  elevation  of  which  is  6,428  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
sea.  After  riding  six  miles,  they  were  obliged  to  dinnount,  leave 
their  horses,  and  pursue  the  uneven  tenor  of  their  way,  dimbing 
over  masses  of  broken  rocks,  piled  upon  each  other  almost  perpen- 
dicularly. Snow  of  considerable  depth  lay  in  some  places  along 
their  pathway,  clouds  floated  beneath,  and  the  cold  began  to  affect 
them  quite  unpleasantly.  At  length,  with  much  toil  and  fatigue, 
after  climbing  three  miles,  they  gained  the  summit  A  scene  of 
surpassing  grandeur  met  their  sight    In  the  ftir  distanoe  lo  the 


southeast. 


m 


as  the  Atlaaiic  ocean  lying  in  the  horizon  like  a  doad, 


^ 


\^.'>i.iJ.i';Aj:^^ 


UVM^fMi  OM 


Bmk,wei«;  tlMif  Qreesk  Moua(ain»)<i|'  VermM^  unci  nortiteast  the 
KJ^talidin  iOifiimtaiiis, ,  TViithiti. tltA:.  ojnole  of  theitt  estend«4  vision, 
iv^^PMiiMMcve^injimemnA  vilUigM».fleld«  andifoiMts.  The  G<»mec» 
tifMMy^.wi(biit«i  tnlM«tai9«s».  added.  iiQ(i»>  liule  to  the  beautj  of 
tlMMNime*.  Adif» flM«tin9:tlHnir«;^'%wiHlef.tbey:  partodi: of  are^^ 
pwal'brons^t  V:  tUMc  guides.  They  then  l«d  suu^ng^  mA  prayeiv 
antd^listenod  to. ftseraaon  ftom  Bldec  Xl&inUMr.  HUi text. was  Mat. 
l^d^.V^HhedevilitaMhhittup  into,  an  enoeeding  high  mounr* 
tiJtft.imdtsbeyFeHi  bim^aUitheLhKngdemt^ol!  the  world ;i^  the  glorvi 
9$ii»mimii.mith^:vaaUi)h^  theoiif  tfaoui^lt 

fidlidftWQr  apd.wor8l»{i,nie^"  Theic  extenttUi ckroumatanoes  were 
a^ii«bIjF/caioiilsted.tc.  gJL'TO  fbree  to  thetextn.  Soon  after  the  ser^ 
QMn^.tlieyiooaimenoed  their,  deficent,  mtd^arriyediat  the public  house^ 
i4<;t^e)l)Meiofrthii:  mowitaiin)  M  aut  o'okKkiJP.  .M.,.ao;-much  wearied^ 
tto(  re8t>W!aB:an  indeaerihaUejloainrj^  Next  morning  they  passed 
thKongfetbfi)  ^Ifotehi?  whiob}it>«  defikthrottghfthe^Wihite  UilKin: 
«H»e!plfKM[iSQn«rinQw,  as  to  leam  haiisJiyi  room,  foe  a  road.  Tihe 
tp(ivmdng.ngionfitai||g,  tile.  ovt^ijiaiQging  dm^.  tlie  nwcnm  pase^  th« 
Mjb9ngTstref«^aH«ildfnmAl7^fiUea;to  impii^  tb»s  tnureUer  with: 
t^j  deepwf .  tm^f  of;  that^  Beingi  who.  <<>weis^'  the;  mpirataina  iu: 
8QBdbii^!aici4L}tbe'hUl»jiii».balaneieur 

*  l^t^nrday^June  19r  Mr.  Maiiok  amved)  in.  Portsmouth.  The 
(JAirch  continued  to  prospezv  though  i«M»ng:thrQfii^  tHaiUin  con?. 
aeqiienAe'QfitbeiexeroiserOf 'cfanrcb:discipUnerintthe  caae!<^  the  ^Of 
tiSkirtr,  Aiith«t)time>.  tboi  traffic  m  ar^tt.  sfMritaiwa^.  booorable-in 
Portsmouth,  and  ho  other  church  in  town,  except  the  MethodiatSf 
i»9iH}«d  theiR  members  to  abstain  fi<om.ik.  XhediHiUer  perse- 
Teiingl^f  refuMsdi  to  <gi?e.u{it  his  deadly  war)ci^.and  idl.  the  necessary 
-steiwshadibeen  taken  preimratoiy.  to  ms  exdosiom  A.  dreadful  oo^ 
•ciirr^i^rseemedinow  to: caUIOudlyoni the^; (dmrdi  fb» dedsive  ao^ 
tioD.  liiv.Wilson  oi  Satteij,  ima  divnken  fit)  murdered  his  wife 
in  upmost. Jbgwtal  manner^,  imd;it:was.  reported^,  on^ccedihle  auth^ri-^ 
ty,,t}«ut)he:oib!kMn^  the  ihtoxicating  draught!  from;  tins.'  Free-^wiU 
jQaptiefliidistUlerj  The  church  were  ready.'  fnat,  aietioni  except  on  the; 
ipvnnd  <^  expedi^c^  TUey  weve  poori.were  stiUin  debt  for  theiir! 
hfiim^  andi tbe^ distiller waa  r^pons^e.for  tw0'  l]$mdted  doUaraof 
thiftidelbl}  in  such  a  mannej^  that  he  could  make  the :  chur^  much; 
trcifiblft<  Mn- Marksr  seeingthe  irresolution ■. c& the leaibing mem-- 
'bMa»i6rom>.tbiS'oireum8taneei  went  to  Doy^.bvhed  .the  money  from) 
thfblMinit, .afiidipaidc the! timrhundned: doUanb  l!he act-.ofr  exdusion; 
immpdilktely^fo^aoiwed^  Bor- thia  carrying  out  ofi  temperance  and; 
gnsfMJtfwnttiplea^one  of:  the  Portsmouth  papers  came  out  with  m 
•bittrit«rttfll% afidbothiMri  Sfiiiil^  andl  tbejchvordiiaHieBed  mudi, 


DAYl!b*i£&bM. 


ti99 


oontetdptflind  obloquy  "ftvm'ihe  vri<k^,  ite  WeIl<lu<fr(to'thtte6%lilo 
professed  bettir^r  thi<i^.  > 

Ocoftiiobtdfy,  iofthe  'b^ttdflt  <^  sea  sir  andryelalbtion,  llir.  MAfka 
v«iit  Odt  on  wortfisbittgesccursioiiis ; 'Andin  a f(dW  imitameeiB,  teKli- 
ed  at  the  Iste  of  ShtttdB,  'aticl  heM'tttieietliigs  idth  the  ped|^e.  This 
tslattd  b  t^bout  iii»e  'ttiles  fVoth  (t*ot«Btti6tith,  and  then  ootitahied 
between  one  and  two  !htthd»e&  inhabitttnts^'taostly  "fllflli^tai^n.  lli^ 
had  a  house  of  woivhip,  brit  no  midhte'r.  ^Mv  80,  he  -^it&i  'ilte 
island,  accompanied  by  Elders  Woodman,  Gilley  and  Nojr^  friSb. 
siicty  or  sevenfy  bretlireh^irofn  Pdrtsmouth,  New  lif arkcft  attfl  !^ 
▼er.  They  continued^ttere  (Wenty-^ight'honr8,'tmd'heia  sfac'me^ 
ingg.  Each  tff  the  itthiiidtetto  'p!fea<^ed.  The  tett  ex^r6ito  "was 
held  bn  the>rocks  -byMAie  <ticd»4ide,  ^^et<e  ^dbockt'e^b  Irahdirea^w^ 
assenibled.  Two  ^related  th^  yeligious  ekperieiiee,  lEr.  ^Bfeiilte 
baptised  thetn,  wd  «hey*wei^  ftaded  to  <ihe  Poi^ttoiiftli  ^drtSh. 
One  bf  th^e  %« 'etttttefti^  only  labottt'ihlfee  hours  befttt^'^ke  Wtb 


Atigtfdt  0.1,  Itbr.  i^ii^ffiifih  I^Hillip^  a^  ^indent  in  Hiimilttfti-iSeab- 
&«0y,  ritna%  9t^  iGotoUtMroti  ^pm  ^tttHn  !PMiifl<^,  <N.  %.,  iMte 
appoimed<by:the  '!Poreign  Mi^fiAlon  ^ard,  'tb  aebbtefiany  'bireflMHi 
Koyes  tfnd  SuMon  4o  ^dm.  tte  w^i^'SttbHequetifly'nuirnbd'to  Khu 
Mitfy  E.  3eede,  ^dbW  of  SfllilU«a  See^.  The'^ttiiddhg  ^e  t^iUBt 
for'theirvoyiige,  ^HHtm  the^firepAMttion  6f  th6ltHlt(itb^h3ioltn''!n  'dfe 
Ship,  devolved  on  <B&.  M^Hds.  IDtirihg  this  tedliilh*be  bdttpilbfl'flte 
Free^tdn  Baip^t  'Itegbti^r  fbr  1886. 

Mr.  Marks  believing  the  Book  Concern  llfid  'i^cqaire'd  ^'perttiai- 
niefncy  that,  With  Judicioais  management,  "would  Inenre  its  istiecess, 
determined  to  te^gn  Mb  agency  lit  the  etpprtttuihing^  Gen^raK^- 
fbrenee,  ^to  his  other  •responsibilities,  rett^  to  ^ew  ToA:,  vnA 
seek  rest  and  retirement,  nehttdlxjedtne  Sensible  that  iheeohtin- 
nanice  of'hislife  depended  on  iMim&  sadh  bhange,  and  lie  desired 
of  finding  Test,  if  he  rediained  in  New  England..  Being  qdiiik^th 
the  pen,  iind  reacfy  in  ftmfling  article,  a  great  amount  of  M)6t>'ti)li6 
habitually  impciBed  tipon  -him  hi  missions^,  jpatterly,  'and  "yett^ 
meetmg^,  in  UddMcto  to  his  bther  labors.  Wh  ti^d  dietiflg  mi. 
lessened  lii&  Ayiipeiitic  difficultieis:  bust  his  nervobs  ^yetdtn.  "Was 
more  severely  t^cted'fhftnWer.  At  iiihes,  his  mind  seemed  cS- 
most  a  'wre<^,'BO  "fhat  atiy  kind  ^  mental  lab^ir  -^ould  so  aifbdt  l^itn 
that  he  could  li<tt  ^1  iirhere  he  wfds,  ^  even  his  owti  nttihe.  In 
view  of  his  anticipated  departure  from  New  England,  one  "Stn^&St 
pressed  hetiVTlj  vipm  his  niana,^e  sectiiittg  of  aikitMiil  .pastor  ta 
tiake  charge  of  the  Portsmouth  «hurch.  lli^  thoii^t  tibc^  were 
too  poor,  with  the  debt  for  their  house  on  their  hands,  to  jaise 
much  to  sustain  a  minister.  Durine  the  period  1^.  M^lbs  haw  Imr. 
bored  with  them,  (nearly  a  year  and  a  half,)  he  had  received  a  Jit- 


dio 


KKMOntS    ov 


tie  mote  than  one  hundred  dollars.  The  remainder  of  his  expen- 
ses he  had  borne  hiniself,  and  had  given  besides  fifty^eight  dollars 
for  the  expenses  of  the  church.  Ten  dollars  were  for  a  Sabbath 
school  librarjr,  ten  dollars  towards  wanning  the  house,  and  thir- 
ty-eight  towards  the  meeting  house.  To  encourage  the  church  to 
8U8t«m  a  minister,  he  told  them  he  would  assist  them,  and  persuad- 
ed them  to  secure  the  labors  of  Elder  James  A.  MrlLenzie  of 
Rhode  Island.  Subsequendy^he  gave  twenty-five  dollars  toward 
his  support 

About  the  16th  of  September,  Mr.  Marks  went  to  Boston  to 
finish  the  arranaements  fnv  the  voyage  of  our  missionaries.  They 
were  t  •  sail  in  we  ship  Louvre^  accompanied  by  seventeen  other 
missionaries,  belonging  to  difiisrent  denominations.  Most  of  these 
had  been  brought  bto  the  field  through  the  untiring  efforts  of  the 
devoted  Sutton,  who,  without  regard  to  denominational  distinctions, 
had  labored  to  stir  up  a  missionary  spirit  among  all  CSiristians. 
Sabbath  evening,  Sept  20,  the  farewell  services  were  attended  in 
Dr.  Sharp's  meetjng  house  [Baptist]  which  was  filled  to  everflow- 
ing.  The  missionanes  were  se^ed  together,  while  ipstruotioas  and 
a^Ubresses  were  given  them.  Some  were  to  go  to  China,  one  to  Bur- 
mah,  and  sevenu  to  Hindoostan..  Mr.  H.  Malcolm,  having  been 
appointed  on  a  three  years'  tour  to  visit  the  Baptist  missionary  sta- 
tions, was  going  to  sail  with  them.  Both  he  and  Mr.  Sutton  ad- 
dressed the  audience  in  a  very  impressive  manner.  The  following 
particulars  relating  to  thedr  departure,  are  taken  from  an  article  Mr. 
Marks  wrote  for  Uie  Star. 

**  Tuesday,  Sept  22.  BefcMre  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Union  wharf, 
where  Uy  the  ship  Louvre,  was  thronged  by  a  multitude  of  several 
thousands,  assembled  to  witness  its  departure.  The  countenances 
of  the  missionaries  were  bright  and  joyous.  After  brother  Noyes 
had  taken  leave  of  his  friends,  he  said,  *  The  long  wished  for  mo- 
ment has  arrived,  and  I  can  say,  '  Welcome  sweet  dfiy  of  rest.' 
Takmg  brother  Phillips  by  the  hand,  he  said  to  him,  <  I  thank  my 
Heavenly  Father  that  he  has  given  me  a  fellow  laborer  to  go  with 
me  to  idolatrous  India.*  A  s^rt  time  since,  I  thought  I  must  go 
alone,  and  it  was  somewhat  painful  to  me.'  Sister  Sutton's  relatives 
were  weeping,  and  saying,  '  We  cannot  part  with  them.'  She 
looked  upon  Uiiem  from  the  ship,  with  a  sweet  smile,  and  pointing 
to  heaven,  said,  <  Don't  weep.'t    The  missionaries  stood  together 


'  *  It  was  an  affecting  circnmstance,  that  while  Mr.  Phillips'  father  visited 
Boston,  to  take  leave  of  his  son,  he  took  the  small  pox,  and  on  his  retain  to 
Plainfield  gave  it  to  his  wife,  and  they  both  died. 

t  Mrs.  Satton  was  formerly  the  wife  of  Mr.  Cole  man,  a  piissionary  who 
sailed  to  Bnrmah,  soon  after  Messrs.  Jndson  and  Newtll.  ,^.  ^^,     ^  .     ,, 

^iriiii  iswi'w  j^md*. 


D^V^  ^UkUMB. 


Ml 


isaionary  who 


cm  die  Bide  of  tbto  ship,  fltdng  the  Airbng  WHli  dfaetfrt^  fiMMi.'Mir- 
dimtaed  (so  ihr  fit  I  could  xUscoveiv)  b;^  a  Sin^is  ttet.  'S|tfi^|;  aiUA 
prayer  ivere  oftered  hy  tthose  on  sliore,  aJlter  wbicb,  said  bi^tber 
Sutton,  as  be  looked  upon  Ibe  weeping  friencb^  '  flHa  is  not  a  sor* 
rowAil  day  to  us.  It  is  the  bapplesi  hif  I  ev<er  soir.  We  iure  go<^ 
ing  to  preaob  Hhe  gospel  tb  the  tieaibtin^  Do  fcm,  4n  tbto  Olirismii 
land,  be  cardbl  thttt  yOti  ^  ttot  toeglect  it.  If  yott  9o,  how  Win 
those  condemn  you  to  'wham  itre  we  gohig'l  t^etids,  tbibk  df  "^biiil.^ 
The  sails  being  Bp)eeiA  aind  all  tbbigs  r^y,  «t  eleven  o'clock,  k. 
M^  the  ship  moved  from  the  wbar^  fuid  the  missionaries  oommeno- 
ed  i^n^ng, 

'  Yc*.  Wjr  tiiithrb  bdiA,t  iToVs  ihee,' ifci;^ 

and  continued  «ntal  ibeir  voices  were  loSt  in  the  dntance.  AAcr 
the  ship  left  the  whaif,  I  stood  and  gazed  one  bouk",  tiH  she  itppem^ 
ed  as  «  mei«  speck,  and  ^en  VanMted  froth  sigbl.  A  ilaote  soraMn 
scene  I  nevef  witnessed, "notr  otie that  joiade  a leeper ItnpKtfsiandii 
my  Blind.'* 

Immediately  after  the  ^epatture  of  the  missionaries,  ^r,  Marks 
returned  to  Portsmouth,  and  then  proceeded  in  his  own  conveyance 
to  Byron,  in  western  New  Yoi^  to  attend  the  «igkth  ^session  of 'tiw 
Gei»ral  Conference,  which  connaenced'Oetober  7, 1885.  TheG^tif- 
ferenoe  accepted  bis  i^eqnest  foi*  a  dititnisBiota  fix>tti  the  agencj^  'Of 
the  Book  Concem,  and  Stppoitrted  ia  Board  o^  eleven  TVustees  to  as- 
sume bis  respontiibiirfies.  l^is  Board  aj^pOiDted  iKTr.  Wm.  Bui^ 
to  act  as  their  agent,  which  office  he  has  ever  since  relwned.  IW 
Conference  exjH'essecl  te  lUkr.  Marks  their  4q)probatk>n  of  the  labo^ 
rious,  prott*-)(,  and  faityul  «liscbarge  of  the  duties  coanteiti^ed  i6  his 
trust,  and  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  and  tml^ili  stn  m^sS» 
in  the  Morning  Sla^,  cjqyressive  of  tbelt:  apj[)ti6batiot»,  of  wbicfa  tlve^ 
following  is  a  copy : 

'.'..  '^'*  1'hb  Book  Aoknt.  At  the  last  sesdLon  of  the  General  Conleience,. 
this  subscribers  were  appoicited  to  publidi  iii  the  Morning  Star,  an  ex-^ 
pression  of  that  body  in  relation  to  the  services  of  oar  late  Book  Af^t. 
In  accordance  with  that  appointment,  We  {Hresent  «he  following  fat  the 
information  of  our  brethren  and  the  pnbHe. 

It  should  be  remembered  that  onr  Book  Concern  was  commenced 
without  any  capital.  The  G^eneral  donferenca  in.  1881,  voted  that  a 
Book  Concern  should  be  established  in  our  denomination^  and  chose  broth' 
er  David  Marks  Agent  fcnr  the  purpose  of  accomplishing  that  objeot.. 
They  requested  him  to  publish  such  books  as  the  Publishing  Committee 
might  think  proper  to  direct.  In  1833,  the  Conference  directed  the 
Agent  to  purchase  the  Morning  Star  and  printing  establishment  (Rmt  ^he- 
denomination,  but  they  neither  furmshed  him  with  funds  or  the  means 
of  obtaining  any  on  credit.  Not  a  dollur  did  they  not  into  his  han^  to 
aid  him  in  the  prosecution  of  this  business.  A  httie  reflection  will  ena- 
ble auy  person  to  see  that  money  or  credit  was  indiiqpeqsable  in  com- 
29*  "    ■ 


.Vf^|fc<'' 


m 


MUfOIBl  OF 


menciDg  wad  conduotiog  the  Book  establishment.  The  denominstion 
not  being  a  corporate  body,  could  not  sustain  the  Agent  with  their  credit 
in  anj  legal  capacity  whatever.  Hence,  his  only  means  was  personal 
responsibility,  by  giving  his  own  name  and  the  names  of  such  friends  as 
were  willing  with  himself  to  je«ipardixe  their  temporal  property  for  the 
sake  of  advancing  the  cause  of  God,  and  the  interests  or  the  denomina- 
tion. In  addition  to  the  usual  evils  which  attend  the  obtaining  anv  con- 
siderable amount  of  property  entirely  on  credit,  our  Agent  was  oblised 
to  commit  the  books  which  he  had  published  into  the  hands  of  other 
agents,  in  order  for  them  to  be  sola  with  despatch.  This  greatly  in- 
creased his  car9  and  liabilities.  Another  firuitAil  sonme  of  perplexity 
and  toil  was,  that  the  measure  was  something  new  in  oar  denomination. 
Some  were  doubtful  of  its  propriety— others  were  doubtful  of  its  success, 
while  some,  probably,  were  much  opposed  to  its  progress.  In  conduct- 
ing a  business  which  required  means  to  the  amount  of  twelve  or  fourteen 
thousand  dollars,  without  funds,  and  against  so  many  doubts  an'  iiurmi- 
ses,  it  followed,  of  course,  that  the  Agent  must  have  great  trials,  hard- 
ships, and  discouragements  to  encounter.  The  Concern  itself  also  re- 
Suired  much  labor  and  great  effort  to  carry  it  forward.  But  we  confi- 
ently  believe  the  Divine  blessinff  has  accompanied  the  undertaking* 
Brother  Marks  has  now  resigned  nis  agency,  and  has  received  the  ap- 
probation of  Conference  for  his  prompt,  faithful,  and  laborious  services. 
He  has  also  committed  the  whole  Concern  into  the  hands  of  the  denom- 
ination, which  is  estimated  to  be  worth  94000  above  its  debts,  and 
which  commenced  four  years  since  with  nothing.*  If  in  the  minds  of 
anv,  there  has  been  a  suspicion  that  the  Agent  has  been  serving  him- 
self, instead  of  his  brethren  and  the  cause  of  God,  we  trust  that  the 
statement  of  the  services  vvhich  he  has  performed,  and  the  compensa- 
tion he  has  received,  as  published  in  the  Mmutes  of  the  last  Conference, 
will  eflbctually  do  away  all  such  impressions.  Tite  following  is  an  ex- 
tract jfrom  the  Agent's  report  as  published  in  those  Minutes. 

'  During  the  first  year  of  my  agency,  the  whole  expense  of  the  publi- 
cations issued,  amounted  to  more  than  $4000.  To  meet  these  expen- 
ses, I  was  obliged  to  Use  every  eflfort.  I  travelled  MOO  miles,  mostly 
with  a  span  of  horses,  carrying  and  distributing  loads  of  books,  and, 
with  my  companion,  served  the  Book  Cencern  in  various  ways,  most  of 
the  time  for  one  year,  frequently  sitting  up  whole  nights,  paying  my 
own  travelling  expenses,  which  amounts  to  nearly  $  500  in  cash.  To 
balance  all  this  expense  of  mone^  and  the  toilsome  labors  of  myself  and 
companion,  which,  on  the  principle  of  equality  and  justice,  I  could  not 
have  done  short  of  $800  or  $1000,  I  charged  onlv  $  150.  The  rea- 
sons for  my  presenting  but  this  trifling  account  against  the  Book  Con- 
cern were  as  follows :  • 

1.  I  knew  that  our  beloved  connexion  was  not  sufficiently  bterested 
in  a  book  estabUshment  to  support  it,  unless  the  conductors  would  bear 
unusual  bprdens. 


*  The  value  of  the  property  at  this  time,  inclndine  the  debt«  due  for  books, 
Star,  &c,  was  estbnated  at  $10246,60— ^e  debts  whidi  the  establishment  owed, 
amounted  to  $6SSa,48. 


Hit 


m:. 


I>AYID  UAMKB. 


848 


.  To 
If  and 
uld  not 
le  rea- 
Con- 

erested 
Id  bear 


'  books, 
|t  owed, 


S.  I  belieTed  that  nnleisl  should  niake  unusually  low  charges,  almost 
ffiTinff  awav  both  expense,  monev  and  mv  serrioes,  the  conduotors  and 
mends  of  the  establishment  would  soon  become  disoourao^,  and  aban- 
don  the  object.  And  if  thev  should  do  this,  not  only  a  failure  of  the  in- 
fant establishment  would  foftow,  but  probably  I  should  be  stripped  of  my 
little  all  to  pay  the  debts  I  had  already  oontraeted. 

8.  Many  haid  already  beeome  jealous  that  I  had  commenced  a  great 
speculation,  and  that  I  was  ffetting  rich  very  fast,  and  others  were  per- 
suaded that  I  never  designed  that  the  General  Conference  should  have 
the  profits,  in  case  there  should  be  any.  Considering  these  things,  I 
thought  the  success  of  the  establishment  demanded  that  I  should  make 
such  sacrifices  as  would  convinoe  eren  those  who  were  most  under  the 
influence  of  ignorance  and  prejudice,  that  temporal  interest  was  no  part 
of  my  object  in  taking  the  agency. 

4.  I  belieTcd  that  unless  sacrifices  were  made  and  jealousies  removed, 
the  designed  establishment  must  inevitaUv  fail,  and  that  sueh  an  occur- 
rence would  be  a  great  calamity  to  the  Free-will  Baptist  denomination, 
and  to  the  souls  wnioh  are  under  their  influence. 

During  the  first  year  of  my  agency,  I  became  convinced  that  to  en- 
sure success,  we  [thft  connexion!  must  own  a  printing  establishment  and 
publish  a  relisious  periodical ;  1  accordingly  took  measures  to  secure 
this  object,  which  was  accomplished  at  the  session  of  the  Greneral  Con- 
ference at  Meredith,  October,  1833.  But  here  again  I  was  under  the  ne- 
cessity of  risking  my  uroperty  or  of  abandoning  the  object  of  establishing 
a  Book  Concern  :  I  uierefore  gave  my  notes  to  the  amount,  induding 
debts  before  contracted,  of  7,600.  Nearly  all  this  sum  was  on  interest ; 
and  had  there  been  any  sudden  unfavorable  change  in  the  times,  or  loss 
by  fire  ;  or  had  I  deceased,  it  is  nearly  certain  that  no  one  would  have 
been  willing  to  take  my  responsibilities,  and  of  course  a  failure  must 
have  been  the  consequence.  Notwithstanding  these  embarrassments, 
when  two  other  manuscripts  were  presented  by  the  Committee  for  pub- 
lication, a  few  months  after,  viz :  the  Scriptural  Catechism  and  Mr.  Sut- 
ton's Orissa  Mission,  I  consented  to  pobltth  them,  though  the  expenses 
would  add  $3,900  to  the  debts  for  which  I  was  holden.  I  did  this  be- 
cause I  thought  that  the  publication  of  these  works  would  do  much  g  od 
in  the  world. 

The  second  year  of  my  service,  I  charged  for  time  spent  in  the  agen- 
cy by  the  hour,  13  1-3  cents  per  hour  (finding  myself,)  and  my  wages 
amounted  to  the  sum  of  $  130,38.  I  also  charged  for  my  expenses  in 
travelling  800  milesi  entirely  for  the  Book  Concern,  $40. 

In  the  course  of  the  succeedingyear,  I  published  6000  copies  of  the 
'*  Treatise  on  the  Faith  of  the  Tree-will  Baptists"— 3000  copies  of  a 
work  by  J.  G.  Pike,  called  "  True  Happiness" — 3000  copies  of  the  Scrip- 
tural Catechism ;  and  4000  copies  of  the  Free-will  Baptist  Register. 
Times  were  hard,  and  tcgmeet  the  payment  of  old  debts  as  they  became 
due,  and  the  current  expenses  of  the  printing  establishment,  I  found  it 
exceedingly  difficult.  I  charged  this  year  for  my  services  13  1-3  cents 
per  hour,  bearing  my  own  expenses,  and  my  wages  amounted  to  about 
$  180.  I  charged  for  the  expenses  incurred  in  travelling  about  1000 
miles  on  purpose  for  the  Book  establishment,  $60. 


>'K:k  ^-M.^'    -<^<i4v*vj.i.^^''- 


Hi 


sncMOtRi  ^(tw 


Diamg  th«  Ibunh  Mi  km  year  «( 'Hmt  «g«n«^,  I  pttMhhM  tnHy  1000 
oopiea  or  the  ChrietiM  Melody  end  MKX)  eopiea  of  >fhe  lleg4iMrroT  I890, 
and  have  foand  little  diflloultjr  ih  — ewttof  ewrerye^yifenieht,  hndmy  i«r* 
rioee,  oompifred  with  the  Ibrmer  fean,  ««re  eetaipaVMirely  euy.  Jtlie- 
oame  neoeseary,  hoWNwet,  to  eettle  tfp  all  Hw  !aeeeant«  of  fhe  eMsMitrti* 
ment  fVom  the  beginaifift*  '■■d  to  Mud  a  ihill  to  'etety  aaeietitht  hgenft. 
Thk  ocoupied  mooh  tikie,  and  with  oenthifent  'expeneet  'of  thne,  I 
■pent  on  an  afverage  oik  Itoam  land  forty  nunoiea  per  da^,  fbir  whieh  I 
charged  18  1-9  oenia  per  how,  «moanffng  to  9909.  I  ofaairged  fbr  my 
expenoea  in  travelling  1900  miles,  tMnfy,  or  ioliAy  for  (he  eeialilish- 
mcfHt,  9<M. 

By  lihe  preoeding,  yeli  '«rlH  aee  that  I  kun  Mtir«d  tMa  IflMtt^fldh  ha 
Affent,  a  oonaideMble  pert  tff  (tie  time  ftr  Ibitr  ye*l<e.  *  *  It 
will  also  be  observed  that,  for  all  the  petWHiAl  rvtpdlmbiHtvit,  jmyHtafflia, 
carat  ^maiepm,  emd  >n»ko(  my  tmn  fM>per«y,i^  behi^  iMldeQ  fbr  more 
than  $  14,000  origlnad  ^ebte,  besides  (he  duly  expenses  ^of  ttie  ofllee,  to* 
gether  with  the  privilege  of  ^Aiooehig  my  own  vesideRce  and  pnnuit  for 
a  support,  and  to  be  alwvys  veady  to  meet  every  demand,  I  hite  neret 
made  any  otiarge.* 

And  now,  detar  bUMlffiii,  I  resign  to  yon  the  snored  ire8|>onsiWIilieii  of 
my  appointment.  |  Itwvto  done  the  hest  I  eoald*^^!  have  received  mnch 
aid  from  the  members  of  the  PubUehin^  CoHmiiftee,  'patticalady  in  their 
undersigning  my  ncMt,  idso  from  aseialant  «|gents  and  othet  ft-iends. 
The  Committee  ^ave  truly  been  tN>m|i)knions  in  lafllioiion.  tliey  too 
have  hkbored  for  lees  than  half  the  vtitue  of  their  services.  So  liave 
many  others.  I  hav«  iitft  alluded  to  any  of  my  responsibilities,  desiring 
a  Tewurd,  but  tneivly  that  trmh  fnight  ttppear,  ta  the  honor  of  this 
tttstita^on.  I  do  not  deeiM  a  reward.  I  took  these  tesponsfibilities  upon 
me  in  the  name  of  tlie  Lord,  and  m&tm  eannot  reward  me .  Now  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  I  9eaigh  thima.    i  Md  you  and  my  successors,  €hi 

I  feel  the  warmest  intereM  possibki  in  the  estabHsh-ment,  and  it  is 
among  my  most  eameiA  petitions,  that  Ood  will  give  it  success,  t  have 
no  fnterest  but  the  intetest  *of  God's  cause.  This  is  your  cause  and 
mine.  May  God  give  you  wisdom  in  the  disposition  of  this  ihstituticn. 
I  am  with  much  respect  and  thankftilness,  for  the  confidence  Which  you 
have  reposed  in  me,  yeifr  devoted  servant, 

'•        ~  David  MaAks,  Blitik  Agent.* 

*i  SiiAsCofe-ns,   ' 

'  John  <3Hikincy, 


CommiUte." 


r  As  the  subscription  list  foi:  the  Ifoining  Star  had  increased  to 
nearly  five  thousand*  the  Conierence  voted  a  second  enlatgenaent 
of  its  size  without  an  increaseof  the  price,  and  also  voted  to  instruct 
the  I'rustees  to  obtain  fn>m  the  Legi^l&tur^of  New  Hampshire  an 
Hot  of  incorporation  for  tiieir  Board. 

It  may  not  be  improper  to  state  here,  that  in  accordance  with  the 
above  tMVice,  im  applicadon  was  made  to  the  N^w  Hatnpshfare  Iie^ 

*  The  daily  expenses  of  this  oAce,  together  with  the  Oru;inal  debts,  during 
the  four  years  that  Mr.  Marks  was  Agent,  he  estimated  at  $22,000.        Ed. 


DATlb  MARMff. 


dm 


th« 


hnng 

ID. 


felatare  for  an  act  of  incorporation  tlie  following  Jane.  It  was  re- 
A»ed  on  account  of  the  abolition  character  of  the  Morning  Stan 
The  Dover  Gaxette  remarked  as  follow%  cnnceming  Uie  rejection 
of  their  petition.  * 

"  Aboliiionmn  in  New  Hampshire.  It  is  a  fact  better  Icnown  to  the 
resden  of  the  Morning  Star—the  Free-will  Baptist  paper  published  in 
this  Tillage— than  it  is  to  a  very  areat  majority  of  theoitiiens  of  New 
Hampshire,  that  the  oonduotors  of  that  paper  have  dipp«  i  deeply  into  the 
troubled  waters  of  abolitionism,  and  have,  for  the  laat  few  months,  not  a 
little  polluted  their  columns  by  an  advocacy  of  its  very  incendiary  doc- 
trines. The^  have,  during  the  last  week,  receive<l  a  most  decided  re* 
huke  for  their  conduct.  A  bill  had  been  introduced  into  the  House  of 
Representativea,  '  To  incorporate  the  Trustees  of  .he  Free*will  Baptist 
Printing  Establishment  and  Book  Concern,'  wK''^h  was  v^ry  se<rurelf 
progressing  through  the  customary  stages,  when  ii  was  met  -oned  among 
-  the  members  that  this  establishment  had  oeoome  a  vehi<^1>  <)f  abolition* 
bra ;  this  produced  an  instant  inquinr  into  the  truth  oi  .ho  susgoetion^ 
and  the  result  #as  that  the  bill,  although  sealonsly  advocated  by  tha 
ablest  o(  the  federal  menders,  ^v  jub  on  Wednesd'  >  .  Tuaed  athird  reuuing> 
by  an  overwhelming  majority."  ' 

Since  the  time  of  this  first  refhsal,  the  Trustees  have  reffulwrly 
presented  their  petition  every  year,  now  about  ten  years,  which  hat 
met  with  the  same  repulse,  for  the  same  reason.  There  is  a  proa* 
pect  now  that  they  wiU  obtain  their  request  at  the  ensuing  sessioa 
of  the  Legislature,  as  it  is  believed  that  at  the  last  election,  some 
were  put  into  office  who  will  be  true  to  the  principles  of  human 
freedom.* 

After  the  close  of  the  General  Conference,  it  was  found  neces- 
sary for  ^r.  Marks  to  return  to  Dover  in  order  to  make  the  trans- 
fer of  the  property  of  the  Book  Concern  which  was  found  to  be 
something  of  a  difficult  matter,  on  account  of  their  having  no  act  of 
incorporation.  By  the  aid  of  a  ..j.v.  yer,  however,  a  deed  was  drawn^ 
up  and  executed  satisfactorily  t«.>  vi.  parties. 

Mr.  Marks  resigned  his  offices  in.  the  Home  and  Foreign  Mis- 
sionary Societies,  shipped  his  goods  to  New  York,  and  with  many 
solemn  feelings,  bade  his  New  England  friends  farewell.  The 
Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting  had  formed  a  Home  Mission  So- 
ciety, and  during  the  session  of  the  General  Conference,  its  Board 
solicited  Mr.  Marks  to  accept  an  appointment  from  them  to  labor 
in  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  and  try  to  gather  a  church.  This  was  a  dif- 
ferent field  from  what  he  had  purposed  entering ;  but,  after  consid- 
ering the  matter,  that  he  was  at  liberty  to  labor  little  or  much,  as 
his  stren^h  would  permif,  and  that  probably  he  should  not  have  the 

'**'  In  July,  1846,  a  few  days  after  the  above  was  written,  the  N.  H.  Legisla* 
tore  passed  a  bill  for  incorporating  the  Free-will  Baptist  Printing  Establish- 
ment. 


\ 


846 


MBUOIBS    'Off  ''« 


care  of /providiogfor hh  owd  suppovt,  fae'eonoluded'the'CurcumstlEur>' 
ces  might  be  i»  favorable  for  the  impnovdmeilt  of  his^health/sHiper^ 
h^ps  any  other;  and  aecordingly  accepted 'the  appoiiltment.  The 
Society  also  at  tb^  same  tune  sent  another  missionaiy  to  Baffalo. 
Mr.  Marks'  travela  till  the  time  of  entering  ^pon  his  labors  in 
Eochester,  aic  datailed  bri8%  in  'the  ioUowing  tlettet,  published  in 
the  Star. 
"tD«ar  Brethren, 

As  at  present, I  have  tiiot  tlmeto  wflte'to  ntmy  of  na^  tdr*. 
ngspo&deilts,  1  muifit  content  myse^^  with  .a  Ilttlie  Uetail  ib  4he  IStar. 
Welefl  Dover  about  the  first  of  November  and  in  ten  d^s  reaoh- 
ed  Broc^port,  by  stage  and  canal, «  distance  of  nearly  five 'hundred 
miles.  Three  days  ^ihis  time  <were  spent  in  Arlington,  ^t.  ^e 
lefi;  the  canal  at  Brookpoiit,'aDd«onthitwd«our  jcnirney  (to<)Knada-lA 
our  own  convcyantse.  ^'a^r«at^bun^eeM»rrt:Iabad'fitl}<m,'tfae 
foa^'were  excessively  'bad  andtihemud  deeper /thmi 'It  ihad  b^eti 
known  to  be  for  sevewtt  yeaift.  We  ttrW ved  ctt  Zorra,  tJ.  C.  abdrit 
tlie'SOfli  of  November,  and  met  with  many  deai'fifieniis^fiwn  wJb^ 
we  had  been  separated  ibrvears.  ^  i^"? 

1 'Visited  (he  churches  inXohdon,'Sduthwdld,Dunvnch  aiiiS'Bur- 
f(ntl,'ibundihe4breihreii  in  general  Steadfast,  'but  ihey  much  need 
he^.  "Here  is  li  greiit  'field  Tor  missionary  labor.  Our'Qpen  'Com- 
ittttiiioh  Bap^^t  bce'tlareh  wei:ie  jpro^pering  in  some  places.  '  The 
Ciilvinistic  Baptists  near  the  l^iagara  were  ei^jc  ying  precious  sea- 
sons. Many,  through '(heir  labors, 'had  turned  to  the  liovd.  The 
Methodists  were  not  so  j>roi^erous.  Divisions  and  contentions  'had 
greatly  hindered  their  usefulness.  'Thoy  were  split  into  tturee  -sects, 
called  the  %an,  Briiish,  and  lEipiscgpal-Methodists.  Towards  the 
last  of  Deceniber  we  ^nce  ttiore  left  ine, parental  roof,  and  returned 
to  the  state  of  IKTewTork.  1  preached  by  (h«  way  in  HamHtoii 
and  "St.  Catharines.  'We  were  detained  at  Queenston  nearly  two 
days  by  the  ice  in  the  Hver,  ihe  boatmen  refusing  to  venture 
across.  In  consequence  of  ibis  detention,  I  foiled  of  an  appoint- 
ment. We  attended  the  Monroe  quarterly  meeting  m  -North  Mur- 
ray, commencing  Dec.  2dth,  which  was  a  very  precious  season.  A 
Home  Mission  Society,  auxiliary  to  the  New  York  Home  Session 
Society,  was  formed,  and  alwut  one  hundred  and^fif)^  doUars  were 
subscribed  or  contributed.  This  quarterly  meeting  is  veiy  pros- 
perous ;  union  and  harmony  generally  prevail.  Its  ministers, 
though  few,  are  mosfly  who%  devoted  to  the  work.  It  lias  now 
seventeen  churches.  New  Years'  -dc^y  and  the  S^bbatli  following, 
were  spent  with  the  chnrcli  in  Canandaigua.  Our  mee£higs  were 
solemn  and  profitable.  At  the  close,  several  anxious  souk  oame 
forward  and  seemed  unwavering  in  tliieir  decisions  to  live  a  new 


:!L^..U'-tiJ'  w^E^w; 


DATID  MJkBBS. 


347 


Fray  for  m  blesung  on  the 
D;  Mabks. 


Ijfe.        ♦        **.♦,•. 
laboifl  of  your  bivUieit  in;tribulatioBf 

While  IVTi*.  Marks  was  d'etauied'in  Queematon,.  he  wrote  a.  set  of 
resolutions  fbr  the  government  of  bis  lif^.  He  had  been  in  the 
habit  of  doing  this  f6r  years,  hut.as  he  was  .adding  to  them  occa- 
sionally, a  detailed' notice  of  this  practice  has  been  hitherto  omitted* 
H^  employed' the  leisure  hii^  unexpected:  detention  furnished  him  iii 
systematizing  his  fbrmer  rules  and  adding-  new  ones.  Believing 
that  the  reader  of  these  memoiis  will , be  profited  as- well  as  inter- 
ested, in  the  perusal' of  these  rulbs,  and  as  they  exemplify  the 
care  with  which  he  guarded  his  condbct  in,  the^  most  secret  as 
well  as  public  walks  of  life,  it  is  d^emed^  proper  to  introduce 
them..   They  were  written,  ih  bppk  formi  with  the.  following  title 


■■-.■w 
>.',- 


"PAYID  M.1BKS' LAST  RESOLUTIONS, 
Madt  fbrlif^  at  Queenstot^  U.  G. 

'■^    I)ec,  23;  aro'dock,  KM,  in  the  year  of  tajj  Lord,  1835. 
**  Be  ytihnefi)rtigerfeett.en0n  at-yaw'' FaUitr-wkiehrisrin  heaven  i$c 

B^sOLurroNS^  By-thegraee'of  G^  Idi^-soltomly  make  the 
foliowii^resoliitiGmi  and  determine  to  read  <  diem  afr  often  as  onee 
a  week,  imd  to  keep  them>  fki thfully  all  the  dmyn^  of  my  life.  Andj 
O  my  blessed  Savior,  I  pray  that  tbou:.  wouldst;  keep  me  steadfast 
to  the  end;    Amen.  David  Mabks. 

L  Wiik regard t&mi/ thotigfits.  T.  Twill  ihdiil^  in  no  r8flfe(s* 
tions-  nor  meditatidns  which  I  believe  will  not  be.useful  to  me,  but 
the  momtent'when  vain  snggestibng  fii'st.  approach,  X  will  .thrust  them 
flhom  me.  2.'  I  will' not  mink  a  great' desd  upon  worldly  subjects^ 
or,  at  least,  not  so  much  as  to  prevent  my  meditation  being  upon 
Gfod's  law-  dby  and'  nig|lit.  3;  I  will  endeavor  to  spend  twenty 
minutes  befc^e  every  meal  in  close  examination  and  meditation. 

^.  JS£^  motives^  I.  I' will' always  endeavor,  to  have  but  one 
motive  to  l^ad  me  fbrward^  and  inftiience  me  to  act  in  every  things 
irod'  this  motive  shall  be  to  glorify  my  Maker.  2. .  I  will  endeavor 
to  examine  carefully  my  secret  motives  in  all  I  do,  and  when  I  dis- 
cover that  my  motive  IS  not  pure,  and  for  Crod's  glory,  and  this 
alone.  Twill  not  be  led  by  it,  but  resist  it. 

III.  lA  relation  to  my  temper.  1.  I'  will  endeavor  always  to 
keep  it  calm  and  without  irratibility.  2.  I  will  strive  hard  to  be 
always  meek  and  patient  in  all  circumstances.  3.  I  will  endea'^or 
to  be  deliberate  in  all  things,  and  holy  in  all  my  inclinations  a>id 
feelings.         •'     :      ■     "  ,.      ■  ------i 


i  I- 


\ 


848 


MEMOIBS  or 


s^IY.  As  to  my  deeds.  1.  I  will  aim  to  do  nothing  except  what, 
on  examination,  I  believe  to  be  directly  or  indirectly  commanded 
by  Grod.  2.  I  will  endeavor  to  perform  no  deeds,  which  I  am  con- 
vmced  are  merely  selfish.  8.  I  will  do  nothing  which  I  would  be 
ashamed  to  have  known  were  U  hy  accident  or  by  necessity  to  be- 
come public.  4.  I  will  not  overdo  body  or  mind,  but  endeavor  to 
lay  out  my  work  according  to  the  strength  which  God  shall  give, 
so  as  never  to  bring  mysdf  into  temptation  by  needless  perplexity. 

v.  As  a  Christian.  1.  I  will  endeavor  to  make  my  Lord  and 
Savior  Jesus  Christ,  my  guide,  leader,  pattern,  and  example.  2.  I 
will  never  be  ashamed  of  Christ,  nor  to  own  myself  a  ChristiMi  in 
any  company,  nor,  from  fear  of  reproach,  neglect  to  introduce  re- 
ligion in  any  place,  where  I  believe  the  effect  would  be  salutary. 
3.  I  will  never  conform  to  any  of  the  fashions,  manners,  and  cus- 
toms of  the  world,  except  I  am  first  convinced  of  their  utility  in 
themselves  considered,  unless  it  be  in  a  case  where  a  variation 
would  be  likely  to  do  more  harm  than  conformity.  4.  I  will  en- 
deavor to  kneel  and  pray  in  secret  three  times  a  day,  viz.,  when  I 
arise,  at  noon,  and  on  going  to  bed ;  and  I  will  strive  always  to 
have  my  whole  soul  engaged  in  prayer  when  my  lips  are.  5.  I 
will  endeavor  never  to  pray  to  be  hetuxl  of  men,  nor  merely  to  con- 
tinue a  form,  but  always  pray  for  what  I  want  and  nothing  else. 
6.  I  will  endeavor  always  to  attend  family  worship  before  break- 
fast, and  before  supper,  both  at  hb'ine  and  abroad,  except  in  such 
cases  as  I  shall  judge  it  duty  to  omil  it 

YI.  As  a  minister.  1.  I  will  labor  constantly  to  be  intelligent, 
and  for  this  purpose  I  will  attentively  read  three  chapters  in  the 
Bible  by  course  every  day,  and  will  endeavor  to  spend  two  hours 
each  day  in  scientific  stumes,  two  hours  in  theolo^cal  studies,  and 
two  hours  in  writiug.  2.  I  will  always  endeavor  to  spend  one 
hour  before  every  sermon,  and  every  other  reli^ous  meeting  I 
may  attend,  in  study  and  reflection,  preparatory  for  the  sacred 
services,  when  I  can  consistently  with  other  duties.  3.  I  will  en- 
deavor always  to  introduce  religious  conversation  and  prayer  in  all 
pla>.es  where  my  lot  may  be  cast,  and  among  all  kinds  of  company , 
unless,  indeed,  other  circumstances  forbid,  so  that  it  is  evidently 
duty  to  omit  such  services.  4.  I  will  always  improve  every  op-> 
portunity  to  reprove  sin :  still  I  will  jendjeavor  to  do  it  with  meek- 
ness and  affection,  both  publicly  and  privately.  5.  I  will  endeav- 
or to  spend  one  hour  every  day  in  reli^ous  visiting  and  conversa- 
tion, and  always  endeavor  to  visit  and  pray  with  two  families  each 
day,  one  of  whom  shall  be  a  family  I  never  visited  before.  7.  I 
will  always  endeavor  to  instruct  the  ignorant  with  meekness  and 
patience. 


DAVID  MABKS. 


849 


riU  en- 
inall 

fidently 


iversa- 
>8  each 
7.  I 
las  and 


Vn.  As  a  husband.  1.  I  will  always  be  attentive  to  leam  and 
supply  the  wants  of  my  dear  wife.  2.  I  will  never  be  impatient 
quick,  nor  fretful,  nor  disposed  to  fault  finding.  3.  I  will  nevev  be 
morose.  4.  I  will  always  be  attentive.  5.  I  wiU  always  be  affec- 
tionate. 6.  I  will  always  be  very  kind.  7.  I  will  never  be  impo- 
lite. 8.  I  will  always  be  sociable.  9.  I  will  always  be  respect- 
ful. 

ym.  As  a  citizen.  1.  I  will  carefully  read  and  consider  the 
things  of  public  interest,  and  faithfully  serve  the  public.  2.  I  will 
always  treat  rulers  with  respect  8.  Still  I  will  be  faithful  to  truth 
and  justice.    4.  I  will  faithfully  warn  my  country  of  its  dangers. 

5.  I  will  be  courteous,  and  obliging,  and  kind  to  all  men. 

IX.  In  relation  to  my  words.  1.  They  shall  be  few.  2.  They 
shall  be  well  considered.  8.  They  shall  be  always  serious.  4. 
They  shall  be  always  plain.    5.  They  shall  never  be  slanderous. 

6.  They  shall  always  be  kind.  7.  They  shall  never  exaggerate 
truth.  8.  They  shall  always  be  designed  to  do  good.  9.  I  will 
always  be  cautious  what  I  say  and  to  whom  I  say  it  10.  I  will 
always  endeavor  to  think  carefully  before  I  speak,  especially  when 
circumstances  do  not  absolutely  demand  that  I  should  speak  imme- 
diately. 11.  I  will  always,  when  with  Christians  and  ministers, 
endeavor,  according  to  my  ability,  to  discern  what  duties  they  neg- 
lect, and  encourage  them  to  renewed  diligence  and  faithfulness.  12. 
I  will  endeavor  always,  according  to  my  ability,  to  be  teaching  sin- 
ners their  guilt,  and  their  duty  to  repent  immediately.  18.  I  will 
strive  always  to  be  courteous  to  my  friends,  but  never  flattering. 
14.  In  my  public  addresses,  I  will  endeavor  to  have  all  my  wf  ^1^ 
solemn.  15.  In  private  they  shall  be  guarded.  16.  All  my  con- 
versation shall  be  religious  or  strictly  conformable  to  religious  prin- 
ciples. 

X.  As  to  my  temporal  concerns.  1.  I  will  not  be  a  slave.  2. 
Nor  will  I  be  anxious.  8.  I  will  not  be  covetous.  4.  I  will  not 
be  wasteful.  6.  Neither  will  I  be  selfish.  6.  I  will  not  be  pro- 
fuse. 7.  Neither  will  I  be  gay.  8.  I  will  always  endeavor  to 
drive  my  work  and  never  let  that  drive  me.  9.  I  will  be  very 
cautious  of  getting  embarrassed  in  ray  temporal  affairs.  10.  I 
will  endeavor  to  contract  no  needless  expense.  11.  I  will  endeav- 
or to  devote  all  I  have  to  God,  either  directly  or  indirectly.  12. 
1^  long  as  my  income  from  my  labors,,  and  those  of  my  wife 

^amount  t^  S400  per  year,  I  will  give,  that  is,  pay  out  SlOO  per  an- 

.^num  for  benevolent  purposes.     18.  So  long  as  the  Lord  prob- 

xpers  me,  I  wiU  give,  that  is,  pay  out  twenty-five  per  cent  of  the 

increase  of  my  property  to  God,  the  estimate  to  be  made  January 

1,1836.  "^ 

30 


m 


ICBMOIftS  Of 


XL  Aitomy  iltep.  I  will  Andeavor  to  sleep  efght  hours  in 
the  winter,  and  seven  hours  in  the  summer,  or  at  least  lie  in  bed 
these  number  of  hours,  and  these  hours  shall  be  equally  before  and 
after  midnwlrt,  or  at  least  between  nine  and  five  o'dodL 

iKII.  A*  to  ffeneral  dtUies.  1.  I  will  endeavor  that  all  mj 
preadbdng  shall  be  afFeedonate.  3.  I  will  endeavor  when  circum- 
stances and  other  duties  will  permit,  to  preach  from  five  to  seven 
times  per  week.  8.  I  will  always  labor  to  feel  what  I  preach.  4. 
In  labors,  meetings  of  business,  &c  &&,  I  will  be  very  cautious  of 
giving  offisnoe,  yet  be  firm  to  truth.  &,  I  will  watch  my  opportu- 
BiMes  to  visit  those  that  are  in  prison.  6.  I  will  also  often  visit 
those  that  are  confined  in  aims  houses.  7.  I  will  frequently  visit 
the  sick.  B.  I  will  use  the  best  eoonomy  I  can  in  all  my  expen- 
aes,  and  in  all  things.  9.  I  will  be  kind  to  the  pow,  and  especially 
to  those  who  are  my  relatives.  10.  Finally,  if  hei«after  I  find  any 
l^ood  ^ing  not  inauded  in  these  resolutions,  I  will  practice  the 
same.  11.  I  will  read  these  resolutions  every  week  for  at  least 
five  yeaiVB,  if  I  live,  and  try  to  keep  them  without  the  least  varia- 

tiOD." 

Sid)jequently  he  adoled  the  following  t  *<  1.  I  will  ever  watch 
against  ooaraeness,  abru  ptness,  and  a  dogmatical  manner  of  speak- 
ing, and  wfll  labor  constantly  to  abound  and  excel  in  meekness, 
mildness,  complaisance,  and  sociability,  being  always  neat,  kind, 
graitle,  instructive,  obli^ng,  and  agreeable,  before  all  classes  of 
men,  but  eapeciailff  when  with  my  dearest  friend.  May  God  en- 
able me  always  to  foe  faithful,  kind,  and  oUiging  to  her.  2.  In  all 
my  conversatum,  I  will  labor  to  be  humble,  gentle,  candid,  with- 
out self  conceit^  or  ostentation,  always  showing  a  deference  to  the 
oinni<ms  of  others,  espedally  those  of  the  aged  and  the  learned.  8. 
I  will  endeavor  never  to  speak  a  hasty  or  impatient  word,  howev- 
er great  a  provocation  I  may  receive,  but  will  always  aim  to  be 
deliberate,  swift  to  hear  and  slow  to  speak.  4.  I  will  reprove  ten- 
derly every  instance  of  wickedness  I  witness  among  friends  or  foes. 
9.  1  win  endeavor  to  use  all  my  strength  and  ener^es,  both  of 
body  and  mind,  so  as  to  do  the  greatest  possible  amount  of  good. 
4Sr^memher  this.  €.  I  will  aim  at  perfection  in  all  I  do 
with  body  or  mind.  ^*  Don't  forget  the  extent  of  this  rule. 
7.  Finally,  I  will  make  holiness  of  heart  and  life  the  only  object 
of  my  living,  that  I  may  be  prepared  to  glorify  God  and  save 
soub."  , 

In  a  revirion  and  adoption  of  his  rules,  Aug.  2, 1887,  he  super- 
seifted  them  his  '^  Golden,  life-bound,  perfect,  irreversible,  manly^ 
MiMbading,  God-Honoring,  invaluable  resolutions,"  and  signed  lus 
name  with  a  seal.  .:^':'''   r 


DATIO  MABK8. 


851 


en- 
bes. 
of 
;ood. 

do 
rule, 
bject 
ggve 


Allusion  has  already  been  made  to  his  sufferinga  from  hunger 
while  be  oould  bear  very  little  food.  At  timei,  his  agony  mm 
this  source  was  so  great,  that  he  would  weep  like  a  child,  and  look 
around  wishfully  upon  the  doors  and  fbmiture  of  the  roorn^  and 
say  he  could  scarcely  refrain  from  gnavring  them*  Ke  had  previ* 
ously  written  rules  regulating  his  diet,  which  he  thus  pre&oed  >-» 
"  Whereui,  I  have  made  several  solemn  resolution!  in  relation  to 
my  diet,  which  my  exceeding  sufferings  in  hunger,  have,  as  it  were^ 
compelled  me  to  violate,  or  vary  from,  I  do  now  hereby  make  thd 
following."  He  then  particularized  the  quality  and  quantity  oi 
each  mc^,  as  he  thought  most  conducive  to  his  health,  and  at  the 
close,  wrote  thus:  <* Penalties.  For  violating  these  roles  in 
thought,  I  will  liv6  on  nought  but  bread  and  water,  twelve  oancM 
each  for  one  day.  Von  violating  them  in  the  eunount  of  drink,  I 
will  Uve  thus  two  days.  For  violating  them  in  tatinff,  I  will  lire 
thus  ten  days. 

February  3,  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.  Arraigned  mjrsdf  for  ttkU, 
having  broken  my  rules,  and  sentenced  myself  to  live  on  briMd 
and  water  according  to  the  above  penalty  ten  days.  February  '10. 
Finally,  I  have  run  away  from  the  penalty  t  What  shall  I  do  to 
conqner  a  diseased  appetite  f  0  Lord,  do  thoa  stxengthcn  toA 
help  mer" 


^■M  1-i. 


-      v-'J 


->.^ 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


v^V. 


.1. 


-^w-ii 


Mr.  Marhsf  Ldbtyri  %n  jRochesier,  N".  T.ifc.  from  Jan*  18&6,  to 

Mr  Marks  entered  upon  his  labors  in  Rochester,  under  the  di^ 
reotion  of  the  New  York  Home  Missi<»)  Society,  the  second  Sab- 
bath in  January,  183^,  with  somewhat  improved  healtii.  Much 
to  his  gratiflcatir«r.  bis  only  sister,  over  whom  he  had  for  yean  ejt- 
ercised  a  pareniai  care,  now  became  a  member  of  his  family. 
About  this  time,  Mr.  Burr  wrot  kim  some  particuli  .'  :'f  an  eff<»t 
(which  came  near  being  successful)  to  close  the  eel:  ans  of  ih<a 
Star  agfuttst  the  discussion  of  slavery,  and  also  of  the  opposition 
and  fiery  trials  he  still  had  to  encounter  to  keep  the  Star  ut  .  <ck- 
led.  The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  reply  he  wroke  Mr. 
Burr. 

"  My  heart  bleeds  for  the  sins  of  the  church.  My  soul  is  often 
in  agony  when  I  see  professing  Christiana  opposing  tb6  Scnptrniu 


\ 


852 


UBU0IB8  or 


method,  and  the  only  possible,  peaceful  r^ethod,  cf  exterminating 
slavery,  vh  to  stop  doing  wrong  now^  o  come  tx>  d-j  evil  W9tc,  and 
let  the  oppressed  go  free.  It  is  not  in  07  yr-irer  to  help  doubting 
the  genuinGness  of  the  pietv  of  such  pnyiessos's.  the  depth  ?»;  i  ifolid- 
ity  of  their  Christian  piinmples.  Abol  rioaprt' dpk^  B.n:  \->o'.  mertj 
opinions.  They  are  8Ei,F-EViOSNT  pnnciples — ^principles  that 
God  has  abimdimtly  taught  and  ^v  ritten  tv.  with  a  sun-beam  in  his 
word  which  fin  not  be  biDkon.  O  n^y  dear  brother,  God  has  put 
feelings  iu  my  heart  for  lix^  down-trodden  poor  that  i«;  wcrld  be 
vain  ror  me  to  attempt  to  expre.^s  I  do  often  feel  that  £  <  remem- 
ber those  that  are  in  bonds  hi\  bouid  w  ith  tbem.'  O,  for  a  hat  would 
I  be  V  illing  to  be  a  slave ! — ^to  bo  the  property  of  f  t^her ! — to  have 
Dfcy  wife  torn  from  me,  sold  as  huroan  ware  at  pubhu  auction  I  But 
I  3top.  I  cannot  go  on.  There  t^nll  ba  a  beiier  state  of  things,  I 
kfto^v  there  v  ill.  for  there  is  a  God  in  heaven.  He  has  promised 
t  Mtiiver  the  'needy  when  he  crieth,  the  poor  also,  and  him  that 
h's^h  no  helper,  and  to  h'eak  in  pieces  the  oppressor.*  And  though 
)^»Jvl3S3ed  'Christians  may  'speak  wickedly  concerning  oppression' 
l>ad  God  may  say  of  them  as  he  did  of  his  ancient  people :  '  Even 
oi^late  my  people  is  risen  up  as  an  enemy,'  victory  will  yet  turn  on 
the  side  of  justice  and  truth.  I  have  hope  for  my  country,  for 
though  our  princes  [President  and  governors]  plead  for  the  system 
that  '  sheds  blood  and  destroys  soub  in  order  to  get  dishonest  gain, 
and  nxany  of  our  prophets  daub  them  with  untempered  mortar,  see- 
ing vanity  and  di'viningZte«  unto  them,  saying,  Thus  saith  the  Lord' 
—slavery  is  my  institution — ^keep  it  sacred — ^when  the  Lord  hath 
not  spoker.  For  though  *  the  people  of  the  land  have  used  op- 
pression, and  esereised  rolbery,  and  have  vexed  the  poor  and  the 
needy;  yea,  they  have  oppressed  the  stranger  wrongfully;*  yet 
when  God  has  sought  for  men  among  us  that  should  '  make  up  the 
hedge,  and  stand  in  the  gap  before  him  for  the  land  that  he  should 
not  destroy  ^t,'  he  has  found  some  preciom  ones  that  in  the  midst  of 
opprobrium,  dangers,  perils,  and  even  deaih,  have  stood  up  with  the 
spirit  of  martyrs,  and  plead  the  cause  of  the  oppressed,  therefore 
God  has  not  yet  '  poured  out  his  indignation  upon  us,  he  has  not 
yet  consumed  us  with  the  fire  of  his  wrath ;  our  own  way  he  has 
not  recompensed  upon  our  heads.'  See  Ezekiel  22:27 — 31.  O  I 
love,  I  revere,  I  venerate  those  noble  souls  that  have  the  moral 
courage,  and  the  Christian  principle,  in  i'ti«i  evil  day,  in  these  de- 


generate times,  to  go  forth  in  the  midst 
secuiion,  and  bitter  reviling,  aud  plead 
and  suffering  humanity." 

TL^    allowing  brief  summary  oi  Mx 
jgS  tf  ucEi  from  his  quarterly  reptf 


■«.■:> 


\fi  storm  of  Vrath,  per- 
fuse of  bleeding  Zion 

larks*  labors  in  Rochester, 
the  Executive  Board  of  t  rd 


I 


Free-will  Baptist  New  York  Heme  '•   ssion  Society. 


M»r^i>iWi«iOM»wti 


^<l""  ''" 


DAVID  MABKS. 


First  Report,  March  81, 1886.  •  ♦  ♦  « In  com- 
mencing my  labon  my  first  object  was  to  procure  a  place  for  meet- 
ings. I  succeeded  in  obtaining  leare  to  occupy  the  Ckmrt  House, 
and  on  Sabbath,  Januaty  10,  preached  my  first  sermontr.  My  sub- 
jects were  a  summary  of  the  doctrine  which  I  proposed  to  preach 
in  my  future  ministrations,  and  the  duties  of  a  minister  of  Christ. 
Since  that  time  I  have  preached  in  the  Court  House  three  times 
every  Sabbath.  For  the  greater  edification  of  my  regular  hoarars, 
I  followed  a  system  m  the  order  of  my  discourses,  so  as  to  embrace 
in  the  end  ereiy  important  branch  of  the  doctrine  of  Divine  Reve- 
lation. The  fouowing  are  the  subjects  on  which  I  have  preached 
one  or  more  discourses  in  the  systematic  chain  of  sermons  which  I 
proposed  to  deliver.  The  folly  of  atheism— Inconsistency  of  deism 
—Inconsistency  of  Irreligion — ^Tlie  contradictions  of  infidelity«^ 
The  external  evidences  of  Christianity — ^The  Scripture  miracles— 
The  internal  evidences  of  Christianity— Existence  of  God— His 
nnity-— 'His  eternity  and  immntability-^-His  omnipresence  and  om- 
niscience— ^His  power— His  justice— His  goodness-^ — His  truth— 
His  mercy — His  wisdom.  In  connection  with  these  discourses,  1 
have  given  a  number  on  various  subjects  suited  to  the  state  of  the 
congregation,  such  as,  Man's  disposition  to  reject  the  gospel— The 
excellence  of  the  Scriptures— -Their  commendation  to  the  conscien- 
ces of  all  men — The  effects  of  the  gospel— Its  fruits,  an  evidence  of 
its  divine  authenticity-''''Qod''s  call  upon  sinnerS'^The  invitations  of 
the  gospel— -Repentance — Baptism  a  burial— The  witnesses  against 
the  impenitent— The  confession  of  Christ— The  cross  of  Christr— 
God's  expostulations  with  the  wicked-^Christ  a  stone  of  sumbling 
•»-^The  sinner's  encouragement  io  follow  Christ.  In  all  these  dis- 
courses, I  have  endeavored  to  introduce  something  prtxctieal,  re- 
membering  that  a  right  practice  is  the  great  oi^ect  which  the^ 
preaching  of  the  gospel  is  designed  to  e£fect.  My  congregation  has 
usually  consisted  of  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  persons ;  sometimes 
more.  The  meetings  have  been  orderly,  and  the  hearers  generally 
very  solemn.  A  number  have  given  heed  to  the  word,  and  she 
persons  have  given  good  evidence  that  they  have  passed  from  death 
unto  life.  I  have  baptized  seven ;  twenty-one  have  pledged  their 
namt  ^  for  the  support  of  the  meeting,  and  to  unite  in  a  church  when 
there  ishall  be  one  formed.  None  of  those  who  propose  to  unite 
possc'' ;  much  property,  so  that  at  present,  little  more  can  be  expect- 
ed fi'ou .  them  than  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  meeting  for  fu^, 
lights,  and  attend)  ice.  Their  being  poor  in  this  world  is,  however, 
no  cause  of  discouragement,  for  among  this  class  the  gospel  has  usu- 
ally obtained  its  first  reception.  The  Scripture  s^th,  *  Toit  see 
your  calling,  brethren— God  hath  choften  the  poor  of  this  w<tfld.' 
Some  of  these  bretlven  !:iave  excellent  gifts  in  exhortation  and  ] 


OA« 


iprtrj^- 


y 


854 


MEM0IB8  or 


er,  so  that,  in  the  absence  of  a  preacher,  they  frequently  hold  very 
interesting  prayer  meetings.  Besides  the  twenty-one  who  have  giv- 
en their  names,  there  are  a  few  others  who  are  attached  to  our 
meeting  that  will  probably  join  when  the  church  is  formed.  The 
general  state  of  religion  m  Rochester  is  very  good.  Eight  of  the 
churches  have  held  protracted  meetings  since  the  15th  of  January, 
and  a  glorious  revival  has  spread  through  the  city  in  which  many 
hundreds  have  been  converted. 

During  my  stay  in  Rochester,  I  have  preached  more  or  less  in 
Byron,  Ogden,  Batavia,  Parma,  Riga,  Cfhili,  Clarkson,  Penfield, 
Canandaigua,  Brighton,  and  Greece.  In  all  I  have  preached  thir- 
ty times  in  towns  and  neighborhoods  adjacent  to  Rochester  and  its 
vicinity,  and  have  spent  about  two  weeks  on  councils  in  settling  dif- 
ficulties in  Byron  and  Attica  churches.  I  have  also  been  present 
at  two  prayer  meetings  every  week  in  Rochester.  These  have 
been  very  useful  and  well  attended.  Having  as  yet  scarcely  regu- 
lated my  affairs  in  settling  my  residence,  I  have  been  able  to  devote 
little  time  to  visiting.  I  have  generally  aimed  to  spend  about  six 
hours  daily  in  study. 

The  Court  House  is  old  and  leaky,  and  not  very  convenient  for 
public  worship,  and  as  in  former  years  it  has  been  the  meeting 
place  for  infidels  and  false  teachers,  its  character  as  a  place  of  wor- 
ship has  not  been  very  reputable.  Many  who  do  not  attend  our 
meeting  say  they  would,  if  we  had  a  convenient  and  respectable 
place  for  meetings.  Indeed,  it  will  be  extremely  difficult  to  suc- 
ceed in  Rochester  to  any  considerable  extent  without  a  meeting 
house.  To  this  it  may  be  added,  that  real  estate  is  rising  at  an  un- 
precedented rate,  and  a  building  lot  that  now  costs  $1000  will  prob- 
ably cost  twice  this  sum  twelve  months  heuce.  On  the  whole,  I 
consider  the  field  now  opened  for  the  Fiee-will  Baptists  to  do 
good  in  this  city  to  be  very  great  Doubtless  Rochester  will,  at  no 
dbtant  period,  become  a  great  city  and  a  centre  of  influence  from 
which  thousands  of  characters  in  other  places  will  be  formed  for 
eternity.  Yours,  afiectionately, 

D.  Marks." 

Second  Report.  June  80,  1836.  "  In  my  last  report,  I  named 
that  twenty-one  had  given  their  names  to  unite  in  a  church.  April 
10,  one  was  organized,  consisting  of  twenty-eight  members,  four- 
teen of  whom  I  had  recently  baptized.  I  was  assisted  in  the  or- 
^tnization  by  two  ministers  from  the  ]!if onroe  quarterly  meeting. 
Committees  had  been  previously  appointed  to  examine  carefully 
the  character  and  piety  of  each  applicant.  The  different  members 
subscribed  to  a  covenant  and  declsuration  of  sentiments,  embodying 
the  great  principles,  doctrine,  and  practice,  <^f  the  Bible.  Our 
evening  assemblies  have  decreased,  in  conseqirince  of  business  ai  * 


DAVID  UABK8. 


855 


Umed 

[April 

four- 

le  or- 

eting. 

jfuUy 

ibers 

iying 

Our 


|he  shortness  of  the  evenings,  but  our  congregation  in  the  day  time 
increases.    We  have  held  a  stated  prayer  meeting  twice  a  week, 
and  a  covenant  meeting  once  a  month.    These  meetings  have  been 
well  attended,  and  the  brethren  seem  well  engaged.    Though  the 
revival  has  subsided,  we  have  no  reason  to  be  discouraged.    We 
are  treated  with  much  kindness  by  all  classes,  and  especially  by  all 
evangelical  Christians.     For  want  of  funds  to  purchase  a  library, 
we  have  not  been  able  to  establish  a  Sabbath  sdiool  with  prospects 
of  success ;  for  children  would  not  come  to  our  school,  if  we  could 
not  encourage  them  with  books  as  do  others.    We  meet  with  a  great 
loss  in  not  sustaining  one.    We  have  a  number  of  members  well 
qualified  for  teachers  who  would  enlist  with  all  their  hearts.    Once 
or  twice  I  have  resolved  that  I  would  purchase  a  library  at  my 
own  expense,  but  to  confess  the  truth  I  could  not,  for,  besides  taking 
on  myself  several  responsibilities  to  a  considerable  amount  directly 
or  indirectly  connected  with  the  mission,  I  have  been  necessitated 
to  supply  my  own  wants  to  a  considerable  extent,  and  this  with 
more  difficulty  and  embarrassment  than  I  could  endure,  without 
turning  my  attention  from  the  word  of  God.     [At  this  time,  if  I 
mistake  not,  Mr.  Marks  had  received  but  about  twenty  dollars  di- 
rectly from  the  mission  society.    He  often  went  out  during  the 
weex  among  the  churches,  and  raised  contril  >.  tions  which  he  cred- 
ited to  the  society.    E  :>.]    Thus  I  have  huJ  1  *tle  time  to  visit  and 
hold  personal  intercourse  with  my  hearers,  a  i  •      which  adds 
greatly  to  a  minister's  success  and  usefulness.     Si^c  my  last  re- 
port, I  have  attended  the  Monroe  and  Benton  quarterly  meetings, 
in  both  of  which  collections  were  taken  for  Home  Missions.     I 
have  usually  preached  three  times  on  the  Sabbath,  still  following 
a  systematic  course  in  theology,  excepting  when  peculiar  cir- 
cumstances 'required  anothei  subject    I  have  also  preached  in 
Brighton,  Walworth,  Gorham,  and  Benton,  and  several  times  in 
each  of  the  following  towns,  Parma,  Fenfield,  Canandaigua,  and 
Milo. 

Experience  had  convinced  us  more  and  i-nr.vp^  that  without  a 
meeting  house,  our  success  in  Rochester  mu^  ,  o  v^xtremely  limit- 
ed, and  that  to  delay  to  obtain  a  site  for  one  would  render  it  more 
difficult  and  expensive  to  procure  a  good  location.  About  two 
montlis  since,  we  e:':amined  two  convenient  lots,  and  tacitly  promis- 
ed ourselves  that  we  would  attempt  to  secure  one  of  them,  but  while 
we  waited,  the  price  of  one  was  raised  8500,  and  that  of  the  other 
$1000.  Then  we  partially  resolved  to  organize  our  society  accord- 
ing to  law,  raise  what  subscription  we  could,  and  if  necessary,  hire 
a  few  hundred  dollars  to  make  the  first  payment.  The  subject  was 
laid  before  the  Monroe  quarterly  meeting :  they  advised  us  to  se- 
cure a  lot  and  build  a  house  as  soon  as  possible,  and  pledged  them- 


\ 


856 


ICKMOlBfl   Of 


lelrea  'o  do  all  in  their  power  to  sustain  us.  *  *  *  *  I  took 
measures  ^^  !:  Ave  onr  society  incorporated  accM^ing  to  law,  and 
after  k.  .  •n,''  ti.w  ci^  one  week  fbr  the  best  site  we  could  obtain, 
by  ''  .  nlvK  ' H*  oar  leading  brethren,  I  purchased  for  them  a  lot 
fifvy-£'ix  ieet  by  one  hundred  «nd  twenty-six,  on  the  comer  of  Buf- 
fa1<  and  King  streets.  Several  gentlenien  give  encouragement  that 
they  will  aid  us  considerably.*  We  have  ventured  to  appoint  six 
trustees,  and  have  issued  proposals  for  building  a  stoae  church,  fifty 
feet  by  seventy-five,  the  ^f•^  nt  to  Contain  a  vestry  to  be  ready 
for  use  by  tlie  Is^t  of  oMaary  uext,  i%ad  the  house  to  be  finished 
within  twelve  months.  We  think  we  can  raise  three  thousand  dol- 
lars in  Rochester,  and  to  encourage  the  work  I  have  promised  to 
subscribe  five  hundred  dollars,  and  have  solemnly  covenanted  with 
the  trustees  to  stand  by  them. 

Now,  brethren,  the  subscription  is  printed :  one  hundred  copies 
are  ready,  and  shall  we  present  them  to  the  public  in  Rochester, 
and  among  our  churches  in  the  surrounding  country  ? 

Yours  in  love,  David  Marks." 

The  Board  apiH^>bat6d  the  proceedings  of  the  church,  and  ad- 
vised them  to  go  forward. 

Mr.  Marks'  third  quarterly  report  is  lost,  ai^d  for  the  ensuui^ 
three  months  there  is  no  record  of  his  labors.  Jn  his  return  tc 
Rochester  after  meeting  the  Board,  he  learned  that  three  churcher 
who  contemplated  building  houses  of  worship,  had  circulated  sub- 
scriptions  through  the  city.  Several  friendly  gentlemen  advised 
that  the  circulation  of  a  subscription  for  the  Free-will  Baptist  house 
be  deferred  a  few  weeks,  as  they  thought  much  more  success  would 
be  insured,  than  to  follow  directly  after  so  many  solicitations.  Ac- 
cordingly it  wad  decided  to  let  the  matter  rest  for  a  season.  Mr. 
Marks  hired,  on  his  owi>  responsibility,  at  a  high  interest,  five  hun- 
dred tollars  tr>  meet  th  first  payment  on  the  meeting  house  lot, 
and  a  small  house  and  lot  purchased  in  connection  with  it  for  a  par- 
sonage. He  prosecuted  his  labors  much  as  he  had  done,  but  stinig- 
gling  with  1  .creasing  embarrassment:.  In  the  latter  part  of  Au- 
gust, Mr.  Abner  Kneeland,  the  noted  infidel,  came  to  Rochester, 
and  by  the  intrigue  and  misrepresentation  ut  some  infidels  in  the 
city,  got  possession  of  the  '^ourt  House  on  the  atiemoon  of  Sabbath, 
Aug.  21.  Mr.  Mr^^  )  reau  a  statement  in  the  meeting  from  the 
sherifi!^,  which,  rritU  ter  ircumstances,  exposed  the  duplicity  that 
had  been  used.  lie  uieu  ismissed  his  congregation,  advising  them 
to  go  to  some  other  meeting,  but  thought  it  his  duty  to  listen  to  Mr. 
Kneeland  and  give  a  public  reply.    He  did  so,  and  also  wrote  out 


I 


*  One  gentleman,  a  prominent  member  of  the  third  Fresbyterian  chnrcb, 
Stud  he  would  raise  cue  thousand  dollars. 


Mr. 


DATTD  HARKS.  (||| 

Mr.  Kneeland's  arguments,  preaented  in  three  lectures,  and  hit 
own  replies,  whicli  were  subsequently  published  in  the  Morning 
Star.*  In  defence  of  this  course,  he  said,  "  For  years,  I  have 
thought  that  ministers  ought  not  to  pursue  such  a  dignified  and  in- 
dependent manne-i-,  as  they  usually  do,  in  relation  to  the  attacks  of 
infidels.  We  ought  to  meet  every  opposer,  and  with  all  meekness 
and  patience  accommodate  ourselves  to  the  weake»t  capacity,  and 
condescend  to  answer  plainly  and  familiarly  every  argument  which 
might  deceive  even  the  most  ignorant.  If  ministers  will  not  throw 
themsdves  into  the  breach,  who  jwrill  ?  If  those  whom  Gk>d  has  set 
for  the  defence  of  the  gospel  will  not  accommodate  themselves  and 
their  arguments  to  the  condition  and  capacities  of  the  unlearned, 
and  the  haters  of  religious  restraints,  who  will  ?  Is  it  right  to  give 
up  this  r  multitude  ?*• 

The  opposition  of  the  infidels  in  Rochester  was  aroused,  and 
through  their  influence  it  was  decided  that  the  Court  House  should 
be  closed  against  all  stated  religious  meetings.  The  church  then 
met  in  a  stone  school  house  in  a  distant  part  of  the  city,  and  after* 
wards  in  a  brick  building  on  the  comer  of  Anu  and  State  streets. 

In  October,  Mr.  Marks  attended  the  first  anniversair  of  the 
New  York  Anti-slavery  Society  in  Utica,  as  a  delegate  from  the 
Rochester  Anti-Slavery  Society.  Mr.  Gerrit  SmiUi  and  Alvan 
Stewart,  Esq.  were  among  the  speakers. 

In  the  mean  time  pecuniary  difficulties  had  continued  to  thick- 
en. The  season  had  been  the  most  unfavorable  of  any  for  many 
years.  Crops  were  generally  cut  off,  and  as  the  Mission  Society 
was  mostly  dependent  on  the  contributions  of  farmers,  it  had  receiv- 
ed no  funds,  its  Board  had  become  discouraged,  and  informed  Mr. 
Marks  that  such  was  the  scarcity,  they  were  utterly  unable  to  re- 

*  Mr  Kneeland,  in  a  public  assembly  in  Boston,  Mass.  not  far  from  the  time 
he  was  in  Rochester,  dar.  \  the  Almighty  to  strike  him  dead,  and  gave  him 
fire  minutes  in  which  to  do  it,  holdinehif  w^ntch  in  his  hand,  with  his  ann  ex- 
tended, nntil  the  minutes  had  expired,  end  theu  tauntingly  said,  "  Where  is 
now  your  God  1"  For  wise  reasons,  Us  iasisltc"'  Maker  continued  his  life  till 
a  few  months  since,  when  he  was  arrested  by  tlie  ragings  of  a  fever  in  Iowa, 
and  was  said  to  have  passed  unconsciously  to  &e  judgment.  Directly  over 
his  head,  hung  the  prayer  of  a  "Free  thinker,"  written  by  himself,  and  around 
his  room  the  pictures  of  Tom  Paine,  Voltaire,  and  their  infamous  associates. 
It  is  said  that  during  the  last  six  years  of  his  life,  he  labored  zealously  and  as- 
siduously to  plant  a  seat  for  atheism  in  the  vallepr  of  the  West.  On  the  banks 
of  the  Des  Moines  in  Iowa,  he  located  his  paradise,  and  hoped  to  see  a  gener- 
ation  arise,  who  should  openly  proclaim,  "  There  is  no  God."  But  the  Lord 
has  laughed  at  his  impotent  efforts,  and  as  now  over  the  sleepipg  dust  of  Vol- 
taixe,  the  great  chcmpion  of  infidelity  in  the  old  world,  stands  a  Christian 
sanctuary  for  devout  worshippers,  so  in  this  seat  of  the  infidel  Kneeland,  it  is 
stated  that  "  there  are  now  five  Christian  churches,  and  five  educated  ordain- 
ed ministers,  preaching  salratiou  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb."  Ei>. 


858 


mxoiBs  or 


de«m  their  pledge  to  support  him.  Thejr  said  to  him,  that  if  he 
wished  to  leAvuf  lie  h«d  their  approbation  in  m  doing,  but  it  would 
be  gratifying  to  them  if  he  could  remain.  He  was  now  brought  in- 
to ^als  he  had  not  anticipated.  He  liad  been  living  for  a  tiir  e  on 
credit,  expecting  funds  from  the  society  to  meet  &ese  expenses. 
His  little  home  m  Canandaigua,  in  consequence  of  the  rise  of  real 
estate,  he  had  sold  for  92100,  in  exchange  for  a  piece  of  wood- 
land two  miles  from  the  village.  This  woodland  he  tried  to  sell, 
but  found  times  bad  become  so  hard,  that  he  could  not  without  a 
great  sacriiloe.  His  only  alternatives  were  to  abandon  the  church 
in  Rochester,  or  do  something  to  meet  his  expenses.  After  much 
consideration  and  prayer,  he  concluded  to  do  the  latter.  Perse- 
Terance  was  one  of  the  oouHtituents  of  his  charactor,  and  be  had 
been  accustomed  to  struggle  with  difficulties.  His  health  had  great- 
ly improved,  but  he  dared  not  enter  upon  wny  business  that  would 
materially  add  to  his  mental  labors.  He  soon  had  an  opportunity 
to  engage  with  a  pavtner  in  lumbering,  and  thought  he  had  made 
arrangements  that  would  secure  him  means  to  meet  his  expenses^ 
and  yet  leave  most  of  his  time  for  ndnisterial  dotiet.  The  follow- 
ing u  taken  from  his  fourth  report  to  the  Home  Mission  Board* 

,^.  December  29, 1836. 

Dear  brethren, 

You  recollect  that  at  your  last  meeting,  you  informed  me 
that  you  were  unaUe  to  redeem  your  pledge  to  sustfJn  me,  and  that 
t  was  at  liberty  to  leave,  &c.  Afler  deep  reflection  and  much 
prayer  for  Divine  assistance,  I  felt  satisfied  for  the  following  rea- 
sons, that  it  was  duty  to  remain,  although  I  was  well  aware  that 
trials  and  afflictions  awaited  me.  1.  "nie  little  church  that  had 
been  gathered  was  the  fruit  of  much  toil,  watching,  and  many  pray- 
ers, and  to  my  feelinn  it  was  as  cruel  as  death  to  leave  them  with- 
out a  shepherd.  2.  The  thoughts  of  the  dishonor  it  would  bring 
on  our  denomination  and  the  cause,  seemed  more  than  I  could  en- 
dure. 3.  I  had  already  contracted  debts  to  some  amount  for  living 
in  the  city,  and  as  the  pressure  of  the  times  had  become  such  that 
I  had  been  unable  to  turn  my  property  into  money^  I  could  not 
pay  my  debts  and  leave  honorably.  So  I  committed  my  case  to 
Him  who  has  prdmised  that  '  No  good  thin^  will  he  withhold  from 
Hm  that  walketh  uprightly,"  being  perfectfy  aware  that  my  tem- 
poral embarrassments  would  exceed  all  through  which  I  had  ever 
passed.  But  considering  the  extremely  interesting  field  of  labor 
before  me,  that  was  white,  all  ready  to  harvest,  notwithstanding  all 
the  difficulties  and  afflictive  circumstances  that  surrounded  me,  the 
only  alternative  ibsA  seemed  presented  in  the  path  of  duty  was— 


^s~.:v^-  i^-;-. 


'-  5^?  . 


DAVID    MAmXf. 


859 


to  enter  into  bunness  that  would  afford  me  relief  till  I  oonld 
make  a  different  disposition  of  my  affairs.  •  •  •  • 
*  I  have  arranged  my  business  with  a  view  of  havins;  as  much 
time  as  possible  for  ministerial  labor.  To  benefit  the  church  and 
the  world  is  the  only  object  for  which  I  am  willing  to  live,  and  to 
which  I  am  determined  that,  through  the  grace  of  Qod,  every  act 
of  my  life  ahall  be  mbservient  Coosequendy  in  the  oourse  I  have 
pursued,  I  feel  peace  of  eonscienoe,  and  whenever  the  necessity  of 
Its  further  pursuit  is  removed,  it  will  be  with  joy  inexpressible  that 
I  shall  reUnqnish  it. 

Since  the  meeting  of  the  Board  in  Aueust  last,  some  have  been 
converted  among  us,  nine  have  •been  added  to  our  number,  and 
there  is  a  prospect  of  more  additions  soon.  Some  in  our  congrega- 
tion are  inqninng,  '  What  they  shall  do  to  be  saved,'  and  we  are 
looking  for  a  general  outpouring  of  the  Spirit  Several  of  our 
members,  on  aooount  of  the  hard  times,  have  taken  dismissions  and 
left  the  city.  Our  present  number  is  thirty^seven.  Our  monthly 
meetings,  weekly  prayer  meetings,  and  four  meetings  on  the  Sab- 
bath, are  regulariv  attended  with  interest  and  profit.  A  more  im- 
portant field  can  hardly  be  found,  and  one  that  can  wholly  devote 
himself  to  the  work,  has  great  opportunities  for  winning  souls  to 
Christ.    Yours,  in  ^e  bonds  of  the  blessed  goepel, 

David  Mabks.'^ 

The  Secretary  of  the  Board  presented  Mr.  Markuthe  follov'ng: 

«  Batavu,  Dec  80, 1 
To  all  whom  it  mojf  concern  .*-^ 

This  certifies  that  Elder  David  Marks'  labors 
have  been  successful  and  satisfactory  to  this  Board, 
are  the  embarrassments  of  the  Society,  that  we  cannc 
pledge  to  support  him  in  Rochester,  nor  shall  we  be  a 
thing  towards  his  support  for  several  months  to  come, 
forced  to  the  piunful  necessity  of  withdrawing  that  pledge,  and 
leaving  him  to  depend  on  his  own  efforts,  and  those  of  individuals 
who  may  feel  interested.  Though  his  embrrassments  are  great, 
he  has  determined  that  it  is  his  duty  to  remain  in  Rochester  under 
the  direction  of  this  Board.  This,  therefore,  is  to  entreat  all 
who  feel  any  interest  in  sustaining  the  mission  at  Rochester,  to 
render  our  missionary  in  that  place  all  the  immediate  aid  in  their 
power,  in  order  to  relieve  him  from  his  present  necessities. 

Done  by  order  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  New  York 
Home  Mission  Society. 

Fhinehas  Ford,  Corresponding  Secretary.*' 

Mr.  Mailts  continued  his  labors  in  Rochester  through  the  win- 
ter with  some  success,  and  also  frequently   preached  with  the 


y  .>t*.,! 


■Am 

■  'u  !i 

.d«n- 

H  f.vv; 

.  '..  ■( 

'■   -^-'-v 

oo  we  are 

860 


MEMOIRS   OP 


churches  in  the  country.  January  4, 1837,  he  preached  the  dedi* 
cation  sermon  of  the  Free-will  Baptist  meeting  house  in  Penfield, 
from  Haggai  2:7 — 9.  He  enjoyed  remarkable  freedom  on  this  oc- 
casion, and  it  was  a  season  of  most  thrilling  interest 

The  embarrassments  in  the  commercial  world  had  now  become 
unexampled  :n  the  history  of  our  country.  Many  of  the  oldest 
and  wealthiest  firms  in  our  cities  had  sufiered  a  total  wreck.  Lit- 
tle else  than  failures  and  pecuniary  distresses  were  the  subjects  of 
conversation.  Mr.  Marks,  in  common  with  others,  met  with  severe 
losses  from  unexpected  and  unforeseen  causes.  April  18,  he  wrote 
the  following: 

"  Whereas,  my  embarrassments  have  increased  upon  me  almost 
without  measure  and  without  limits,  insomuch  that  I  feel  quite  dis- 
couraged, and  ready  to  give  up,  and  make  an  assignment  of  my 
property  in  order  to  pay  my  debts,  and  get  clear  from  embarrass- 
ments, and  whereas,  this  course  might  be  very  prejudicial  to  ray 
usefulness  in  the  world,  and  whereas,  in  my  present  hurried  state, 
I  can  neither  enjoy  life  nor  be  useful,  I  do  most  solemnly  make 
the  following  promises,  that  I  may  attain  to  the  object  of  my  exis- 
tence.    1.  I  will  not  give  up  under  discour.)gements,  nor  permit 
disappointments  to  wear  upon  my  spirit,  but  do  my  duty  in  all 
things,  and  be  patient.     2.  I  will  uniformly  be  very  forbearing  and 
meek  toward  all  men,  and  endeavor  to  preserve  a  happy  frame  of 
mind,  and,  as  much  as  possible,  peace  toward  all  men.    3.  I  will 
steadily  use  all  possible  diligence,  and  strive  in  one  year  from  this 
day  to  clear  myself  from  all  debts,  even  though  nothing  should  be 
left  me,  and  then  enter  the  most  rigid  course  of  economy,  in  order 
that  my  mind  may  be  free  for  intellectual  improvement  and  preach- 
ing the  gospel  the  rest  of  my  life.    4.  I  will  never  contract  anoth- 
er debt  to  the  amount  of  a  shilling,  unless  I  become  so  straitened 
that  I  cannot  honestly  avoid  it.    This  I  will  do,  that,  as  a  minister 
of  Jesus  Christ,  I  may  be  free  and  not  be  entangled  in  the  affairs 
of  this  life.    5.  I  will  be  content  to  be  poor  for  Christ's  sake,  as 
long  as  I  live,  and  as  fast  as  I  get  any  thing,  and  I  can  honestly  de- 
vote it  to  advance  reh'gioa,  I  will  do  so.    The  glory  of  Grod  shall 
be  my  only  object  and  aim." 

J.  .lade  repeated  but  unsuccessful  efforts  to  extricate  himself 
from  liis  embarrassments.  Still  he  continued  to  meet  his  engage- 
ments till  about  the  middle  of  June.  In  the  mean  time  he  wrote  to 
Mr.  Burr  on  this  subject  as  follows : 


My  dear  brother, 

m 


«  RocHESTEit,  June  18, 1837. 


*        *        *        Disappointment  has  succeeded  disappoint- 
ment, and  one  misfortune  has  followed  another,  as  though  they 


■:f:V^- 


DAno  It  Arks. 


1837. 

Lppoint- 
th  they 


'loved  each  other's  steps,'  till  I  am  brought  into  deep  trials,  and 
causes,  unforeseen  by  mortal  eyes,  have  entangled  me  in  embar* 
rassments  iix>m  which  I  had  always  determined  to  keep  myself  froe. 
I  never  entered  into  business  so  long  as  I  saw  any  possibility  of 
sustaining  the  mission  in  Rochester  by  any  other  course.  I  did  it 
in  the  fear  of  God,  and  with  as  much  eomiction  of  duly  as  I  ever 
appeared  before  an  assembly  to  address  them  on  the  concerns  of 
eternity.  Could  I  have  foreseen  the  present  commercial  distress, 
I  should  have  left  Rochester,  when  ^e  Board  informed  me  that 
they  could  not  aid  me ;  or  had  I  not  been  so  unsuspecting  of  wick- 
edness in  those  with  whom  I  have  had  to  do,  I  might  have  escaped 
many  of  my  present  difficulties.  No,  my  brother,  whatever  may 
be  the  opinions  of  others,  or  the  fears  of  my  friends,  I  know,  and 
my  Heaveuly  Father  knows,  that  I  have  not  been  worldly  minded. 
I  have  never  sought  for  this  world,  and  in  the  arrangement  of  all 
my  temporal  affairs,  my  eye  has  been  smgle  to  God's  glory. 

You  are  doubtless  as  well  acquainted  with  the  pressure  of  the 
times  as  I  fun.  Li  this  city  it  is  dread^L  The  most  wealthy  and 
responsible  have  failed  in  meeting  their  engagements,  and  several 
have  had  their  notes  protested  at  the  bank.  The  sufferiiig  among 
the  poor  in  this  city  is  dreadful.  Provisions  are  extremely  high, 
[flour  was  then  $10  per  barrel,  and  potatoes  $1,25  per  busheL 
Ed.]  and  all  business  has  nearly  ceased. 

I  am  now  settling  up  my  concerns.  I  expect  to  pay  my  debts, 
and  when  I  have  done  that,  I  do  not  expect  to  have  any  thing  left 
whatever.  Amidst  it  all,  I  feel  peace  of  conscience  and  calmness 
of  poul.  I  have  nearly  all  my  life  been  acquainted  wi&  priva* 
tions.  I  have  known  (he  pangs  of  suffering  from  want,  and  yet,  if 
it  is  the  will  of  my  Heavenly  Father,  I  can  bid  poverty  a  cheerftil 
welcome,  for  I  have  been  brought  to  this,  while  I  have  been  waSk- 
ing  in  what  I  believed  to  be  the  path  of  duty,  though  I  will  not  say 
I  have  not  misjudged.  Until  recently,  I  have  hoped  to  save  some- 
thing, but  I  have  com^  to  the  conclusion  to  sell  every  article  I  poa- 
sess  to  pay  my  debts,  and  in  these  times  they  must 'go  much  below 
their  value ;  but  I  must  be  released  from  worldly  anxieties,  and 
when  I  get  liberated  once  more,  I  think  it  will  be  my  duty  to  re- 
main sa  The  cares  I  have  had  for  a  few  years  past,  if  continued, 
will  soon  cany  me  to  n^  grave.  *  ♦  »  *  You  wrote  about 
my  taking  an  agency  for  the  New  Hampshire  Anti-Slavery  Socle 
ty,  but  I  am  not  fit  for  any  agency.  All  the  enei^es  of  my  mind 
liave  been  so  long  on  the  stretch,  that  I  do  not  thmk  that  I  should 
be  useful  in  any  such  sphere.  I  do  not  know  what  I  shall  do.  I 
do  not  expect  to  be  able  to  travel  much,  as  for  years  past,  the  ex- 
posures consequent  on  travelling,  have  invariably  brought  me  on  a 
sick  bed.  X  have  felt  as  though  the  church  here  must  not  go  down 
31 


T 


Mt 


Mmoist  Of 


0»-l»u$  Ipr  a  fteaaon  pa^  9nol^  dwk  elouds  }u*v< '  a,'^  over  my  pros- 
pfictcv  that  I  bav«  at  time^  aUBQ^  despavro^''  itiU  God  bivs  been 
with  us  in  our  meeiinspm  snd  of  late,  we  haye  weqiicntlyhad  tokeqe) 
of  niercy  an^  interpoai^ooK  of  ^Providencei  which  have  been  toQ 
plain  to  be  miiunderatocd.  At  our  last  meetwg,  we  had  five  appli^ 
cations  for  Boembership,  j^mh  have  been  received.  Our  prospect^ 
as  a  choreh  are  good,  if  a  preacher  conld  be  sustained.  We  are 
weU  united)  have  a  Bible  dbiss,  and  a  Sajbhath  school  The  Home 
Mission  Board  treat  me  wiUi  much  affection  and  Idndnesa.  They 
aympathiae  wit^  me  in  my  afflictioDs^  and  if  thoy  could,  would  glad- 
ly reMeve  me. 

As  a  nation,  I  know  not  what  is  before  us,  but  it  appears  to  me 
that  days  of  greater  trouble  are  at  hand,  I  am  -^xpecting  them. 
£k)d  u  going  to  wean  his  children  from  the  work.,  and  disappoint 
their  ambitious  schemes,  O,  my  brother,  vwy  we  be  prepared  for 
the  day  of  trial  May  we  labor  wholly  for  God,  and  fight  manfiU- 
ly  in  tibs  day  of  battle.  I  long  to  see  you,  and  pour  out  my  whole 
heart  to  you,  but  if  we  never  more  meet  in  this  world,  I  trnst  we 
shall  in  ^e  p,bodes  of  unsullied  purity,  where  the  gales  of  adversi- 
ty  cease  to  blow,  and  '  the  mcked  cease  from  troubling.'  Bemem- 
hev  me,  especially  in  your  prayers  to  Almighty  God.  There  is 
rest  for  the  weaiy  in  heaven,  blessed  be  Ged.    Farewell 

Tour  affectionate  brother,  Cayxp  Maj^s." 

'  In  the  latter  part  of  June,  Mr.  Marks  received  a  letter  from  a 
fiien^  who  frankly  expressed  his  feai^  that  an  eagerness  to  get 
i^ch  ha4  induced  him  to  enter  into  business,  and  had  brought  on 
l^is  misfortunes.  Some  extract^  from  his  reply  to  (bis  letter  are 
^yen,  as  Ulustoative  of  the  spirit  with  which  he  bore  the  cen- 
sures of  friends^  end  received  i;e^roofii  whicl^  he  thought  were  un- 
'iQeritedr, 

"  I  thank  you  for  your  Christian  admonitions  and  your  kind  ad- 
vice. X  eannot  say  that  I  have  not  erred  in  engaging  in  worldly 
'business,  but  if  I  have,  it,  has  been  tlirough  mistaken  views  of  duty. 
It  was  not  inclination  diat  led  me  tp  it,  for  I  never  did  any  thing 
in  my  We^  that  was  so  contrary  to  my  feeling  and  so  crossing  to 
my  Imposition*  It  was  the  farthest  thing  possible  from  my  ambi- 
tion to  be  cailed  a  'man  of  business.'  *  ♦  •  Years  ago,  I 
Ijaye  up  the  world,  and  consecrated  myself  and  sverr  thing  I  had 
to  (^^^and  evei^  since,  sa  f^  as  I  know,  I  have  acted  on  this  prin- 
ciple of  entire  consecration.  My  conscience  bears  me  witness,  that 
neiti^if  loye  of  ease,  wealth,  fame,,  or  honor,  have  ever  since  actu- 
ated W  ^Virse*  All  the  value  I  have  set  on  pn^rty  has  been 
only  proportionate  to  the  ability  it  gives  its  possessor  to  extend  the 
|(^Vienj;e.  of  ih^  It;ed|Bemey$  kin^m>    Aside  fixHn  this,  I  have 


( 'i '  v^r,-  i«t-j'T,r|'L-  -^.v^.i-'i-it^.-v.  •: 


DAVil)  ItAtlkSw 


ddd 


>» 


indad- 
rorldly 
fduty. 
^  thing 
sing  to 
ambi- 
ago,  I 
;Ihad 
8  prin- 
ts, that 
e  actu- 
8  been 
lud  the 
have 


looked  upon  poverty  as  the  happiest  state.  Neither  have  I  thooght 
that  a  ChristiaDj  in  this  day  bf  benevolent  enterpri^,  ia  ^xciisitUiEi 
in  retaining  any  more  property  in  his  hands  than  a  bar6  coffipe^ 
tence,  except  in  such  cases  as  he  has  evidence  that  he  can  best 
glorify  God  in  so  doing.  As  for  inyself,  I  have  had  to  provide  for 
a  siddy  siater,  in  obedience  to  my  mother's  dying  injunction.  My 
aged  father  is  very  infirtti  and  in  extreme  poverty,  and  as  he  gAve 
six  years  of  my  tiihe  (from  the  age  of  fifteen  to  twenty-one)  to  th6 
church,  I  have  thought  that  filial  ddrnd  required  me  to  assist  hdiii; 
Considering  my  duty  a8  connected  with  these  cireumstances,  I  hkte 
thought  that  I  should  be  more  free  from  care,  and  in  a  situation  fot 
greater  usefulness,  by  tetaining  id  ihy  hands  a  part  of  the  goods 
committed  to  my  charge.  When  I  returned  here  from  New  Eng- 
land, as  I  was  nearly  worn  out  with  cares,  anxieties,  and  responm^ 
bilities,  I  thought  it  would  be  right  for  me  to  retire  to  some  obscure 
comer  where  I  could  enjoy  quiet  and  retirement,  and  still  devote 
what  remained  of  iny  shattered  faculties  to  the  catisi^  of  €kKt.  I 
had  selected,  in  my  own  mind,  the  London  quarterly  meeting  hi 
Upper  Canada,  as  the  place  of  my  comparative  sechision,  and  it 
was  with  inexpressible  delight  that  I  was  totidpating  the  sVreetii  of 
rest.  But  my  brethren  in  tibis  yearly  meeting  insisted  that  I  ^oiild 
come  to  Rodiester.  They  spread  out  before  ine  the  necestiit^  of 
our  having  a  church  in  this  city  and  promised  to  liustain  mie.  It 
was  very  crossing  to  give  up  my  scheme  of  rest,  bjit  as  I  had  tso/t 
for  years  dared  to  coiner  with  flesh  and  blood,  where  the  advance- 
ment of  the  cause  was  concerned,  and  viewing  myself  a  servant  of 
the  church,  I  finally  consented,  thinking  a*^  the  same  time  that  if  t 
had  no  care  for  m^  own  sappoft,!  should  be  freer  thr;,  I  had  ever 
before  been  since  I  commenced  preaching  the  gospel.  So  I  w^nt 
to  Rochester."        *        *        »        » 

Mr.  Marks  again  made  a  brief  entry  in  bis  journal,  as  follows  : 
"July  3, 1837, 1  have  been  exceedingly  embarrassed  hi  worldly 
affairs,  and  for  the  first  time  have  been  unable  to  pay  my  debts, 
though  in  fifteen  years  I  have  contracted  debts  to  the  amount  df 
$30,000,  and  never  to  this  time  have  I  had  a  note  protested,  nor 
have  I  suffered  any  note  to  become  due,  without  previously  obtaiii- 
ing  an  extension,  except  in  two  instances  of  forgetting  small  sums. 
I  had  ever  considered  it  immoral  to  fail  in  the  least  engagement; 
and  finding  myself  thus  circumstanced,  on  the  Idth  of  June,  I  met 
a  council  which  I  had  previously  requested,  consisiing  of  the  exec- 
utive committee  of  the  New  York  Home  Mission  Society,  and  sev- 
eral ministers  and  brethren  in  the  Monroe  quarterly  meeting.  I 
gave  a  full  disclosure,  in  writing,  ia  this  council  of  all  my  financial 
concerns,  and  plans  to  pay  my  debts.  In  view  of  the  existing 
commercial  embarrpssments,  they  unanimously  advised  me  to  make 


864 


H^lMOIRS  OF 


a^  assignment  of  my  property  for  the  benefit  of  my  creditors.  I 
concluded  to  take  their  advice,  and  June  23, 1  ipade  an  assigument 
to  Messrs.  Hoyt  and  Porter  of  Bocheoter,  Christian  gentlemen  of 
high  standing  and  integrity  of  character,  with  whr  m  T  had  had  much 
business  in  the  book  line.  I  gave  up  all,  not  rese.  ving  a  single  dollar's 
worth  of  household  furniture,  or  of  any  thing  v  hatever,  not  excepting 
any  of  the  articles  given  Mrs.  Marks  by  her  mrents,  nor  any  of  the 
books  or  presents  we  had  received  from  friends  nor  a  pi6ce  of  land 
[five  acres]  the  use  of  which  I  had  giver  to  my  poor  aged  father 
in  the  infiniiities  of  declining  life.  I  wept  about  noti..ng  of  an 
earthly  tiatu|re  except  this  latter  circumstauee  and  my  library, 
which  hs4  been  gathered  with  n\ach  care,  and  had  cost  me  about 
seven  hundred  dollars.  By  this  failure  I  lost  about  four  thousand 
dollars,  which  had  come  to  me  by  school  teaching,  publishing  books, 
the  rise  in  tbe  y^^p.qf  my  little  home  in  Canandaigua,  and  by  my 
wife* 

But  I  do  not  mourn  this  luss  so  much  on  my  own  account.    I  have 
no  anxiety  for  my  lifet  what  I  sbf^  eat,  what  I  shall  drink,  or 
wherewithal  T  shall  be  clothed.    But  I  most  deplore  the  occasion 
which  my  failure  may  give  to  the  enemies  of  God,  to  injure  the 
cause  of  religion.    I  have  ever  felt  since- 1  commenced  preaching, 
that  I  would  rather  be  burned  at  the  stake^  than  do  any  thin£'  to 
hinder  the  success  of  the  gospel.    This  reflection  has  sometimes  so 
distressed  me,  as  to  make  me  sick,  and  at  other  times,  my  agony 
has  been  such,  that  had  it  not  been  for  the  consciousness  of  tue  in- 
tegrity of  heart  in  which  I  have  wnlked  before  God,  I  fear  that 
-reason  would  have  tottered  from  her  throne.    As  Messrs.  Hoyt 
and  Porter  wish  me  to  act  as  their  agent  in  settling  up  my  affairs. 
I  hope,  through'  the  blessing  of  God   to  be  able  to  discharge  all 
my  obUgations  honorably ;,  though  to  4o  it  I  shall  be  subjected  for  a 
time  to  worldly  cares  which  are  a  bu>-dqn  to  my  soul.    When  I 
found  I  could  hold  out  no  longer,  I  thoug^'^  it  would  be  wisdom  to 
call  the  members  of  the  church  together,  t    >  they  might  all  take 
letters,  and  then  disband.     I  went  to  meeti  ^  ov  f' .e  following  Sab- 
bath, thinking  of  this  co..rse,  and  laboring  under  ihe  most  discour- 
aging feelings,  when,  to  my  surprise,  we  had  five  applications  for 
church  membership.     I  felt  my  heart  filled  with  thankfulness,  and 
it  seemed  as  though  I  was  standing  utill  to  see  the  salvation  of 
God.    I  have  come  to  the  conclusion   that  it  is  my  duty  to  do 
all  I  can  while  I  remain  here,  .  •  'ieep  the  church  togethei,  maiu- 
tain  its  discipline,  and  trust  in  GroJ  to  send  them  a  shepherd  when 
I  leave. 

July  4, 1  left  Rochester,  and  during  five  days  following,  preached 
twice  in  Gorham,  once  in  Jerusalem,  and  twice  in  Potter  at  the 
Yates  quarterly  meeting,  [fbrmeriy  called  Benton.]  where  I  re- 


iyiti»  HAtts. 


mt 


agony 
,ue  in- 
lar  that 
Hoyt 
affairs, 
•ge  aU 
for  a 
len  I 
idom  to 
iltake 
Sab- 
liacour- 
loQS  for 
Us,  and 
Ition  of 
to  do 
maiti- 
when 

leached 

at  the 

^e  I  re- 


K*      ' 


ce^ve<f  mncfe  ^Aif<pm,  mfi  felt  «rreat1.7  comforted  by  the  sympa- 
thies of  my  brethre/i  »Sabbath,  July  9, 1  enjoyed  a  prfecioua  day 
i^ith  the  ohttfdi  in  SUtainiMit^r^  and  baptized  two,  who  were  added 
to  our  number."  . 

Mr.  Marks  continaed  Mb  Ifebor.  t^ith  the  church  in  Rochester 
till  Jnhe,  1838.  In  addition  to  his  usual  Sabbath  duties,  he  preached 
a-sennon  early  in  the  morning  to  the  prisoners  in  the  jail.  During 
the  rest  of  the  week,  notwithstanding  his  cares,  he  usually  spent  a 
poition  of  each  cbiy  in  religious  study  or  reli^ous  visits.  In  Jan- 
uary and  February,  he  had  the  satiuaction'  of  seeing  considerable 
interest  manifested  in  his  meetings,,  and  several  conversions.  He 
was  frequently  told  by  members  of  othei'  churches,  that  individuals, 
at  different  times,  had  been  received  into  their  communion,  who,  in 
the  relation  of  their  religious  experience,  dated  their  awakening 
under  his  preafihfng.  It  was  a  great  comfort  to  him  that  souls 
were  converted  through  his  instrumentality,'  although  he  waJB  not 
permitted  to  gather  the  fruits.         '•  .     ,     J'j^ 

In  the  mean  time  he  was  vmy  diligent  in  settling  his  iailFii&Bf  tm 
on  account  of  the  unprecedented  scarcity  of  money,  he  had  to  sell 
almost  every  thing  at  a  great  sacrifice.  His  Canandaigua  proper- 
ty, which,  in  the  exchange  he  made,  was  valued  at  12100,  onl^ 
brcught  him  $355.  He  began  to  fear  what  he  had  little  anticipa- 
ted, that  he  should  be  left  in  debt,  after  he  had  disposed  of  every 
article.  This  fear  was  subsequently  realized;  and  he  diially  found 
himself  in  d^bt  at  least  one  thousand  or  twelve  hundred  dollars 
more  than  his  means  Would  pay.  Painftil  as  tras  this  drcumstiance, 
he  did  not  sink  under  it,  nor  feel  that- he  was  absolved  from  his  ob- 
ligations to  fulfill  his  engagements,  because  he  had  given  up  all  h^ 
possessed.  He  told  his  creditors,  that  if  he  lived  they. might  ex- 
pect their  pay.  They  generally  manifested  mr.ch  sympathy  for 
him,  and  expressed  their  confidence  that  he  bad  done  as  well  as  lie 
could  in  those  troublous  times,  and  in  circumstances  over  which  he 
had  no  control.  They  told  him  not  to  deprive  himself  and  family 
of  necessary  comforts  in  order  to  pay  them.  Many  that  vere  ac- 
quainted with  facts,  spoke  in  admiration  of  his  course.  Onv*.  gen- 
tleman in  thft  city  of  high  standing,  who  was  a  nonprofessor,  s£id, 
"  Elder  Marks  is  the  noblest  work  of  God,  for  he  is  an  honest  man." 
These  circumstances  greatly  soothed  b'^  spirit,  and  afforded  him 
unspeakable  consolation  ;  anu  he  felt  de  ply  grateful  that  c(Mifidenee 
in  his  integrity  won  not  lost.  It  T7as  also  with  him  a  ihatter  of 
great  thanksgiving,  th«t  nwe  of  his  creditors  were  much  distressed 
by  his  failure.  The  follrnt Ing  testimony  to  the  uprightness  of  his 
conduct  in  these  dnys  of  trial^  wai  received  from  his  assignees  afidW 
W3ek8an«i  JiJH  deatii.  '^^     .    •      !r.      >  u^     )      ;;' fir  T'^?..^ 


866 


nui^ 


Mrs.  Marks. 

•        « 


KBMOntS  Of 

if'       «  BooassTEB,  Feb.  14, 18464 


y^i. 


Pear  Madam, 

*  *  *  We  take  ikia  occasioii  to  express 
our  sympathy  with  you  in  the  bereavement  you  have  experienced 
in  the  lops  of  your  excellent  husband.  And  not  only  for  your  sake, 
but  fpr  society  do  we  mourn  in  the  loss  of  a  good  man  and  devout 
Christian.  He  was  truly  an  upright  man.  We  Icnew  him  under 
circumstances  of  temptation  and  trial,  and  found  him  a  true  man  to 
the  last  penny.        *        ♦        •.  Samuel  D.  Pobtkb. 

Datid  Hott." 

In  these  dark  days,  Mr.  Marks  often  had  his  spirits  cheered 
with  consolatory  letters  from  bis  Christiaj^  friends  similar  to  the 
following.  y  '^.i. 

^GBEEimoE,  B.  I.  Oct.  5, 1837.  j^ 

My  Dear  Brother  Marks, 

♦  *'  *  *  It  is  probably  unnecessary  for  me  to 
attempt  IQ  console  you,  as  I  doubt  not  that  the  consolations  of  the 
religion  wu  have  so  long  and  so  successfully  preached  to  others  are 
afforded/jou  in  this  time  of  distress.  ,  My  dear  brother  and  sister 
are  sur6ly  not  among  those  with  whom  the  consolations  of  Grod  are 
small.  Those'  sermons,  exhortations,  and  prayers,  that  have  so  of- 
ten afforded  comfort  to  hundreds  of  God's  poor  and  afflicted  people, 
owed  much  of  their  efficiency  to  the  rich  experience  you  have  had 
of  the  abundant  sources  of  comfort  that  the  gospel  opens  to  the  dis- 
oOns|9late.,  Philosophy,  unaided  by  religion,  coolly  tells  us  to  sub- 
mit io  misfortunes  because  we  cannot  avoid  them.  The  religion  of 
Jesus  Qirist  does  not  lea,v<>  us  to  this  cold  comfort,  if  comfort  it 
deserves  to  be  called.  No.  It  tells  us  a  Father's  hand  is  concern- 
ed in  all  our  afflictions,  that  they  shall  work  together  for  good  to 
those  that  love  God.  My  dear  brother  and  sister  have  not  lost 
their  all,  although  misfortune  has  deprived  them  of  choice  earth- 
ly blessings.  No.  Their  rich  treasure  in  heaven,  infinitely 
more  valuable  than  all  earthly  possessions,  remains  secure  and 
uninjured.  O  blessed  thought,'soon  you  will  enjoy  tbat  treasure. 
•  ♦  *  #  Your  sympathizing  brother, 
',  :    ;;^  ^S'i  Elias  Hutchins." 

In  the  fall  of  1837,  Mr.  Marks  made  the  following  entries  in  his 
journal. 

''Saturday,  October  28.  This  city  during  the  present  week 
has  been  the  theatre  of  intense  excitement  consequent  upon  one  of 
the  most  deliberate,  bold,  and  daring  assassinations  that  has  ever 
stained  our  land,  the  first  murde."  ever  known  to  have  been  com- 
mitted in  the  county  of  Monroe.  Wm.  Lyman,  a  most  estimable 
citizeh  and  a  devoted  Christian,  a  husband  and  a  &tber,  was  shot 


^  JfcW. 


''W:''-^' 


DATIO  MABKft. 


867 


.'M. 


•rt 


in  Qur  city  Iniist  Monday  night,  a  little  past  nine  o'clock,  near  his  own 
4oor..  I  have  been  to  see  his  bereaved  .widow.  Poor  woman  I  the 
agony  of  her  mind  for  a  time  almost  made  her  frantoic.  The  exam- 
ination of  Octavius  Baron,  (a  Frenchman  and  a  Catholic,  only 
eighteen  years  of  age,)  has  occupied  the  whole  of  the  week,  and 
k^  resulted  in  his  commitment  to  prison  for  trial.  During  the  exc 
amination  homabifested  the  coldest  indifierence  till  towards  the  last, 
when  he  betrayed  some  emotions.  I  accompanied  him  to  his  cell, 
which  he  entered  with  seeming:  indiffer«[ice>  I  inquired  of  him  his 
feelings.  He  replie4  that  he  felt  as  though  others  equally  guilty 
were  about  to  escape.  I  exhorted  him  to  speedy  repentance  and  to 
seek  the  mercy  of  God,  when  his  eyes  became  suffused  with  tears, 
and  showed  that  he. had  at  least  one  spark  of  feeling.  But  it  is 
dreadful  to  think  of  a  youth  only  eighteen  years  of  age  so  hardened 
in  crime. 

Nov.  4.  Thirty  two  years  o^'  my  vain  life  are  this  day  numbered. 
Nearly  seventeen  of  these  have  been  spent  in  the  ministry.  £ut, 
alas  I  how  unprofitable  they  have  been !  O  precious  and  compas- 
sionate Savior,  forgive  thy  poor  unworthy  servant  all  the  sins  of  his 
past  life,  the  sin  of  impatience — the  sin  of  vain  thoughts — the  sin 
of  dogmatism,  and  do  thou  give  him  grace,  and  wisdom,  and  perse- 
verance, which  shall  enable  him  to  act  in  all  things  as  the  image, 
and  likeness,  and  representative  of  the  great,  the  evedasting  God. 
O  do  thou,  blessed  Redeemer,  aid  thy  servant,  that  he  may  from 
this  time  discipline  his  own  heart  apd  conduct  agreeably  to 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  his  future  years  be  abundantly  useful. 
Amen. 

Sabbath,  Dec.  10,  I  preached  three  times,  attended  a  'prayer 
meeting,  Bible  class,,  and  Sabbath  school  Tho  were  added  to  our 
number,  one  of  whom  I  baptized. 

Dec.  29 — 31, 1  attended  the  Monroe  quarterly  meeting  at  Ken- 
dall, having  walked  twentj-seven  miles.  It  was  a  precious  season. 
Eighteen  kneeled  for  prayer,  and  one  was  hopefully  converted. 
Brethren  were  very  kind,  and  gave  me  several  dollars  ;  and 
one  brother  carried  me  home.  Much  excitement  has  been  pre- 
vailing in  Rochester,  as  well  as  in  many  other  places,  on  ac- 
count of  an  insurrection  in  Canada.  It  is  feared  that  a  bloody 
civil  war  will  be  the  result,  and  that  the  United  States  will  be  in- 
volved in  it" 

May  27— June  7,  Mr.  Marks  spent  mostly  in  attendance  at  the 
trial  of*Octaviu8  Baron.  The  evidence  against  the  prisoner  was 
conclusive,  the  jury  brought  in  the  verdict  of  guilty,  and  he  was 
sentenced  to  be  hung  the  25th  of  the  ensuing  July.  Through  the 
whole  trial,  he  seemed  the  mostladifferentof  any  present,  and  often, 
during  the  acyournments  of  the  court,  danced  in  Ms  chains,    The 


im  MBMOIRtf  0# 

f^ony  of  his  piffents,  sister,  and  the  niserable  vletim  of  his  Hcen- 
tioasnesfl,  whom  he  sak)  he  had  fttftrried,  seemed  intense.  At  the 
time  appointed,  he  sniFered  the  exeeution  of  the  sentence  pro- 
nounced upon  IHm,  manifesting  to  the  last  (he  same  hardness  of 
heart  As  he  was  about  to  be  launched  into  eternity,  he  grasp- 
ed a  crucifix,  which  it  was  said  he  held  ^U  death  bad  d<me  its 
work. 

Mr.  Mariit)  closed  his  labors  in  Rodiestcir  in  Juno,  1898.  The 
following  in  relation  to  this  circumstance,  with  some  other  incidents, 
is  copied  from  hi9  correspondence  in  the  Morning  Star. 

"  Having  been  informed  that  wty  brethren  in  Ohio  were  expect- 
ing me  to  visit  them,  I  would  say  to  them,  through  the  Star,  that  I 
have  Idng  desired  to  see  them  or  .e  more  in  the  flesh,  and  that  fav 
months  previous  to  my  leaving  Bochester^  I  had  much  conflict  of 
mind  in  deciding  whether  it  was  my  duty  to  continue  my  labon  in 
the  city  or  comply  with  their  kind  and  often  repeated  requests. 
Severe  and  laborious  had  been  my  toils  in  Rochester,  and  the  pain 
of  soul  it  caused  me  to  think  of  abandoning  the  fruits  of  those  toils, 
was  such  as  I  had  never  before  known,  and  I  concluded  it  was  my 
duty  to  remain  as  long  as  I  could  obtain  the  bare  necessities  of 
life.  Since  the  organization  of  the  church,  between  sixty  and  seventy 
had  united  with  it,  but  in  consequence  of  the  pressure  and  the  sus- 
pension of  business  following  it,  several  had  been  obliged  to  leave 
the  city.  My  health  had  so  dedined  the  past  winter,  that  consid- 
erable of  the  time  I  was  unable  to  preach.  For  many  months  I 
had  depended  on  my  own  efibrts  for  my  support^  but  this  resource 
was  now  cut  off.  My  companion  was  engaged  in  teaching  till 
her  health  was  so  poor,  that  in  the  spring  she  was  obliged  to 
relinquish  it.  The  door  seemed  now  emctually  closed  against  con- 
tinuing my  stay  in  Rochester,  and  I  now  feltt^at  if  the  church  lost 
its  visibility  my  garments  were  clear.  Its  members  had  known 
something  of  the  trials  of  my  situation,  and  had  oflen  extended  to 
me  the  balm  of  their  sympathy,  the  only  relief  they  were  able  to 
afford.  When  I  communicated  to  them  my  decision',  they  acqui- 
esced with  tearfbl  eyes,  saying,  that  in  my  present  destitution,  it 
would  be  cruelty  to  urge  my  longer  stay ;  but  they  knew  not  what 
to  do.  They  had  looked  to  other  churches,  and  their  htnne  was  no- 
where else.  They  finally  agreed  to  sustain  the  visibility  of  the 
church,  and  to  support  two  prayer  meetings  weekly,  in  the  hope 
that  soon  aid  would  be  granted  them  from  some  quarter.  . 

In  the  month  of  May,  I  had  a  violent  attack  of  jaundice,  which 
some  of  the  time  confined  me  to  my  bed.  My  skin  became  about 
as  dark  as  that  of  a  mulatto,  and  my  friends  were  apprehensive  that 
my  disease  would  terminate  fatally.  Its  violent  symptoms,  howev- 
er, finally  yielded  to  active  medical  treatment^  so  that  on  the  15th 


»^  ,■;;■■  • 


DAVID  XARKS. 


m 


Bqul- 
|>n,  it 


rhich 

itbout 

that 

iwev- 

ll5tli 


of  Tune,  we  left  I^ocbester,  and  went  to  Byroui  where  the  Holland 
''*.  H,  ^hase  yeipxly  meeting  was  in  session.  I  then  proposed  going 
to  Canada,  and  immediately  after  my  return  to  the  state  of  Ohio. 
But  my  brethren  so  strenuously  and  earnestly  protested  against  my 
intended  course,  and  seemed  so  anxious  for  me  to  labor  as  an  evan« 
gelist  among  the  churches  of  westenl  New  York,  that  I  partly 
consented  to  delay  iny  visit  to  Ohio  till  another  season.  My  health 
was  such  that  I  coula  preach  little,  and  my  labors  could  probably . 
be  of  very  little  use  any  where.  The  nervous  irritability  of  my 
system  subjected  me  at  intervals  to  much  n^ental  prostration,  and 
occasionally  to  depression  of  spirits. 

From  Byron  rre  took  the  canal  to  Boyaltonon  our  way  to  Can- 
ada. Here  again  I  was  confined  by  sickness  two  weeks  A  phy- 
sician  whom  I  con&alted,  reiterated  the  often  repeated  advice  of 
former  physicians,  that  if**!  ever  intended  to  recover,  I  must  lay 
aside  aU  mental  labor,  such  as  reading,  writing,  preaching,  &c, 
avoid  all  conversation  that  would  require  any  effort  of  mind,  an4- 
at  the  same  time  take  as  much  bodily  exercise  as  my  strength  woul4 
permit.  As  this  course  would  for  the  present  deprive  me  of  all 
prospect  of  usefulness  to  the  church,  the  thoughts  of  it  were  pain-  ' 
nil  to  my  feelings,  but  being  convinced  tbat  the  continuance  of  my 
life  depepde4  upon  it,  I  commenced  faithftiUy  following  his  directions. 
t  grew  better,  but  not  daring  to  proceed  on  my  journey,  I  conclu- 
ded to  spend  u  few  days  in  Boston,  Erie  Co.  Leaving  Boyalton 
for  this  purpose  on  the  4th  of  July,  I-  could  not  well  resist  the 
temptation  to  stop  r:  the  New  York  State  Anti-Slavery  conven- 
tion, which  was  that  ay  to  commence  its  sitting  in  the  Methodist 
chapel  in  Lockport.  H^^re,  a  little  more  than  two  years  ago,  a  pri- 
vate lecturer  was  mo^^bed  for  advocating  the  abolition  of  slavery. 
Now  not  even  the  faintest  whisper,  *  I  fear  there  will  be  a  mob,' 
was  heard.  It  was  to  me  a  gratifying  circumstance  that  the  con- 
vention was  in  a  Methodist  chapel,  as  the  influence  of  so  many  in 
this  denomination  war:  on  the  side  of  the  oppressor.  O,  thought 
I,  could  the  illustrioui)  Wesley  arise  from  the  dead,  and  speak  to 
his  American  brethrer ,  how  would  he  show  them  their  sins,  while, 
as  in  the  days  of  his  flesh,  he  would  thunder  peal  after  peal  on  the 
conscience  of  the  slaveholder,  and  cry  aloud  in  his  ears,  *  Render 
unto  all  their  dues.  *  *  Escape  for  your  life !  Regard  not  money ! 
Whatever  you  lose,  k  not  your  soul!  Immediately  quit  this 
horrid  trade !  Instantly  deliver  yourselves  from  blood-guiltiness ! 
Your  hands,  your  bed,  your  ftimiture,  your  house,  your  lands 
are  stained  with  blood.  Surely  it  is  enough.  Accumulate  no 
more  guilt !' 

Some  distinguished  abolitionists  were  present.    One  of  the  num- 
ber was  Henry  ": .  ^'  mton.    He  spoke  on  a  resolution  saying  that 


r 


n> 


MBUOlttlk  6f 


.  'Ui 


ihe  declaration  of  indetendence  breaf  i  <  he  vei^  spirit  Atid  princi- 
ples of  abolitionists.  Wliiie  commenting  on  the  declaration,  lie  came 
to  the  clause,  *  But  when  a  long  train  of  abuses  and  usurpations,  pur- 
suing  invari^ly  the  same  object,  evinces  a  dedgn  to  reduce  them 
to  absolute  despotism,  it  is  their  it^Al,  it  is  their  Dutt,  to  throw  off 
ikuoh  govemment,'  he  said  the  resolution  was  hot  correct  .  That 
clause  in  the  constitution  allowed  war.  It  was  revolutionary.  But 
it  was  the  doctrine  of  the  declaration,  not  of  abolitionists.  They 
were  engaged  in  a  moral  conflict,  a  war  of  principles.  No  blood- 
stained banner  waved  over  their  heads.  No  Widow^il  groans,  no 
orphan's  tears,  no  garments  rolled  in  blood,  marked  their  path.  In 
a  manner  entirely  his  own,  he  alluded  to  the  persecuted  abolitionists, 
the  mobs  at  Boston  and  New  York,  the  burning  of  Liberty  Tern- 
pie  in  Philadelphia,  the  gtaVe  and  fiiture  glory  of  Lovejoy,  and 
olosed  his  remarks  in  a  burst  of  powerful  and  impassioned  elo* 

guenoe.  The  assembly  seemed  electrified.  An  amendment  was 
nmediately  proposed,  which  passed  utianimously,  cutting  off  the 
approval  of  that  part  of  the  declaration,  which  dedared  it  to  be 
tibe  ri^ht  and  j>vtt  of  the  oppressed,  to  throw  off  their  yoke. 

Leaving  Lodkport,  We  Went  to  Buflklo,  and  thence  to  Boston^ 
where  my  good  friend,  Deacon  Trum4h  Carey,  gave  lis  a  very 
!i?Arty  and  affectionate  welcome,  aiid  told  us  to  make  his  house  our 
h  ittiB  as  long  as  we  pleased.  I  remained  here  three  weeks,  foUow- 
h\g  the  prescriptions  of  the  physician,  excepting  that  I  preached  on 
the  Sabbath,  and  Wrote  to  some  correspondents." 

The  following  is  taken  from  a  copy  of  one  of  the  letters  written 
dming  this  period  to  Mr.  Phillips,  missionary  in  India,  from  whom 
intelligence  had  been  received  that  his  wiib  (formerly  Mrs.  Beede) 
had  entered  upon  eternal  scenes. 

^  ,  <*  Boston,  N.  Y.  July  19, 1838.  * 
My  dear  brother,  *    ": 

*  *  .  *  In  April  last,  on  taking  a  copy  of  the  Star 
from  the  P.  O.  Pi  Rochester,  I  read  that  for  which  I  was  not  pre- 
pared— the  death  of  dear  sister  Phillips  I  For  a  while,  I  could  not 
realize  it,  but  as  the  truth  of  the  painful  intelligence  rushed  up- 
on me,  I  was  quite  overcome,  and  could  not  refrain  from  weeping 
aloud.  When  I  met  my  dear  companion  I  was  reminded  of  your 
bereavement  and  solitary  situation  in  a  land  of  heathen  strangers, 
while  I  was  blessed  with  the  wife  of  my  youth  in  a  land  of  friends. 
Then  we  fell  on  each  other's  necks,  and  sobbed  for  a  long  time. 
Our  sorrow  was  not  altogether  for  dear  Mary,  who,  we  doubted 
not,  was  enjoying  sweet  rest  beyond  the  toils,  and  pains,  and  sor- 
rows of  Hfe,  but  for  our  dear  brother  Phillips.  We  supposed  that 
the  heart-rendmg  tidings  of  the  dei^h  of  both  your  parents  had  al- 


1 
( 
1 
t 

I 

d 

y 

a 

< 

tl 
hi 


DAVID  MASK  9. 


871 


■■"'•i 


Star 
pre- 
not 
up- 
>ing 
rour 

I. 

lime. 
Ibted 
Jsor- 
Ithat 
al- 


poured  out  w  9* 
were  cheer^,  howi 
thoie  who  mou 
9orrowa  of  the 
XiOrd  ean  fortify     > 
painfid  than  even  de 


ready  rei^9he4  you,  and  even  then  wa«  weighing  down  your  9pirit9. 
Since  very  renuurkiahle  bc^  -^nents  had  ahready  become  your  lot, 
we  were  not  looking  ^>r  o  ^uil  more  heavy  and  cutting  than  all 
the  reat.  My  dear  cvaipanion  wuo  you  know  was  much  attached 
to  your  Mary,  re  i  the  bhort  piunful  notice  in  the  Star.  Like  the 
friends  of  job   mi       ^  a  Iol     time  in  9ilence,  then  we  kneeled  and 

ns  u>  high  Heaven  in  your  behalf.  W" 
'  the  r(^t;(  tion  that  yon  monm  not  .k 
^ne,  and  that  religion  can  a»sua^  the 
Bi^  dear  brother,  a  firm  truBt  m  the 
those  bereavements  which  ure  mere 
elf.  The  reflection  tluut  the  time  we 
have  on  emdh,  is  very  sbort,  and  that  the  tender  tiies  which  bind  U9 
to  our  famiUee  and  friends,  wqro  only  formed  to  be  dissolved  at  the 
touch  of  dei^tb,  should  reconcile  us  to  look  upon  our  friends  as  but 
lent  fikvors,^  not  to  be  retained  always,  but  only  during  the  pleasure 
of  the  loaaei?.  Hence  we  should  loc^c  at  death  until  we  become 
acquainted  with  ita  worst  features,  comprehend  its  power,  ^d  are 
prepared  to  r^gn  ounelyes,  o;  our  dearest  friends,  to  its:  iroa 
'gr*sp. 

It  was  onoe  n^  lot  to  comfort  and  beguile  your  Mary  of  her 
tei^rs^  when  her  doar  Beede  was  laid  in  tlie  grave,  and  I  hadhoped 
while  the  was  Vk  India  that  I  riioiild  have  tb«  privilege  of  atterapt- 
mg  to  comfort  her  in  her  labors.  I  recount  the  time  since  we 
parted,  and  am  astonished  at  the  s'^ftness  with  which  more  than 
three  years  have  pt^sed  away.  I  cannot  refrain  from  tears,  when 
I  think  how  little  time  I  have  had  to  hold  communion  with  you 
across  the  great  watery  waste  thsit  separates  us.  But,  however 
neglectfiil  of  my  duty  you  may  judjge  me  to  have  been,  I  acknowl- 
edge with  gratitude  that  vou,  and  indeed  all  my  missionary  friends, 
have  been  faithful  and  kind  to  me  in  this  respect,  for  myself  and 
wife  have  received,  in  all,  ten  letters  from  India.  We  have  felt  a 
deeper  interest  in  these  communications  than  in  any  others  we  ever 
received,  and  after  forwarding  interesting  extracts  for  publica- 
tion in  the  Morning  Star,  we  have  filed  tibem  among  our  choicest 
papers. 

One  of  the  subjects  on  which  you  dwelt  in  your  first  letter  is  the 
wretched  and  heart-sickening  appearance  of  the  heathen  of  Hin- 
doostan.  Doubtless  the  first  sight  of  them  made  an  impression  on 
your  mind,  of  which  we  can  form  a  very  faint  idea.  But  though 
we  have  not  seen  what  you  have,  yet  from  the  Scriptures  we  have 
a  frightful  picture  of  the  sad  and  w.  etched  condition  of  those  who 
*  hasten  after  other  gods.'  For  vears  I  have  been  fully  convinced, 
that  neither  science  nor  civilization,  equal  rights  or  much  temporal 
happiness,  can  be  secured  to  men  without  the  aid  of  religion — the 


.«.> 


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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14S80 

(716)872-4303 


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872 


sfsvoUki  01^ 


pure  religion  of  thd  blessed  Bible.  And  h  is  equally  eertain,  tlutt 
the  bleasol  God  has  not  proposed  to  send  men  the  gospel  by  any 
miraculous  power ;  but  through  the  instrumental!^  of  the  church, 
and  by  their  using  the  ordinanr  means  which  God  has  put  into 
their  hands.  Hence  our  dear  Savior  forbade  that  state  of  mind 
which  is  always  prompting  us  to  seek  a  sign  from  hettvien,  when  in 
fact  the  word  of  God  is  nigh  us,  and  is  sufficiently  plain  and  con- 
clusive to  ensure  our  fidth,  if  we  will  take  the  trouble  to  search 
foithfuUy  for  truth.  I  have  seen  the  time  when  I  anxiously  sought 
for  signs  and  wonders.  I  thank  God  that  I  have  been  perfectly 
cured  oi  such  desires,  by  ithe  consideration  that  He  who  made  man 
and  peifoctly  understood  his  nature,  and  what  will  influence  him 
best,  has  granted  mirades  very  sparingly,  and  only  on  the  most 
important  occasions,  such  as  establishing  the  divinity  of  certain 
dispensations,  &c  Doubtless  the  reason  is,  that  mirades,  repeated 
frequently,  would  become  so  common  as  to  lose  their  influence. 
Hence,  God  has  not  made  it  tlie  order  of  his  government  to  depart 
from  the  laws  of  nature,  to  advance  his  cause  for  the  time  being,  at 
the  expense  of  foture  generations.  Although  his  mode  of  govern- 
ment  imposes  ^pon  aU  men,  and  especially  upon  Christiaas  and 
ministers,  mucA  study  and  labor  in  making  examination  of  the 
records  and  evidences  of  divine  truth,  yet  it  exhibits  an  amount  of 
wisdom  sufficient  to  astcaish  even  the  angels  of  heaven.  *  * 
•        «        •        Your  affectionato  brother  in  Christ,  -j 

D.  Marks.**  ^f 


rf*«(v#^i^t>}  liSii ' 


.i4 


■Wtmk^im'^m  it^kif^ifiMi  orrn  ,«p  ' 


fU-lty 


■    ■      .  X       .  .        .  • 


ih::ii'j^fi.:nm:;^ 


.-..lyuIfjSff.    •■•■ 


•fli* 


f'i 


if&f^.- 


'■.-.^■-.       !'■' 


■'^''M 


DATI91IABU. 


onJkPfiBR  jo:m 


«70 


n 


Partieukm  of  Mr^  Mvif  frwelit  tmi  Zab&rt.  nuMitillfm 
\^;^]p^p^J^,  18|a,  to  .^  JW    ^ 


''<■  •  ".."v-' 


l^k  ^dwL  91)4  US  Ffl  |fO(!"i^«d  wvn  %» jp^i 


^F*"   fP*V  "fWWffBff     ^(B# .; ^ftW^W^r *.'"■  -SJ'TqPiTf    T.^^Kpf'  W?*rV  <   ■    *I^P_ 

<friiMpwiflig.  whn^  ikpiw  tmnti  iiftaifc  iwiirirfAaSr-  '   JLlAg  t    i 

|^(VR  <W9^M^  Iniesaoib  aii4  «Mi4  lltoir  «titf  to  be  te  w|i»t 
«gtfgh(  ]|H»emect«4  lifter  w  jao^b  of  j4>e  WMSl«K#piriii;|'  ivirlMd 

been  jnonoiBitad  to  inefit  in  SfBitf»wfMd.  ihe  'wmfflnil  of  JiiIt*  to  0idun 
tiro  br^ien  |k>  t^  w^rk  of  tit^  imi^i  )>»(  on  tbiei4«l#|r  j|f 
!(b«  mpf>tib*  tAijB  jroole  province  wifu  tj^wn  jipio  cowBctloPi  %  ft 

ized  wiHi  Abunwoee  of  Anns  fiy^*!  MPmwnitiTmi  fiiiil  woola  m  j^idd 

'bar mm 0em^^ Vt^m ^t«te« to tfJm ^\m ^pmnfrnM^n  m^ 

%d7ig  «p  ^  twik  and  bHi^ei))  W»4  tlie  ^j^pfng  lof  t7«fi«l|^  no 

«^  ifrnvof  1 414  Mi^  wd  W  bfi4  »  F^jify  j^reaiingfl^iaN)*  ^polh 
g(M:})r0&!fm  tbut  wi^  f)r#9«4»  iwpm4  t^  be  jaMt^  ff 
pf90RMfief  M  Bfipifgiamt  ve  r«ti]irff«il49  %it(g8^  %  T<t  INN^  ^ 
Mfiv^  ja£it»  mfhtv^maf  six  wefk«.  il^fi^iilEl))  io  owr  piWfiMy 
FitHiNW  fi»r  o«r  vieea^9rir»tpioiA,  M  %  0M9  ri^  bMng  «f  iimpwrfyl 
b«iahji.*' 
Ilr*.^l»4fr  wiib  «(^  J4^«  P9V  r9fini9e4  bii  |f4^n  ^  m  p^rm- 


874 


3CXK0IBS    OV 


s«nted  to  take  an  asiistaiit  general  agen<7  for  the  Book  Concern, 
among  the  western  chnrohea.  Sept  22  and  28,  he  attended  the 
Iphataaqae  quarterly  meeting  in  ArkwridM.  Several  were  awak- 
ened, and  one  professed  to  be  conyerted.  IHuring  the  remainder  of 
the  month,  he  preached  in  Cheny  Creek.  Ellington,  Collins,  and 
Springville.  In  the  early  part  of  October,  he  labored  several 
days  in  China,  generally  preaching  twice  daily,  berides  holding 
prayer  and  inquiry  meetings,  and  spending  two  or  tluree  hours  in 
active  manual  labor.  The  blessing  of  God  attended  tilie  jpreaching 
of  his  tnitl^  the  church  was  revived,  many  of  the  impenitent  were 
awakened,  and  about  twenty  profess|Bd'  to  turn  to  t]ie  Lor^  most 
of  whom  were  baptised.  I^me  of  these  meeting  were  awfblly 
solemn.  In  on^e  of  them,  a  CongreMHonalist  nunistjer  related  a 
^thiiQi^  account  of  the  death  of  one  <n  Ids  classmates  in  Lane  Sem- 
inary, Cfaicinnati,  aeed  about  seventeen  years.  This  relation  great- 
Ij  a£^cted.Mr.  Manes,  especially  as  he  Knew  and  highly  esteemed 
jsevend  relatives  of  the  deceased.  At  the  dose  of  the  meetuu^  he 
requested  the  minister  to  give  him  tihe  statements  he  had  made  in 
^wnting.  £[e  did  so.  The  account,  with  the  addition  of  aome  facts 
Subsequontlyjil^ered,  was  substantiallv  as  follows : 

«Thi8  youw  resided  in  Rochester  during  the  great  revival  in 
^ihat  city  undbr  the  labors  of  Mr.  C.  6.  Finney,  and  at  that  time 
'was  the  subject  of  deep  convictions.    He  vidted  Mr.  Finner,  ac- 
^knowledged  himsdf  a  sinner,  but  on  being  asked,  if  he  would  re- 
;pent  then,  he  said  he  would  not    Mr.  Finney  said  to  him  in  mudi 
'raithfulness,  *  Yoiing  man,  you  will  come  to  some  dreadful  end.' 
THe  repUed,  *  I  am  not  afhud  of  it'    He  resisted  his  convictions, 
and  finally  resorted  tc        objections  usually  urged  by  open  infidels. 
His  mannOTS  were  %ei      .  his  moral  character  unexceptionable,  and 
liis  mind  was  of  the  very  highest  order.    But  he  loved  to  use  his 
objections  against  Christianity,  in  which  he  manifested  uncommon 
skUL    He  was  sent  to  Lane  Seminary,  that  he  might  prosecute 
'lus  studies  under  a  holy  infiuence.  One  day,  after  the  cholera  com- 
menced its  ravages  in  Cincinnati,  he  was  in  a  shop  where  the  work- 
men were  making  coffins.  He  asko3,  what  should  the  shortness  and 
uncertainty  of  life  teach  us  ?  One  answered,  *  While  we  have  life,  to 
prepare  for  death.'  *  No,'  he  replied,  *  it  teaches  us  to  eigoy  life 
'  whue  we  have  it'    Hie  next  day  he  was  attacked  by  the  (lesti- 
lence,  but  remedies  were  applied  so  promptly  that  he  was  restored 
^to  comfort,  with  a  good  prospect  of  a  speedy  and  perfect  recovery. 
In  this  state,  he  was  sitting  in  my  room,  when  some  rice  was 
brought  him,  of  which  he  ate  too  much,  and  suffered  a  relapse. 
The  first  indication  of  relapse  was  sudden.    He  exclaimed,  *1  can 
'Mee  nothuig/    I  looked  upon  him,  his  eyes  were  open  and  rolling 
-^hjs  #ie^  were  blanched— his  lips  purple.    I  took  hmi  and  bore 


DAYID" 


875 


Bti- 


rery. 

Ipse. 
'  can 
ping 


him  to  his  bed.  From  the  first,  those  of  us  who  had  ezperietce  in 
the  disease,  had  no  hope  that  he  oould  be  ridsed  aoidn.  An  efltot 
was  made  to  direct  him  to  the  Savior,  without  dJfstriujting  him  hj 
informing  him  of  his  desperate  bodihr  drenmstanoes.  Said  a  friend, 
fTheodore  Weld,]  as  he  handed  hiqi^  a  glass  of  water,  *  Jesus 
Christ  ofRin  you  the  water  of  eternal  Kfe,  ten  thousand  times  more 
freely  than  I  ofibr  you  thfii  water.'  But  his  stoat  heart  rose  up 
against  the  Und  attempt  ^  Let  me  alone,'  said  he,  'not  a  w<»>d  of 
tbftt  Let  me  try  my  experiment  Infldelitjr  istrue  after  alL'  It 
is  probable  that  at  this  tfane  he  was  deceived  with  the  hope  of  re- 
coverv.  Though  he  rapelled  all  Christian  oonversation,  if  the 
fnend  attempted  to  withdraw,  he  would  say,  *Come  back.  Come 
back.'  It  was  manifest  that  a  dreadftil  struggle  was  agitating  his 
bosom,  between  the  pride  of  commitment  on  one  hand,  and  the  fear 
of  hell  on  the  other. 

While  lying  in  this  condition,  jone  of  the  theological  students 
came  in,  to  wm>m  he  turned,  and  callbg  him  by  name,  said :  *  You 
'have  never  given  me  the  evidence  that  there  is  an  eternal 
helL'  He  replied,  <  There  is  no  time  uid  no  need  that  I  shoiild 
do  so  now,  for  I  perceive  that  you  believe  that  truth.^  He  accus- 
ed him  of  not  having  been  fitituUl  to  him  in  religioua  matters.  He 
told  him  he  had  been  fkithful,  but  said  he,  *  You  would  not  hear.' 
At  length  the  physician  having  taxed  all  Ms  skffl,  approached  the 
bed,  sayfaig  to  the  attendant,  <  This  is  the  last  portion  I  shall  give 
him.  if  this  fidls,  all  hope  is  gone!*  It  did  fiul,  and  then  one  of  the 
students  addressed  him  thus :  *  We  have  now  done  what  we  can  to 
savo  your  life.  All  hope  is  now  past  You  must  die.  Prepare 
to  meet  God.  You  wiu  probably  be  in  etemify  in  half  an  hour.* 
At  this  announcement  he  became  outrageous  and  blasphemed* 
*  Ohr  said  he,  *1  wont  die.  Have  I  come  here  to  Ohio  to  die  ^ 
And  then,  his  shrieks  and  blasphemies  were  horrible.  Hb  gn»P- 
ed  the  bed  clothes  as  if  to  hold  back  from  death^  and  in  this  conm- 
tion,  about  nine  hours  from  the  time  of  his  relapse,  without  a  par- 
ticle of  Hght  or  hopo,  his  soul  was  taken  away. 

May  the  living  be  warned.  May  those  that  are  tampering  with 
infidelity  here  see  its  end.    Affectionately  yours, 

October  20-— 22.  Mr.  Marks  attended  the  Oenesee  quarterly 
meeting,  and  presented  the  following  resolution  on  religion  and 
politics,  which  passed:  'Resolved,  that  Christianity  claims  a  di- 
rect and  minute  control  over  all  the  conduct  of  its  disciples ;  there- 
fore, in  our  opinion,  professed  Christians  cannot,  in  any  case,  vote  to 
•put  an  unjust  or  wicked  man  into  ofilce,  without  transgressing  the  law 
of  God  which  saith,  ''He  that  ruleth  over  men  must  be  just  vol' 
ing  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord." '  He  remained  in  Warsaw  nine  days, 


XSMOIRt  OF 


attendkig  mMtfiigis  Mljt  ahd  lalxliring  in  (tonnecUon  With  thd  pt» 
ttv  df  tte  chiilndi4  S^Tcral  W6re  an^ctaed,  fifteen  of  whom  pio* 
feMed  to  find  the  Besrktt  T«a  of  th««e  were  fntmbtfn  of  the  Sab- 
blUlisdMoL 

In  the  earij  part  of  Nov^W^  Mr.  Marks  pireathad  beveml 
days  in  Fike»  in  a  n^hboirhood  called  ««CaiikpbeQ  hilL"  The 
diurdi  in  thil  place  Wall  withottt  a  pastttf,  few  in  ntindbei^  not  ex<» 
iteeding  twelve  or  flfteeA  who  resided  near  enouf^  ta|g(ether  to  be 
able  16  meet  hi  weeklir  bofedtidgs.  Tbeir  place  of  wcmhip  was  il 
small  sdioot  hoes^i  and  as  few  oooldbe  actemmoitated,  Hm  ebngre' 
galiofi  was  of  neoesdtjr  imtkU.  Still  About  twenty  professed  to  be 
conyerted)  setenteeh  «  whom  united  with  the  chitithi  These  com 
retis  i^peared  vmisuiBtiiy  striotag  iftad  stable.  During  the  progteee 
of  ^  Werk»  (Mte  brother^  who  Was  a  viiry  fidthfid  Cbristnui)  saw 
seven  of  his  family  bow  to  Christ,  and  follow  their  SAvior  la  the 
ordinance  of  baptisfn.  November  10  iuid  11,  Mr.  Marks  attended 
the  Brie  ^uartec^  meeting  in  Golfing  And  duringtfae  latter  part  of 
the  menth,  preached  a  fbw  times  tn  Humtt.  In  Ded^smber  oe  held 
A  ttw  mtettegs  k  Springvillei  SeverU  appeared  enxtoas  foi^  inl4 
vtttioB  aAd  s<ime  were  e(mvetied»  But  secttoian  spiril  blighted  Stt 
the  bud)  the  pretfneet  of  apOweiMMdvak  H«  iiekt  heM  a  three  . 
days'  meetibgin  Kashtflle  With  a  CalViAiStio  Baptist  chur^hi  TheM 
had  been  no  revi¥id  heft  for  yeansi  Great  attenffon  Was  jA^nh  t6 
tiie  wdvd^  ahd  several  phyfessed  sUbmissidni  to  GhHst.  Dec.  S8i 
He  aiteuded  the  ChaJthUque  qtiaMerly  meeting  in  VinanOviti,  where 
a  mredons  season  wto  e^jovedt 

in  JHoaaxf,  1<689»  he  held  a  protracted  mefetSUg  in  Boston,  Erie 
Co.  Tliis  M  Iditt  been  a  strung  l^id  of  UnivetvaliSm.  Sever* 
at  BigpA  ptfsofM  had  recently  die^  >^  ^e  of  whom  left  an  evi* 
deAte  ot  It  Well  grounded  ho^.  The  chureh  wliS  in  a  k>w  state 
attdseeiiftd  to  hiive  little  ioith  that  God  would  revive  his  worlL 
AAer  a  fibw  te^nmpfc^  however,  gre*t  eerioUiness  rested  upon  the 
assenri>lie%  ttoA  the  hap^tdnt  began  to  in^ire  what  timy  irtieuld 
do  to  be  saved.  The  akar  for  prayer  was  soon  elvwded,  amd  one 
waoA  another  found  peace  in  bweving,  till  about  thirty  pr^bssed 
to  be  bom  again.  Amotig  the  etAverts  weire  seven!  cMldren 
under  twelve  years  of  age,  whose  zeal  and  activity  in  laboring  for 
tile  CMiversiou  of  \imt  aisoeietes,  was  a  loud  rebwe  to  many  |At>- 
fessoTS.  One  of  these  children  expressed  great  anxiety  for  tive  com 
Vi^ntioa  ef  a  youi^w  birothen  He  bej^fed  of  him  to  repent  t^  his 
sinS)  and  ^Ve  his  heiut  to  X^od  f  lutd  when  his  brotiier  yielded  and 
was  converted^  he  Was  so  afibeted  tYM  he  dapped  his  bands,  and 
exclaimed,  "  Oionj  to  Giod."  On  ahothet  oooasioi^  one  of  his 
cousins^  a  tittle  boy  seven  years  of  age,  Was  brought  by  his  ptay* 
ers  and  eonversatton  to  foel  tiiat  he  WM  vety  Widred  atid  oiu^t  to 


DAVID  MABKS. 


877 


1,  £iiB 

iSerer* 

stfcte 
the 


repent  The  little  boy,  like  the  grey  headed  sinner,  wanted  to 
put  it  off  a  little  longer,  or,  m  other  words,  till  he  became  older.  Bat 
the  faithful  little  convert  begged  that  he  would  Q«i  do  so,  and  urg- 
ed as  a  verv  reasonable  and  powerful  moUve,  "  You  don't  know 
that  you  wul  live  till  another  mominff."  These  children,  to  the 
number  of  ekht  or  ten,  were  Tery  faithfiil  in  their  duties  as  church 
members,  and  ezemplanr  in  thoir  conduct,  and  when  a  year  after- 
wards Mr.  Marks  Tuuted  them,  not  one  of  them  had  baekslidden, 
and  they  were  reckoned  among  the  most  faithful,  devoted  Oak- 
tians  in  the  ohurdi. 

In  the  month  of  February,  Mr.  Mariis  preached  a  few  times  in 
Hamburi^  and  saw  some  turn  to  God.  He  also  attended  the  Cat- 
arauffus  quarterly  meeting  in  China,  the  Erie  quarterly  meeting  in 
Ashrard^  and  the  Ghatanque  in  Portland.  In  those  meetings,  he 
labored  to  enlist  the  brethren  and  ministry  to  act  more  effloently 
in  the  various  benevolent  enterprises,  and  onsecrate  themselves 
with  renewed  seal  to  the  work  of  saving  souls.  He  remained  in 
Portland  a  few  days,  and  saw  some  prospect  of  a  revival,  but  sec- 
tarian and  pro-slavery  feeUngs  seemed  to  throw  powerful  obstacles 
in  the  way  of  a  general  wor£. 

In  the  early  part  of  March,  he  went  to  Rochester,  and  having 
carefully  guarded  the  contributions  he  had  received  in  the  places 
where  he  bad  labored,  and  also  what  he  had  earned  in  his  ageni^, 
and  in  the  sale  of  religknis  books,  he  had  saved  something  of  a 
sum.  FifVjr  dollars  of  this  sum  he  M»propriated  to  the  use  of  his 
father,  and  the  remainder,  with  much  satisfaction,  he  now  paid  to 
his  creditors,  carefully  making  a  dividend  exactly  proportioned  to 
their  dues.  He  next  attends  the  Penfield^uarterly  meeting,  and 
on  returning  to  Rochester,  found  his  companion,  whom  he  had  Ush 
there,  very  ilL  Her  health,  which  had  been  declining  for  some 
years,  had  now  entirely  failed,  and  most  of  the  time,  fbr  nearly  the 
ensuing  three  months,  he  watdied  by  her  bedside,  while  Uie  lamp 
of  life  seemed  just  flickering  in  its  socket  Nothing  could  exceed 
his  kind  care  and  aflfoctionate  attentions  during  this  period,  while,  to 
a  great  extent,  he  performed  both  the  duties  m  nurse  and  watcher. 
The  anguish  of  his  mind  during  this  season  of  a£Biction  was  often 
very  great    April  11,  he  wrote  thus  to  Mr.  Burr: 

« iniough  I  have  not  been  a  stranger  to  afBiction,  a  trial  ha» 
come  upon  me,  compared  with  which  other  trials  seem  as  nothing. 
I  have  reason  to  fear  that  Grod  is  about  to  take  from  me  my  dear 
oompaaicMi.  Sbts  whose  labors  to  aid  me  in  the  ministry  for  more 
than  nine  years  have  been  well  known  to  you  and  thousMids  in 
our  denommation,  is  very  sick.  She  has  b^n  confined  about  ooe 
month  with  nervous  debility,  and  is  now  so  low  that  there  is  not 
si^E^ent  life  for  a  fever  to  prey  imon.    She  has  every  atten* 


I  / 


97B 


ttiUMIti  tfr 


isoflrccily  ]peraeibl!Ibl6,  mA  it  itws  «boM  Vw«taty  wedbi  lk«tti  iMir  ilttt 
«ittadc,  befevelt  wto  ^eenMA  ffMiacMt  *ftlr  kie»  t6  Wt«  ttk«  dtt. 
Tli6  KtMMlky  of  ObriMitt  ifrfendl  Ita  HlMfto  a^yb  df  MHididtt,  jp«M- 
ty«fftd«BdlMlHBlliAic6iirfbAedthe1itfnrt  «r%^  IBto 

IMily  &.  f.  WiMor  of  ^h^fivHle^  %.  t,  ^  jtiMid  dMighKif  6f 

aent  or  OMued  to  be  sent  him  fifW  doUan.  Tkft  loMMhMMbKl  «rifae 
^^Mlk  €!»««*  IdMo  Merit  tAHk  4%  9ma%  tefA  tfOiItt'  <0ltfiMiaD 
iMtadI  tiiMl9^(N«^  tbeae  Irttdu  tMit  Hfn^  mtS^  lidtaim  Utla 
^ifMiift  ^e  ddfiiMlk 

•DttrtiigMh.  ilttAs'  ^MMAibft  ih  IfodlMcftjgr,  A  tel«f  iHiWMMkig 
iMti^  M  iNSmi^  impreliMBiii^iitiStit^&it  hltMt  fXMt.  Ktmfip, 
til6  ^ttUsbnilea  IMpliBl  ^viitigtiilil.  He  nHftenaea  MlvtiMd  ^  fiie 
lUdMlKi^  \n»  mmk  InVeiMWiMl  in  ^l!li^  'Mnlkchctt^  btAl  'lf»d  iMid 
HKftAiJir  <«f  fMMb^  W^,  ^tfM  '«•(*  'tum  of  lAtotft  tirit^  -oT  Vis 
«<ftttiofi«,  widdh  he  ip««Mef^ed  Mil  dhiiidd  »ea»ttte.  It  iritt  1)tilteVi3d 
that  in  thi«  work  four  or  five  hundftd  Hmt  'ttotivmnA  to  '€k>A. 
<A8iilMig  ttHnnmut  p6tami8di€lveify  egfe  JAid  «iam,Br<>lh  HiiB  Weiiltby 
ttililnteilifl^t'gWftKttUtts^tmn  1»t|lhe>ihoA'oOiififttii^  attiliktttA^d 
■^l^v^Mfte  of  )io«tdMiaiM$ll^  ^Mtdfme  j^j^lbtf^^be  daSMltiiHiild 
"fiMtiHii^ wdhools Iti ithe 'iiity met^ WHoHgiSaSbiiiattsm.  One ii^del, 
bn^eitig  eottv«M«d,>dtttle!fbihii^Wrd  Mia  "^My  ^bm  *«  Pi^he'f* 
j||[6i>f  iteiiton;''  ^^eOiifts^  <hiKt,  inld^^UiMity  to  €k)4,  liiB  htid 
tn^Msd  Hift   Bitii^  'tfnit  hiid  ^ebdeA  't>tA>lib  it^o^ip  hiiit  once 

iSAf  1^,  i^.  m)^  <«tttrnded  thb  Geiii^^  qittifeifJriliiMttihg  >hi 
BMSalHh,  Wb^t<3  li6  i«0(iiy<ed  'mudi  'ivilitpiia^  ttnA  kindnigM  'freinfiSs 
^#iMiib  IHend^  t<fa«^  l>1^cttrHid  liiih  *wifh  a  liiorie  'Md  'MPriligie. 
Hb  fiiltei>  hd  edttUittiMHo  me  ff^b  he  Mved.  Sifie^  "^  Ujf}^- 
4tM»it  O^  bin  {ttOMMy,  he  Itna  1)e(ft  ^Bged  «Afheir  *to  wirtk  ^liin  «{>- 
)M^lMii]feiiltfl  ttt''Mi«  ^Wtitfeyatiicti,  tfe  ai»p«md  ^  bf^Oit^n  Do  sStid 
m  bilh.  About  HStitii  fmoa,  life  iMcfe  iin  esUSthftie  ^N9in  %S6  Stafy 
H^mvM^dfWi^^MiiB.  <^^8eb,  'itiA  'i^MMd  (hatin  IhettihiSt^n 
years  that  he  bad  liieeii  >^eiai6hftag,  'he  ha^  ^{^eiided  99000,  only 
#S0i90Hbf  "whSdi  Wi  b^n  j^i^  hiin.  i^Bs  ^emMaMQ  ^ti<jhided  the 
-attm  he'im  ^v«h%if  imtMlSb  ^d  relf^oat  'ptft*|»oi»e&,  Dtft  dfd 
%tit  ih^ud^  bib'^MMit  totoiis. 

AbiOtit  Ibe  tt^aib  «^  a^fe,  1t^  iEt^ded  Yh^  Hijiland  iPHMAfiRie 
y(Hit9$rtt«dtifi|^  ait  TitfyAttt!^  ^(^re  ft  »ob)ll«i,  JfU^rissSlVe  siMakin 
^*tlli^ye4.  He W«i8=^^p«^ifteda  defogi(te ^to ^Oie '•€hM«ml  €oh- 
^tirtkiiStj'^llliai  yfttB  to  A«t»3^  '^mdUig'ihHm  'Coiluetttot,  OMo. 
IPbie  stffefed  ^^Ue^^mflaidt^  ima  ftfr  ^^ddh  hd  %«  riliipottsiblie, 


jfAYim  MAtma. 


teg  in 


send 
BtiSfy 


«Bd  wtdoh  1m  mat  HiMggUpg  to  ttqiiditi^  ««8  Iriten  «f^  «Bd  it  wm 

:4hMiglK  Ikat,  M  4li^  <«NreL  oonlnMted  In  ptad^  dfoamataooMy 
.«lid  la  «MMi  4albg  «ine%  ^vWlt  flit  Htm  WmHm  At  Ike  .7«Hr 
^«eluig  Hrnii*  MJMion  fiooU*^  lk»  bvcUinntf  4bt><B«rif  SMt- 
^g««flrtto«MlUnkUqiiUkllM««D»  f^4Ui«ni>M^it«M 
t«9M  4liiil«  inhioriptfia  ihlNM^t  IfciieiMMJ  <ontrtbu<toi  ^hoidd 
^tek«i«n(Mit4ke«lMMwhoi.    Ailnted  wnoMMtolMbirAra 

4ilne«4]M|i«ir]|raMelii<gy1*  fMM4^p9iM«d  OM  •ef  Um  i^anltfa 

iMi  bitiilitM- 
DwiHg  Ike  wmA^  iW^  nU  tte  MHgr  paii  of  ^UgM^  ^hia- 

•▼erhe  otoM^tMrttaifed  totemre  Jili  om^imnm,  te  viaito4.«kl 

|»KbmM  ^tk  4M  dufrohM,  iiHiwing  A««htti|fy  to  Itoctoitor. 

lAtagm  H and  M,4ie<atleiMM a«8lni-«nalial nailing <f  MwlSietr  . 

Y<tt  fikato  Tijyemaw  ^Society  la  Jtoalwittr«    lWoteadMd«ad 

<lwenl^  deltgatot  urerfefNMlft)  OMi^niiiigalMif  ^dirtiBgttishMlfM- 

vlloiaea.   Juaoiig  lke«iiaib«r  wat^Ar.  fi.  G.  Mtovan,  mcqdI|^««- 

HunwdAtmSartqpa.    Ifawr  JiMmpintod  iftoalatkat  ww  paml, 

«hich«ltfftod  vu^<aUe«ad'aDiiiitod  ^imtoioai.    Dmediieaf- 

man  dBflttibedun  itfttrvdMr  «f  lato  itouiv  lis  iMTwith  tot^Pfell- 

•li|HM»  tfia  ^Mtont^log  «f  SVaini^  nUoh  1m  4prat  ia  difieiiidac4lie 

■^aiitijtrt'of  towp^aacfti    ThaJtiai  ooimided  ^irith liim  iaipfMpIe, 

>^4aid,  Mibrlttiael^  'be  wa«4«^rte«IVBk ^tko (pledge  (tf  totddbefi- 

iHatme^ ^irt»HieB(iaa0l<K *' The|)eqple ivoald^ elU  aaa  fiML"   Of 

,  4iieH0Q0/)00  of  1^00^1048  C«aaae»4t  ^ms<e«iBiatod  tbut  adt  lees 

j'4hAft  14^006,000  tvrai«B  ooDoenttd  «a  the  mdBa  -of  wiae  I    l^llun 

>'4lte  waUa  of  f  erin,  4lie  adiount  of  >«treng  -driak  lAed  autaal)^,  is 

equivalent  to  one  hundred  and  thirty  bottleetkf  aone)  and  fi^w  <bt)ft- 

4lee  ef  alo^ol  AeliMar  nearly  -a  qiiiwtoadlii)  frr  «v«tfy  mani  wo- 

•maa'aad'diSdll 

Xhe  nemaiaiiig  parbof -i^iagaBtaadiSepteinbe^  J&.  Mtokejpeeadi- 

r<edalmeet  daily  amoag  tiied^iivehee>ia  YateflyiCoaitteyand'Geaeaee 

v^ttflvtetfy  BieetingB)  ^mA  much  aec^;Manee.   ^Septeaiber  38  tmAW, 

'he  altended <tbe  Jfoaroe  qMMPtmrly  aMeting  at  Bid|B|eway,  ivWe4ie 

cttet  several  delegateBiMiBBi.Jlfew  England,  ^dbe  ^aiere  on  4hehrifay 

to«heiGeBettaGotifeffenee,aheia!tonie<ftiBOfaie.    lA^er  the  dote 

•of  the  BKotii^  he  4eft  im^  the  (eaeteni  hretltfeB,  and  arriiced  at 

,  'Gonneant,  T<aeBdiy^Oet»  1, 1889. 

The  Gonfefeaee  <a|Maed  ito  ^esaion  Otfteber  fi,  and  coatinoed  ike 
fiii^  Ifr.  Marke,  ia  'addition  to  his  diaies  as  «;memb€t^  reported 
•<lhe  ipvoceediagB.  die  atost  4tniiaatod  and  interesting  discussion 
»?dHriag  this  session  wasHim  theetdJQect  «f  slMreEj^  Dr.  Hoasley, 
-«  !tieaised4€M.whustie  .Baptist  'miaister  {from  iuat«^gf(»  diflbring 
v*fiiMn  lus  hivthraa  in  dociriae,  and^^S'ewog  4rith  <the  Fiiee««irifi 
^BD|»ti8fis,had<eoitte  tottbe  Geae«ld<2enCteeDc^  4tfingii^  <leM«nof 


>?S' 


■jT3rt::S.-£;!i;.i>Mi- 


880 


MSMOIM  0»v 


oommendation.  He  wbbed  to  unite  with  Uie  Free-will  B^ititti, 
and  be  ordained  before  he  returned..  He  itated  that  there  were 
MToral  Ihooaand  BapUats  in  Kentucky  and  a^jaoenl  atatee,  who 
were  with  him  in  sentiment,  and  if  he  was  received,  would  eventu- 
ally unite  with  the  Free-will  Baptists.  A  committee  was  appoint- 
ed for  his  ezaminatioD.  They  asked  him  what  he  thought  of 
American  slavery.  He  replied  that  it  was  a  great  moral  evil,  a 
scourge  and  a  curse.  They  enquired  if  he  was  a  slaveholder.  He 
said  he  was  {  he  owned  a  mother  and  three  children.  Being  ask- 
ed, If  he  thought  it  morally  and  religiously  right  to  hold  slaves,  he 
replied,  **  Circumstances  alter  cases.  If  I  believed  my  daves 
would  be  improved  in  their  condition  by  immediate  enuNnolpation, 
I  should  be  as  (^  to  have  them  emancipated  as  you  would ;  but 
they  are  isnorant  and  unprepared  at  present  to  take  care  of  Uiem- 
selves."  The  ooundl  sidd  to  him,  **  We  will  give  you  satisfiMstonr 
bonds  that  we  will  give  each  of  your  slaves  thr^  veMurs'  good  school- 
ing in  New  England,  support  them  during  that  tune,  and  give  oth- 
er necessary  instructions  to  qualify  them  for  usefulness  in  life.  We 
will  also  go  to  Kentudcy,  and  take  them  flree  of  expense  to  you. 
Will  you  let  us  have  them  on  these  conditions  P*  He  replied,  **  No, 
unless  I  can  nave  a  remuneration."  They  asked,  **  Wluit  vidue  do 
you  put  upon  your  slaves  ?"  "  The^  are  worth  about  two  thousand 
doUfurs."  The  council  further  inquired,  **  If  we  will  produce  bonds 
as  before  proposed,  and  pay  you  two  thousand  or  two  thousand'flve 
hundred  dollars,  will  vou  give  up  vour  slaves  V*  **  Tes,"  was  the 
reply.  **  If  you  should  see  your  slaves  passing  here  toward  Can- 
ada, what  would  be  your  course?"  <*I  should  arrest,  and  claim 
them  as  my  property  " 

One  of  die  resolutions  on  slavery,  discussed  by  the  Conference, 
expressed  the  sentiment,  that  the  slaveholder  or  Uie  advocate  of 
slavery,  who  refbses  to  examine  the  subject,  or  having  examined 
it,  after  due  admonition,  continues  to  advocate  the  system,  ought 
not  to  be  fellowshipped  as  a  Christian."  After  many  eicellent  and 
animated  speedies  from  several  members  of  the  Conference,  one 
brother  said,  **  I  cannot  go  for  the  resolution.  I  think  it  uncalled 
for,  particularly  at  this  time.  Here  is  a  brother  [Dr.  Housley] 
w^o  has  come  between  nme  and  eleven  hundred  miles  as  the  rep- 
resentative of  some  thousands  of  Christians  at  the  south,  who  wish 
to  become  acquainted  with  our  denomination,  said  will  probably 
unite  witii  us.  He  is  a  gentieman  of  sdenoe  and  respectable  stand- 
ing. The  course  the  Conference  is  taking  is  lik^  to  close  up  the 
door  of  the  union  of  those  brethren  with  us.  True,  he  owns  a 
small  number  of  slaves,  but  we  must  remember  that  the  drcumstan- 
ces  of  his  education  have  been  quite  different  fixnn  ours.  I  under- 
stand that,  on  the  morning  previous  to  his  leaving  home,  he  caUed 


DATIDICiJUU. 


881 


hk  thrM  Utdf  boji»  who  were  slAveii  with  Ui  tmn  ohitirw  around 
the  iuaXty  altan  He  hokh  theie  elairee  on  aa  eqnaUty  with  hie 
eidldrea.  Ht  hat  tried  for  yeaia  to  iadoee  thsUgicIatirfe  of  hii 
Mate  to  grant  liberty  to  inetmet  the  alavee»  B«t  the  moment  tou 
pam  thii  reeohitioa  he  is  down,  and  the  hopea  of  the  ChriMiattl 
with  whom  he  is  eonneeted,  are  hiataBthr  bhMted*  Thej  harebeen 
Btnitgiii^  loat  and  hard  againitthe  doetrine  of  the  neceiil^  of 
the  haman  wiu  and  oloBe  oomanii^n)  and  thejivMeed  exeeemng* 
\y  to  leani,  that  at  the  ttofth  there  Were  Ghiienaaa  of  the  fame 
MBtimettti.'^ 

Mr.  Mfurh*  ret>lied»  **ltm  peffeetljr  mtoblihed  Z  am  ahnoat 
oonibuttded  with  lnurprtBe»  that  m/  deair  brother  •— —  ehovM  ftUb, 
while  we  are  dear  worn  the  oontaminatint  giOt  of  iteteryv  that  We 
■hoald  sell  ottr  fireedom  and  purity  at  the  Mokof  oae  man  wHh  but 
four  slaTts  If  I*  it  pomible  that  to  gahi  a  few  thoauuida  to  our 
namber»  bratiier-*—  if  willing  that  we  ehouM  ehanm  our  gronnd« 
and  wek)ome  alaTeholding  into  the  efanrdi  ?  If  Dr.  Houdey  with- 
*8  to  oome  into  oar  denominadoo,  let  him  free  Ids  dares,  and  Htm 
we  can  reoeite  Um  dieeriblly»  and  bid  him  a  heaxty  wekome  to 
oar  oommaaioii.  Bdt  tean  it  he  pofdUb  that  brother  — «—  wishea 
it  puhliebed  tbro«|jh  the  wor]d»  tad  in  the  ei|^  «f  high  BeaifelH 
that  the  Free^^wfll  Baptisti  were  AdKblooded^  thardDgb-goiac  i^bo> 
litionists,  until  a  slayeholder  came  &om  the  eotttl^  aad  aoogbt  Ad* 
mifflioa  tO  theur  oommanlon,  and  the  denominatieBi  ibr  the  sake  of 
one  man,  faistead  of  requiring  him  to  f!^ee  his  shtvee  before  he  oooM 
be  reoeived^  gave  tfadr  abolition  to  the  winds,  and  bowed  beforo 
the  dreadfhl  Moloch  of  slavery  ?  O,  be  astonished,  ye  heavens ! 
Tell  it  not  in  Gath*" 

The  resolution  passed  imanimottsly,  with  one  extefitioa. 

Dr.  Hoosley  hating  been  inrited  to  speah,  saheeqaeatly  addrow 
ed  the  Oottforenoe  as  follows:  "l  wish  meidy  to  tatt  the  Confor- 
enoe  the  object  of  my  visit.  I  have  been  a  member  of  the  United 
Separate  BaptiM  ohnrch  in  Kentudcy.  FiAeen  months  siaeev  I 
had  a  eall  to  psneach  la  one  of  the  dnirehes.  I  a«cefited  it,«nd 
preached  aooording  to  my  sontiments-Mi  aniversal  srtooement^  mid 
flwe  oommmkion.  As  the  reeuH,  I  oovid  not  receive  ordination 
ftx>m  persons  of  «pped(ie  sentiinentS)  tad  ^ere  was  a  prespeot  of  a 
dividoa.  I  flaaUy  mmemtced  that  I  would  withdraw  and  anite 
with  the  Free-wai  Baptists,  ivqweetiBgdnm  to  deviate  from  thdf 

*  The  brMii0r  wto  nsde  these  naawrki,  is  wm  a  walMU,  aettre  «*t>litieft> 
ist,  MKlkecqpB  obe  of  <the  ^  oader  grevad  fiil-reaa  honseft." 

^  ^  Hie  X!i«e*wffl  B«ptbt«  fabd  ptevUtaielty  dik<^oi«iihipiped%i()ir  «ht(rclie«  ttt 
North  CMoli&a  On  •ocouat  of  Hiokr  {lenistiag  ia  ihek  connection  with  «1«^ 
very. 


I    i 


\ 


889 


MiMoimf  or 


fi! 


aiual  oonne,  «nd  glre  me  »  oerHAcate  of  my  lumAng.  Thej  m^ 
•mt«d.  I  have  smoe  itinerated  among  the  ennh^hei  of  Kentuckyt 
and  hale  found  that  large  numbers  St  them  are  readj  to  iplit  on 
the  pointe  about  whteh  we  dIAr.  Bianj  ohnrohei  are  made  up  of 
Free-will  Baptiita  in  sentiment.  About  thirty  years  am  there 
was  a  separation  of  many  churches,  who  took  the  mund  of  flree 
salvation  and  free  communion.  These  were  called  Separate  Bap- 
tists. After  this,  there  wu  a  oonTcnUon,  and  nesotiations  were 
opened  for  their  being  united  again  with  the  Onlrinlstio  body ;  and 
the  two  parties  did  unite  in  form,  but  not  in  sentiment  There  are 
new  diyisions  oonstantiy  taking  place.  Qn  one  side  they  are  call- 
ed Paikerites,  Fatalists,  Calvlnists,  and,  on  the  other  side,  they  are 
called  Arminians  and  Missionaries.  [The  latter  name  is  given 
them  because  they  are  fHends  to  missions.]  Should  you  pwnt  a 
mission  in  Kentucky,  probabty  you  might  gather  in  that  state 
twenty  thousand  members  into  your  denomination  within  three 
years.  In  talking  these  things  orer.  It  was  agreed  that  I  should 
eome  and  see  you,  and  lay  the  drcumstances  before  this  body.  I 
have  united  with  the  Free-will  Baptist  church  in  this  town. 
Is  but  justkie  to  the  ohurdi  to  say  they  did  not  know  that 
Honsley  was  a  daveholder  when  tibey  reoeived  him.]  In  the  ex- 
pectation that  I  should  here  receive  ordination,  I  have  an  appoint- 
ment to  attend  baptism  on  my  return  home." 

The  inquiry  was  made :  tian  a  Free-will  Baptist  preach  among 
those  churches  with  safety?  Dr.  Housley  replied,  '^He  can- 
provided  he  do  not  make  tiie  exciting  subject  or  abolition  the  test 
of  feUowship." 

The  ooundl  appointed  for  Dr.  Housley's  examination,  reported  to 
him,  that  while  he  claimed  property  In  his  fellow  man,  they  could 
not  acknowledge  him  as  a  minister  of  Jesus  Christ 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  Book  Goncem  gave  ample 
proof  of  the  ability  and  wisdom  of  its  conductors,  and,  as  a  matter 
of  course,  was  a  subject  of  the  deepest  interest  to  Mr.  Marks.  It 
oontdned  the  following  very  excellent  remarks :  <*  If  we  look  at  it 
[Book  Concern,]  as  It  is  now  exhibited  to  us.  It  presents  to  our 
view  a  large  pecuniary  interest,  as  the  property  of  the  denomina- 
tion, for  which,  as  a  body,  they  never  have  advanced  a  farthing. 
With  Its  weekly  circulation  of  five  thousand  copies  of  the  Morning 
Star,  and  its  many  thousand  copies  of  useful  books,  we  may  con- 
template it  as  now  exerting,  under  the  Divine  blessing,  an  exten- 
dve,  benign,  and  heavenly  Influrace  over  thousands  of  eternity- 
bound  souM,  preparing  them  for  greater  usefulness  in  this  world, 
and  for  holinilB  and  endless  joy  in  that  which  is  to  come.  If  we 
look  at  it  as  it  has  appeared  in  the  past,  we  behold  it  weak  and 
feeble,  without  funds,  loaded  vrith  debts  of  thousands  of  dollars,  de- 


DATID  MABM. 


868 


at  it 


daring  nnoompromiiing  war  with  the  whole  empire  of  darkaeie, 
constantly  beset  among  other  ene:nies,  with  poverty,  pr^udleei  ig- 
noranoe,  iatemperanoe,  Romaniim,  and  even  mtasurin^  swords 
with  the  giant  monster  slavery^-and  jet,  under  all  these  un&vor*> 
ble  dronmstanoes,  we  see  it  gradually  ridng,  flreeing  itself  ftom  pe- 
cuniary embarrassment,  increasing  m  strength,  graiing  the  confi- 
dence of  the  publioy  and  enlarging  the  sphwe  orits  usefhlness,  u> 
til  it  arrives  at  its  present  umAu  and  nrospeions  state.  We  do 
feel  that  every  heart  ought  humbly  ana  devoutly  to  sar,  *  Hith- 
erto the  Lord  hath  helMd  us.'  The  Morning  Star  is  known 
through  our  nation,  and  even  in  Europe  and  India,  as  the  de- 
dded  and  fearless  opposer  of  the  sins  of  the  aoe.  If  this  character- 
btio  of  our  pi^r  be  destroyed,  the  world  will  suffer  an  irreparable 
loss.  To  the  care  of  our  beloved  denomination,  Qod  has  committed 
the  Morning  Star,  bidding  us  to  occupy  till  he  comes,  and  on  im  its 
future  character  and  usmilness  f^^pend.  •  «  •  ^j  the 
Morning  Star  never  cease  to  emit  die  sacred  nys  of  gospel  light 
and  sa^ng  truUi,  until  the  g^ory  of  God  shall  cover  the  wbde 
earth." 
Among  the  resolutions  that  were  passed  on  the  subject  of  tem- 

Seranoe,  was  the  following :  **  Whereas  tobacco  is  one  of  the  most 
eadly  poisons  in  the  ve^table  kingdom,  and  its  use  ii^jurlous  to 
the  health  and  happiness  of  mankind  Therefore,  Resolved,  that  the 
habitual  use  of  tobacco  is  in  direct  opposition  to  the  true  prindples 
of  tempeTance-4hat  it  becomes  us  as  a  denomination  to  labor  for 
the  removal  cf  this  evil  from  among  us,  and  espedally  from  the 
ministry— and  that  we  earnestly  entreat  our  brethren  who  have 
been  engaged  in  the  filthy  practice  of  using  this  obnoxious  weed,  to 
abstain  tiierefrom.'' 

Monday  morning  the  Conference  dosed.  The  parting  was  a 
very  melting  one.  The  delegates,  in  the  prosecution  of  their  busi- 
ness, had  been  of  one  heart  and  one  soul,  and  several  had  repeated, 
"  How  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in 
unity."  They  pledged  themselves  to  remember  each  other  in  their 
addresses  at  the  throne  of  grace,  also  the  various  operations  in  which, 
as  a  denomination,  they  were  engaged  for  Uie  good  of  souls. 
They  sung  a  partmg  hymn  while  the  members  of  the  C!onference 
took  leave  of  each  other  by  shaking  hands.  The  scene  was  very 
affectmg.  All  were  bathed  in  tears,  and  the  feelings  of  some  burst 
f(»th  in  sobs.    Even  Dr.  Housley  wept 

After  the  dose  <^  the  Conference,  Mr.  Marks  spent  a  few  weeks 
in  accordance  with  previous  engagements  with  the  diurches  in  the 
north-eastern  part  of  Ohio,  the  north-western  part  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  soirth-westem  pa«i  of  New  York.  AJl  the  record  that 
has  been  found  of  his  labors  among  these  churches,  is  contain- 


^: 


r' 


864 


V  MBitonis  or 


«d  in  th«  feliowipg  brief,  occ««ioiMl  notices  in  hit  letteva  to  hit  oomp 
ptnW*^  ■■* 

ASBTABVLA,  Ohio^  Ooi  91»  1889.  i 
My  deftriy  beloved  wife »«» 

^  •  •  •  The  ev«inng  I  parted  with  jou,  Oot  8,  we 
bad  a  very  interesting  antinBlaveiry  meeting  in  Gonneaut,  and  thip* 
ty-two  mve  their  namei  to  form  a  nooiety.  Oct  9  and  10, 1  trav- 
elled fifty-eight  milei>  sevien  of  which  I  walked,  preached  four 
times,  and  had  one  mnituaUy  good  leairan.  Sabbath,  Oot  18, 
I  preached  three  times  at  Washington  village,  in  Erie  ooua^,  Fa. 
The  eongregations  were  large,  and  the  Lord  was  with  me.  {  have 
Mreached  with  several  drardies  in  the  Erie  and  Ashtabula  quarter- 
ly meetings.  The  seasons  of  worship  have  generally  been  very  In- 
teresdng,  and  the  assemblies  larg^.  I  attended  the  Ashtabula 
quarterly  meeting  at  WUliamsfleld,  and  had  one  of  the  best  seasons 
in  preaching  that  I  ever  had.  About  thirtv  arose  tor  pn^er,  and 
some  eonfoMed  their  rins.  In  Cherry  Valley,  a  drardi  has  recent- 
ly been  formed  under  the  labors  of  Elder  Ransom  Dmin.  One  hmv- 
dred  were  converted  in  ten  days,  eiehty  of  whom  he  baptized.  l%e 
ehurcb  is  building  a  house  of  worship. 

My  health  is  unosnally  good.  I  ffll  my  appointments  wtUi  pet^ 
foot  ease,  preach  usually  twice  a  day,  from  an  hour  to  an  hour  and 
a  half,  and  feel  no  inoonvenienoe.  You  have  frequently  entveated 
me  not  to  be  anidoas  about  you,  but  how  can  I  help  it?  Oan  you 
so  oontapol  your  mind  and  feelings  as  not  to  be  anxious  about  me  ? 
If  you  can,  it  is  because  you  have  more  grace.  Christ  said,  "  Be 
not  anxious  for  your  life,"  and  if  It  is  possible  not  to  be  anxious 
even  for  lifo,  I  suppose  we  may  so  discipline  our  thoughts  as  not  to 
be  anxious  for  each  other ;  but  I  scarcely  know  how  to  bring  my 
ndnd  to  sudi  a  iNafte.  The  recolleedon  of  your  £bM»  heidth,  and 
ih€  fear  that  you  will  have  a  relapse,  are  thoughts  almost  eraistant- 
ly  before  my  eyes.  0  that  I  could  be  with  you  to  show  you  a  mul- 
titude of  tiiose  little  kindnesses  whidi  yon  so  mudi  need  in  your 
feebleness.  I  will  try,  however,  to  be  patient,  and  iComfoTt  myself 
with  the  reflection,  that  you  are  in  the  hands  4Mf  a  kind  Savimr,  who 
has  shown  me  many  mercies,  and  whose  kindness,  though  unmerit- 
ed, will  net  forsake  me.  Since  we  parted  I  have  ei^yed  cooud- 
erable  of  tbe  Divine  presence.  I  h^e  you  also  have  had  the  pres- 
ence of  Christ  to  Gomfoit  yon  in  your  privations  And  aQietions. 
O  hovr  good  has  my  Heavenly  Father  been  to  me.  What  kind- 
ness in  permitttiw  me  to  be  ii^  my  dear  eon^panion  so  mudi,  and 
above  all  in  granlng  me  the  privdcge,  when  she  was  sidk,  of  min- 
istering to  her  oomfort  Certainly  we  have  no  reason  to  egmplain ; 
tfaousimds  of  persons  are  indueed  ny  the  h^w  of  mere  sordid  gain 
to  part  for  months  and  years.    Some  have  to  leave  their  wives 


i'ci^iEMii 


DAVID  VABK8. 


885 


pres- 

kind- 
I,  and 

nun- 
)lttn; 

gwn 
wives 


with  several  children,  and  they  have  to  endure  severe  poverty, 
with  none  to  pity  them,  but  many  to  oppress  and  misuse  them. 
But  what  a  multitude  of  kind  fViends  we  have.  O  we  will  labor  to 
be  thankAil  and  contented.  We  know  we  can  stay  here  on  eardi 
but  a  little  while,  and  then  our  final  change  will  come.  We  have 
now  arrived  to  a  period  of  life,  in  which  the  flight  of  time  will  be 
very  rapid,  and  much  as  we  love  one  another,  we  must  certainly 
part  soon.  C  may  we  be  prepared.  We  will  thank  God  for 
what  time  we  are  ulowed  to  spend  together  here,  and  for  the  bless- 
ed hope,  that  soon  after  the  last  parting  on  earth,  we  shall  meet 
where  we  shall  "  know  as  we  are  known,"  and  our  union  be  com- 
plete, perfect,  and  eternal. 

Your  fortunate  husband,  1 

^'  ,  David  Marks.  * 

■'[  He  wrote  November  2,  «  One  of  the  most  interesting  meetings 
which  I  have  had  since  I  saw  you  wfu  at  the  village  of  Genuv. 
The  power  of  God  was  wonderniUy  manifested.  A  large  assem- 
bly, with  one  exception,  bent  the  knee.  I  had  good  seasons  among 
the  churches  in  the  French  Creek  quarterly  meeting.  In  North- 
east I  was  attacked  bv  a  pro-slavery  advocate.  The  weather  has 
been  very  fine  indeed — ^the  best  I  ever  saw  it  during  an  autumn. 
The  thermometer  has  been  usually  from  60  to  70  degrees,  and  the 
roads  have  been  as  drjr  and  dusty  as  in  .yune.**  j^ 

From  Nov.  2  to  Nov.  24,  Mr.  Mariui  visited  twenty-one  ehnrcli- 
es  in  the  Chatauque,  Erie,  Cattaraugus,  and  Genesee  quarterly 
meetings,  preadiing  from  one  io  three  times  daily. 

He  wrote,  "I  preached  three  times  in  Portland  Sabbath,  Nov. 
3,  with  tolerable  freedom,  and  during  the  week,  I  preached  in  Ark- 
wright,  Villanovia,  Chariotte,  twice  in  Cherry  Creek,  and  Nov.  9 
and  10,  attended  the  Chatauque  quarteriy  meeting  in  Dayton.  The 
latter  was  a  powerful  season.  Several  confessed  tiieirsins.  Some, 
I  think,  will  be  converted.  During  the  six  days  following,  I 
preached  in  Ellington,  Napoli,  twice  in  Little  Valley,  Mansfield, 
West  Otto  and  East  Otto.  Yesterday  I  had  three  sweet  meetings. 
In  the  evening,  my  text  was  Luke  16:5.  "  And  how  much  owest 
thou  mv  lord  f*  I  thbk  deep  and  lastmg  impressi<»s  were  made. 
Sevenu  confessed  their  sins,  and  one  that  came  forward  for  pray- 
er, prayed  aloud.  *  *  My  health  has  not  been  so  good 
in  eight  years.  I  have  not  even  a  cold  or  cough,  which  is  so  com- 
mon for  me  at  this  season  of  the  year.  Indeed  I  seem  neariy  well, 
thanks  be  to  God.  In  compliance  with  your  request^  n^i  for  your 
sake,  I  am  more  careful  than  I  need  be,  merely  because  were  you 
with  me,  you  would  insist  on  certain  points  of  caution  and  self- 
preservinfif  care.  *^«'5-'»  "^;"-f'-".r.^s^'-*-j«i»<«j  snri..**''  »,  ••■•8»it'>'-^««>» ---"^  .■sfrirsr?^?^ 
"33 


\ 


866 


1IBM0XB8  or 


Concord,  Nov.  19,  7  o'clock,  A.  M.  I  arose  this  morning  at  three 
o'clodk,  and  have  written  a  large  sheet  of  editorial  reports  of  the 
'  General  Conference.  To-day,  I  have  to  write  a  letter  to  India, 
then  go  to  Boston,  thence  to  Bichardson's  settlement  in  Concord 
and  preach  to-night." 

During  the  month  of  Deoemher,  Mr.  Marks  preached  daily, 
with  good  success,  among  the  churches  of  the  Genesee  and  Cat- 
taraugus quarterly  meetings.  In  the  early  part  of  January,  1840, 
he  left  his  ooinpanion  with  friends  in  Bath,  Steuhen  county,  and  at- 
tended several  appoiotmenta  extending  into  Pennsylvania.  He 
wrote: 

Addison  Yillj^ob,  Jan.  17, 1840. 
My  dear  wife  :— 

This  morning  is  at  least  ten  degrees  colder  than  any  I  ever 
saw  to  my  knowledge.  I  am  now  sitting  by  the  side  of  a  gredt 
ftre,  but  ihe  ink  freezes  in  my  pen  before  I  can  write  out  a  pen 
fttll.  The  mercury  has  retired  fh>m  sight  in  every  thermom- 
eter in  the  villt^  though  one  of  them  shows  thirty  degrees  be- 
bw  asero. 

Since  I  left  you,  I  have  preached  fh)m  one  to  three  times  a  day, 
and  during  the  first  six  days,  beside  my  other  labors,  t  wrote  and 
mailed  thirtv-two  letters.  The  snow  has  been  very  deep,  and  the 
roads  little  broken,  consequently  the  travelling  has  been  tedious. 
I  visited  two  churches  in  Pennsylvania ;  one  in  Westfleld,  the  oth- 
er in  Deerfield.  The  former  diurdi  is  small  and  poor,  and  the 
oountry  sterile  indeed.  The  one  in  Deerfield  ia  the  only  church 
in  tha  village.  My  meetings,  on  the  whole,  have  been  interesting, 
but  not  attended  with  so  much  power  as  I  have  earnestly  desired. 
This  has  made  me  feel  gloomy."  Three  days  afterwards,  he 
wrote  '.-"^  Last  Sabbath,  I  preadied  three  times  and  had  excellent 
aeasQtts.  I  was  very  ha^y.  My  soul  was  deeply  imbued  with  the 
importance  of  the  truths  I  presented,  and  the  assembly  was  greatly 
melted.    Several  arose  fior  prayer. 

I  have  been  thinking  to-day  how  much  comfort  we  have  enjoyed 
together^-how  happy  we  have  been  in  each  other's  society.  What 
mntaal  confidence,  and  affection,  and  nnmingled  pleasure  have  at- 
tended our  aasodation.  Notwithstanding  the  keen,  heart-rending, 
soul-prostrating  grie^  which  will  press  upon  the  one  that  is  left, 
when  the  (^er  shall  have  gone  to  our  eternal  home,  will  there  not 
be  a  sweet  mournful  pleasure  in  thinking  of  our  happy  union,  and 
jilBO  in  thinking  <rf  its  rmewal  in  another  wmrld  I  •  •  «  » 
HVhen  I  reflect  on  the  extreme  shortness  of  this  fife,  and  the  great 
rapidity  with  which  time  is  floating  ut  down— ^own  to  the  great 
■ocean  of  unchanging,  endless  duration,  I  am  more  and  more  aston- 
ished at  the  stupidity  of  the  multitudes  who  know  not  God,  and  the 


l^aki^.i^-jiiA.'kii:iJ.i.. 


DAno  KkftKn. 


Sif 


bnjoyed 
What 

ive  at- 

anding, 
is  left, 

ere  not 

and 

«      « 

great 
great 
laston- 
id  the 


thoughtlessness  of  prdessors  of  Christianity.  If  we  maf  judge 
from  the  oonduot  of  most  men,  it  would  seem  that  they  were  atlM- 
ists.  God  is  not  in  all  their  thoughts.  O  what  a  laek  of  principle 
is  there  in  the  multHude,  and  even  in  the  church !  Loven  of  plea- 
sure more  than  lovers  of  Qod,  appears  to  be  the  characteristic  of 
the  great  bcdy  of  the  people,  and  I  fear  too  of  even  the  chnrcli. 
With  all  the  facilities  which  we  have  for  gidning  knowledge,  how 
little  love  of  study  we  find,  how  little  logi^  and  sound  reasoning. 
In  view  of  these  things,  I  have,  last  evening  and  this  morning, 
felt  much  depressed.        •        »        «        Farewell. 

As  ever,  your  affectionate  husband,  "<^ 

D.  Maaks." 

Friday,  Jan.  24, 1840.  Mr.  Idtarka  returned  to  Bath,  and  till 
the  middle  of  April,  travelled  constantly.  In  this  time  he  preach- 
ed one  hundred  aod  sixty-Ave  sermons  in  the  churches  in  Tates^ 
Fenfield,  Monroe,  Genesee,  Erie,  Cattaraugus,  and  Chataui^M 
quarterly  meetings.  While  riding,  he  was  constantly  studying  or 
reading,  as  had  long  been  his  custom ;  when  he  stopped  and  was 
not  in  meetings,  he  was  almost  continuously  writing,  and  at  the 
same  time  often  carrying  on  an  animated  conversation.  All  th« 
record  of  his  labors  during  this  period,  are  a  few  brief  notioet  ia 
the  following  letters. 

"  February  26.  The  ground  was  bare.  I  walked  nine  miles  in 
twenty-two,  to  my  appointment  in  Parma,  and  preadied  nearly 
two  hours.  The  house  was  full,  and  the  people  were  very  attcoA- 
tive.  I  have  had  considerate  difficult  and  much  fatigue  to  get 
along  on  account  of  the  travelling.  Sometimes  I  almost  regret 
having  apj^intments  at  this  season  of  the  year,  but  then  I  must  have 
omitted  doing  much  that  I  have  done  towards  UquidatiAg  ray  re- 
maining debts,  and  until  I  get  this  old  affair  off  from  my  mind,  it 
will  be  difficult  for  me  to  pursue  my  labors  with  a  clear  mind  and  ja 
full  heart."  _s 

«  March  10.  The  sleighing  being  gone,  I  rode  thirty-four  miles 
in  the  storm  on  horseback,  carrying  idl  my  baegage,  and  preached 
at  evening  in  Colden.  I  enjoy  pretty  good  spirits,  and  trust  that  I 
shall  meet  some  fruits  from  my  present  labors  in  another  worid. 
I  rejoice  at  the  interest  yon  feel  in  studying  the  Bible.  I  hope  it 
will  furnish  matter  for  conversation  and  mj  instruction,  particular- 
ly at  such  times  as  we  may  be  riding  in  places  where  I  cannot 
read. 

I  intended  to  have  conversed  some  more  with  you  at  our  last 
meeting  in  relation  to  the  child  given  us  by  our  dying  sister.*    I 

*  Mis.  Marks'  brother's  wife,  who  left  an  infiuat  daughter  four  moAtha. 
old. 


\ 


'.«ii 


vsMonii  or  ^ 


have  thought  oonsiderably  about  it.  I  feel  a  strong  inclination  to 
take  her  witti  some  deduction  cm  account  of  circumstances.  The 
result  is,  I  am  passive.  I  do  not  wish  you  to  take  her  to  please 
in»-HMNr  not  to  tiUce  her  to  please  me— 4ior  to  take  her  out  or  pity, 
for  this  would  be  putting  a  burden  upon  you  which  you  are  not 
fdble  to  bear,  and  which  it  is  not  needful  you  should  bear.  I  wish 
you  to  follow  your  own  inclination,  and  do  what,  on  the  whole,  you 
think  will  secure  to  you,  in  all  probability,  the  greatest  amount  of 
usefiilness  and  enjoyment.  I  have  thought  she  might  be  oomptoky 
and  a  comfort  to  you  in  future  years,  ^k  wisdom  from  above,  and 
m^  God  direct  you. 
I  confine  myself  strictly  to  a  Graham  diet    I  thank  you  for 

Jrour  kind  instrumentality  in  indudns  me  to  try  it.  I  am  not  pos- 
tive  that  it  has  as  yet  emcted  any  oiange  except  it  be  to  reduce 
my  appetite.  It  may  have  produced  more  evenness  of  temper, 
cfunmess  and  cheerfumess  of  mind,  and  less  Uabflity  to  £sease.  I 
irtA  to  sleep  less  than  fonneily,  fran  four  to  six  hours  being  all  I 
seem  to  need. 

*  *  *  I  cannot  tell  you  what  feelings  the  thoughts  of 
your  removfd  by  death  give  me.  How  solemn  me  reflection,  that 
It  will  soon  b^  or  that  which  will  be  to  yon  more  painful  I 
shall  be  taken  from  yon  I  Are  we  prepared  ?  I  trust  we  are.  I 
think  we  are  living  for  another  wond,  and  a  happy  way  it  is  to 
Kve.       •        * 

^rMarch  16.    I  am  reading  Faber  on  the  prophecies  a  second  time 

and  making  notes.    To-day  I  resume  the  stuo^  and  comparing  of 

,J'oller  and  Ballon  Communion.    I  think  I  am  preparing  for  as 

great  performances,  as  to  the  amount  of  labor,'  as  cGscipHned  tern* 

peraaoe  and  exerdse  win  enable  me  to  perform.    FarewelL 

HVi A  unshaken,  undoing  afibction, 

I  remain  your  happy  husband, 
jws  D.  Marks.*^ 

^^WiBT,  Allegany  County,  April  6, 1840. 
My  dearly  beloved  wife  ,— 

Sjnce  I  wrote  you  last  Friday,  I  have  been  well,  and 
success  has  in  general  attended  me.  The  most  that  has  pained  me 
has  been  that  I  succeed  no  more  in  moving  upon  the  oonsdencee  and 
hearts  of  my  hearers.  I  have  no  difficulty  in  finding  good  words, 
and  sound  speech,  which  cannot  be  gainsayed,  but  I  foel  exceed-' 
ingly  dissatisfied  with  myself.  I  need  to  get  my  own  soul  more 
baptized  into  the  spirit  of  the  subjects  on  which  I  preach.  I  have 
resolved  to  spend  more  time  in  prayer.  I  need  not  say  to  you, 
'Pray  forme,'  for  I  am  satisfied  you  do  this  daily,  and  that  more 
fiuthfiilly  than  I  do  for  myself.. 


DAYIO  KASKS. 


ts." 
HO. 

and 
id  me 

and 

>rds» 
Lceed- 
Imore 
Ihave 

you, 
|moF& 


I  am  WW  in  t  bbeksmith's  shop  on  my  way  to  Anffelicft)  writiqg 
on  a  bench,  while  my  lione  b  beina  shod.  I  cannot  ^scribe  to  yoti 
the  feelings  whidb  your  aecount  of  ny  brother  Jeremiab^  return 
gare  me,  nor  tell  yon  how  it  affected  me  when  Ms  unexpected 
name  was  discloflea.  Truly  it  seemed  like  one  coming  from  the 
dead,  for  I  had  Uttle  ezpe^Hon  of  erer  seeing  bim  again.  TIU 
now  I  never  had  much  oonception  of  thei  feelings  of  relatives,  on  the 
return  of  one  ftom  an  unknown  sea-Auring  life.  O  how  I  kmg  to 
see  him.  . 

I  have  finished  the  reacUng  of  Combe's  *  Constitution  of  Man.'  I 
have  had  a  gr^  variety  of  feelings.  Sometimes  J  have  fbH  bad-^ 
sometimes  my  admfaiation  has  been  ndied  very  high.  His  positions 
with  regard  to  study,  health,  exercise,  and  particulariy  in  relation 
to  the  treatment  of  the  poor,  are  excellent.  With  respect  to  other 
things,  some  seem  to  rae  as  common  truisms  and  some  as  untenar 
ble.  Sometimes  I  could  but  febl  that  his  positions  finrored  in^dell- 
tr«— «t  other  times,  they  seemed  to  fhvor  a  co3d  philosophical  re- 
ll^on.  Again,  it  has  seemed  that  he  was  not  a  believer  m  reVjdiu 
tion,  but  used  words  and  sentences  like  Bobert  Owen,  in  a  new  and 
peculiar  sense.  I  cannot  assent  to  his  position,  that  nam  was  crea- 
ted  to  die,  nor  to  his  position,  that  the  Creator  designed  the  rude 
barbarian  ignorance  which  fbrmeriy  existed*  or,  in  other  words,  that 
the  mere  progressive  state  of  rishig  in  the  human  ftmily,  was  an 
original  plan  of  the  Deity.  His  positions  in  relation  to  the  una- 
voidable wickedness  of  character  created  by  parents  in  their  off- 
spring, are  '  hard  sayings,'  and  unreconcilable  with  Scripture,  or 
with  the  benevolence  and  justice  of  God.  But,  perhaps  I  do  not 
understand  the  necessary  inferences  which  follow  fh>m  his  po> 
sitions.  Sometimes  I  fear  the  reading  of  this  work  will  lead  m& 
to  be  too  literal,  as  Sutton  said  of  McEnight's  Commentary. 
You  know  I  am  already  much  inclined  to  dwell  upon  facts  and 
skeleton  frames.  In  relation  to  a  few  things  presented  by  Combe^ 
my  feelings  remind  me  of  the  Bramin,  who  with  his  foot  crushed 
the  microscope  which  discovered  to  him  the  living  insects  in  his 
food. 

Aurora,  April  7.  I  had  a  good  meeting  hist  evening,  and  a  full 
house.  To-day  I  am  to  preach  twice  in  Belfast  and  Bockville,  and 
am  to  stay  to-night  at  brother  Bruce's,  where,  as  I  told  you,  I  ad- 
mired so  much  the  mother  and  her  children.  How  charming,  and 
yet  how  unfrequent,  the  sight  of  a  household  regulated  in  all  thin^ 
by  the  gospel  of  Christ.        ♦        *        Farewell. 

Your  affectionate  husband, 

D.  Mabks." 

88*         -  n^-....'-^"-:'  i-r";- 


\ 


'.  I 


iH  Miiionii  OF  r 

*<  Warsaw,  April  10»  184a. 
HydearMarOk^- 

Since  I  wrote  you,  IhAvehad  moBtexcellent  meeting!*  My 
own  soul  has  been  much  blessed,  and  I  bave  seen  more  of  the  pow 
er  of  Gkxl  attend  my  preaching.  In  one  of  my  meetings,  fwty-two 
•pdce,  and  twen^  came  forwwd  for  prayer.  In  Pike,  the  Lord  is 
reviving  his  work  gloriously. 

I  ngoioe  to  hear  of  your  improved  health  and  eigoyment  I  do 
most  earnestly  hope,  that  '  He  who  tempers  the  wind  to  the  sh<^ 
lamb,'  will  so  veconoile  you  to  your  lot^  that  you  will  not  have 
that  ajBUctive  i^oom  whioh  you  had  when  I  was  flone  to  Ohio.  I 
have  not  suflfored  so  much  agony  of  feeling,  as  I  ditf^Mi  that  ooca* 
8100.  I  cannot  attribute  this  to  any  loss  ol  affection,  for  this  does 
not  seem  to  be  a  possibility.  Indeed,  I  do  not  think  such  an  event 
^uld  possibly  occur,  except  it  were  in  consequence  of  a  departure 
from  God;  and  we  must  remember  that  we  are  not  beywd  the 
mob,  power,  and  influence  of  temptation.  In  two  weeks  I  hope 
lomieet  jou,  and  I  hop&  we  shall  never  have  to  be  parted  so  Img 
agun.  Still  we  do  not  know  what  a  da^  may  bring  forth.  We 
have  certainly  had  a  full  and  sweet  cup  or  social  eiyoyment.  When 
I  think  of  toe  manner  in  which  many  others  live,  and  how  pleas- 
antly we  have  passed  our  days  together,  I  feel  my  heart  bum  wiUi 
gratitude  to  th«b  God  who  graciously  brought  us  to  see  each  oth- 
er's face,  and  to  be  re-united  in  heart  and  in  reality  for  lile.  *  * 
FareweU.  >         As  ever,  your  very  affectionate  husband, 

D.  MASKS." 


Sir 


(,>^-il.j.>  -i,-.f.^'-'  .^i-.r 


DATXD    MAMIt. 


8»1 


■*v 


CHAPTER  XXVm. 


/  \ 


Partieulan  of  Mr,  Marh^  Labortt  9fe»  mot^  in  the  Stale  of  Nno 
irorii,yh>irt  iipn'j;  1840,(0  ^»  1842. 

For  seyenl  yean,  Mr.  Mmrkt  had  derired  to  attend  the  meet- 
ings of  the  great  benevolent  80cietiei»  held  aanuallj  in  the  eity  of 
New  YorL  The  waj  for  the  gratiikation  of  this  desire  was  now 
opeiii  and  the  hUterpartof  April,  accompanied  by  his  companion, 
he  visited  the  dty  for  this  purpose. 

.  April  2d.  He.  attended  the  American  and  Foreipi  Bible  Sod- 
ety,  and  reported  tha  speechfis  for  the  Morning  Star.  The  Sode- 
tjr  voted  to  ^ve  one  thousand  dollars  to  the  Free-will  and  General 
Baptist  mission  in  Orissa,  to  aid  in  droultttog  Mr.  Sutton's  trans- 
lation of  the  Scriptures  in  the  Oriya  langnaoe.  April  28—-80,  he 
Attended  the  Baptist  Anti-Slaveiy  Convenuon,  which  was  an  ex- 
tremely interestug  season.  It  was  stated  that  there  were  more 
slaves  held  by  Baptists,  than  by  any  other  denominatitm.  From 
five  to  twelve  hundred  were  hdd  by  single  Baptist  churohesj  and 
I25,P0Q  by  the  denomination  I  He  also  reported  the  discussions 
of  this  convention.  Sabbath,  May  8,  he  listened  with  thrillii^(  in- 
terest to  a  discourse  from  Mr.  Kirk.  His  subject  was  the  moral 
and  religious  state  of  France,  and  he  plead  eloquently  that  the 
Forei^  Evangelical  Sodety  should  send  missionaries  to  France. 
He  said  there  was  the  most  power  in  Paris  of  any  dty  in  the  world, 
and  more  literature,  thought,  and  refinement.  Its  present  influence 
was  ruinous.  Infidelity,  superstition,  materialism,  abounded.  He 
expressed  the  conviction,  that  the  condition  of  female  chastity  was 
sudi  as  to  undermine  any  government.  During  the  ensuing  week, 
Mr.  Marks  attended  the  anniversaries  of  the  S^unen's  Friend  So- 
dety, and  the  American  Anti-Slavery  Sodety.  There  was  nothing 
at  the  latter,  which  so  much  interested  him,  as  an  address  from  H. 
F.  Garnet,  a  negns  who  was  a  graduate  from  Oneida  Institute,  and 
of  whom  Governor  Seward  said,  *^  I  never  listened  to  eloquence 
till  I  listened  to  Henry  P.  Garnet."  His  voice  was  commanding 
his  enunciation  distinct,  his  ideas  bold,  his  descriptions  graphic,  vxA 
his  language  extremely  beautifbl. 

Mr.  Marks  employed  his  leisure  in  visiting  places  of  interest  in 
the  dty.  Among  these,  was  Mr.  Peale's  museum,  of  which  he 
made  the  foUowii^  reewd.  "  New  York,  Welnesday,  May  6.  We 
visited  Peale's  museum.  The  first  object  that  met  us  was  the 
<  Belgian  Giant,'  (recent^  from  Eurcqpe,)  seven  feet  eight  inchei 
high.    He  was  well  proportioned,  and  his  appearance  command- 


\ 


11 
I  I 


d9» 


KXMOimi  or 


ing,  weighs  about  830  pounds.  He  is  siud  to  be  the  largest  and 
strongest  man  living.  He  took  a  Toung  nan  about  eighteen  or 
twenty  years  of  age  on  his  hand,  and  tossed  him  as  a  common  Lian 
would  a  little  cbiU.  He  was  very  gentlemanly  and  fooiable— had 
been  in  the  museum  about  six  weeks  for  a  show,  and  was  soon  go- 
ing to  the  Philadelphia  museum.  The  next  object  was  an  Egyp- 
tian mummy,  five  feet  and  two  inches  in  height  It  was  taken  from 
a  catacomb  at  Thebes.  The  body  was  enveloped  in  sixty-eiffht 
thicknesses  of  Ikieii,  tlM  most  of  which  had  been  removed  from  we 
fkoe.  The  features  were  regular,  the  skin  nearly  blade,  and  the 
hair  a  Uttle  enrly.  It  was  enctosed,  in  a  sareophagos  [a  sort  of  cof- 
fin] of  sycamore  wood,  which  was  covered  with  hieroglyphics.- 
Strange  feelings  pMsed  oveor  me  while  gaaing  upon  this  relio  of  an- 
tiquitf .  How  for  it  was  fh>m  the  thought*  ot  those  friends  who 
embahned  Uus  body,  that  it  would  ever  find  its  way  across  the 
migh^  ocean,  and  in  the  New  World  be  a  wonder  upon  whkh  many 
shMild  gase.  After  all,  how  vain  ht  the  efibrt  of  man  to  perpetu^' 
ate  hia  memory.  Whik  tiie  tenement  in  which  t}ie  soul  dwelt  a^ 
few  brief  yean,  is  preserved  fimn  decay,  the  name  of  iSie  individual 
has  been  forgotten  tut  centuries.  And  while  acres  of  catacombwi 
have  been  disoovei«d,  it  is  said  that  the  present  inhabitants  of  Egypt, 
instead  of  reverencing  the  respect  of  their  ancestors  for  the  dead, 
an  unng  the  nrommies  for  common  fuel.  Surety,  the  '  glory  of 
man  b  as  grass.' 

Some  of  the  delegates  to  the  Worid*8  Oonvention,  which  was  to 
meek  in  London  the  following  June,  urged  Mr.  Mazics  to  acoompa- 
uy  them,  saying,  that  as  the  Free-wiU  Baptists  bad  washed  their 
hands  fiom  the  guilt  of  riavory,  they  ought  to  be  represented  in  the 
Convention.  But  as  he  had  net  fuMS  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the 
voyage,  he  wrote,  at  their  request,  the  fbUowing  letter,  which  was 
poblislwd  in  London  in  the  **  Proi^ecBngs''  of  the  Oonvention,  in  an 
octavo  volume  of  about  six  hundred  pages,  and  is  copied  from  that 

<<New  ToBK  Ott,  Hay  8, 1840. 

To  the  World's  Jnti-Skufwy  Convention  ai  Lomdon,  June  12, 

1840. 

Dear  brethren  in  the  cause  of  suffering  humanitj. 

The  Free-will  Baptists 
in  the  United  States,  munbering  about  40,000  communicants,  are 
united  in  the  holy  cause  of  aboUtion.  Probably  we  should  have 
aent  a  delegation  to  your  Convention,  had  a  knowledge  of  its  ap- 
pointment reached  as  previous  to  our  anniverswiet  in  1839.  In 
the  absence  of  such  a  delegation,  I  will  take  npon  myself  the  re- 


DATID  mMMMM. 


598 


12, 

are 
lare 

X 

re- 


sponsibility of  making  some  statements  respiting  onr  anti^ilaTerj 
sentiments. 

As  a  peofde,  we  mourn  that  the  ehurch  in  this  l|md  is  so  deeply 
involTea  in  Hie  lin  of  shireiy,  and  have  endeaTored  to  keep  oar 
gannents  pure  and  unspotted  from  its  foul  stains.  We  neither  re- 
oeive  into  our  churehesy  nor  at  the  communion  table,  anv  whose 
hands  are  polluted  with  slareiy.  Our  Board  of  Foreion  Missions 
refiises  to  receive  any  dcmaticni  or  bequest  from  slave-holck»rs»  on 
the  principle  that  tlieir  wealth  is  the  wages  of  iniquity,  and  the 
price  of  blood. 

Our  ehurohes,  which  are  spread  over  about  half  the  United 
States,  meet  together  [by  delMntion]  quarterty,  in  about  eichty  as- 
soci(iti«»s.  The  eanse  of  the  dowihirodden  slave  is  almost  Invaria- 
bly remembwed  at  Idheee  meetii^gs,  fkjts  are  presented,  warm-heart- 
ed, stirring  addresses  are  giten^  and  our  testimony  agatast  the 
wicked  system  of  slavery  is  repeated  in  the  form  of  recorded  reso- 
lutions. These  assodaUons,  being  held  from  church  to  church,  have  • 
been  effectual  in  soatteriog  much  Uriit  and  in  tearing  away  many  a 
veil  which  sophistry  had  woven.  At  the  last  session  of  onr  Gener- 
al Conference,  which  coaamiBed  a  delegation  from  evoy  portion  of 
our  denomination,  our  anta<«lavei7  primdples  were  praoocallT  test- 
ed in  a  public  manner.  Dr.  Hoadcy,  a  s!av»*holding  minister 
from  KentudrjT,  accompanied  with  hi|^  lecommoidations,  fwesent- 
ed  himself,  desirhig  admJsskm  to  our  dimnh.  Had  he  been  reoeiv- 
ed,  80,000  in  the  uaveholding  states  would  probably  have  been  ad- 
ded to  our  o(mununi(m,  who  with  him  had  embraced  our  peculiar 
denominational  tenets.  But  his  request  was  met  with  the  prompt 
answer,  that  he  could  not  be  received,  either  as  a  minister,  or  a 
member,  till  he  should  give  libertv  to  bis  slares. 

Probably,  a  principal  cause  cf  the  union  of  the  Free-will  Bap- 
tists in  abolition  eflforts,  is  the  righteous  course  pursued  by  the 
Morning  Star,  a  weekly  religious  periodical,  which  is  the  organ  of 
the  den<Niunation.  May  heavenly  wisdom  guide  your  deliberations, 
and  direct  your  decisacms. 

Yours  in  the  cause  of  the  slave,  i  • 

David  Mabkb.** 

Sabbath,  May  10,  Mr.  Marks  was  laboring  under  mudi  indispo- 
sition, but  having  previously  accepted  an  invitation  to  preach  for 
Mr.  Dunbar,  pastor  of  the  CiJviniatic  Baptist  church  in  McDougal 
street,  he  spoke  to  his  congregation  in  the  morning.  The  audience 
seemed  to  listen  with  much  mterest,  and  in  almost  breathless  si- 
lence. At  the  close  of  the  sermon,  Mr.  Dunbar  siud  to  the  peo- 
ple, "  Mr.  Marks  will  preach  to  you  in  the  afternoon.  I  have  not 
consulted  him,  fearing  he  will  dedinci  and  believing  if  the  notice  j^ 


dH 


MIKOXBt    01* 


given  out»  be  will  not  dare  to  do  lo.  I  yenture  to  say  jou  will  not 
be  disappointed.  I  >hall  take  him  home  with  me,  and  shall  not  al- 
low bim  out  of  my  sight."  The  excitement  of  the  morning  service 
seemed  to  have  imparted  to  him  some  strength,  so  that  he  spoke  in 
the  afVemoon  with  muob  animation  and  apparent  eflbot.  At  the 
close  of  this  sermon  also,  Mr.  Dunbar  said  to  the  audience,  that  the 
same  speaker  would  adchress  them  again  in  the  evening,  and  added, 
<'  I  have  not  dared  to  ask  his  consent,  lest  he  should  muse."  Mr. 
Marks  now  made  remonstrance  on  account  of  his  iUness,  but  it  waa 
all  useless.  He  endured  a  third  sermon  better  than  he  anticipated^ 
This  cburdi  had  ever  been  an  antinslaveiy  chnreb.  It  was  organ- 
ised  in  1809,  when  sUvery  was  tolerated  in  the  state  of  New  York. 
At  that  time,  they  adopted  the  foOowing  artiele:  *<We  believe 
that  a  slaveholder,  or  one  who  traffics  ia  human  beings,  is  not  a 
fit  member  for  a  gospel  church,  and  that  it  would  be  sbflil  fbr  such 
a  ohurcb  knowingly  to  suffer  one  to  sit  down  and  oommune  with 
them." 

Mn  Dunbar  seeoied  modi  hitwested  in  Bir.  Marks,  and  urged 
him  to  make  his  arrangements  to  labor  in  the  oity.  He  said, 
**  There  is  a^great  dcetitntkm  of  labortn  here,  ^t  is,  of  such  as 
really  care  for  souls.  There  are  many  thonsands  in  this  dty  who 
never  go  to  the  honse  of  prayer )  these  ought  to  be  visited,  and 
oonversed  with.  You  can  do  vast  good  here.  There  are  mmy 
Free-will  Baptiata,  and  many  General  Bi^itiirts  from  England,  m 
this  oi^,  and  Umt  want  a  home.  We  have  some  that  are  mem- 
bers of  our  churdL  They  are  good  Christians,  but  they  are  not 
at  home  with  us.  They  do  not  believe  our  distinctive  sentiments. 
We  will  give  them  letters  of  commendation  to  join  you,  and  I  will 
help  you  all  I  can."  Mr.  Marks  objected,  that  a  <Uflloalty  would 
arise  from  want  of  mcMis  for  hie  support.  Mr.  Dunbar  said: 
*<  There  will  be  no  difficulty  on  that  ground.  You  can  be  sustained 
here.  I  will  board  you  and  your  wOb  for  the  aetual  cost,  and  this 
I  can  do  f<ur  93,50  per  week."  He  continued  his  ^lea  till  he  made 
considerable  impression,  and  Mr.  Marks  began  seriously  to  think 
upon  the  subject* 

His  illness  continued  to  increase  till  he  found  himself  severely 
attacked  with  bilious  fe>'8r.  He  kept  his  bed  two  days,  and  feeling 
relieved  after  the  operation  of  powerful  medicines,  he  ventured  to 
take  a  steamboat  to  Albany,  and  thence  the  Erie  canal  westward, 
but  was  obliged  to  lie  most  of  the  time  in  his  berth.  The  follow- 
ing incidents  of  this  trip  he  wrote  for  the  Morning  Star.  "  I  had 
been  unable,  without  suffering  a  day's  detention,  to  get  a  passage  in 
a  Sabbath-Beeping  boat,  and  while  Saturday  night  was  ^proach- 
ing,  as  I  lay  confined  by  iUness  most  of  the  time  to  my  berth,  the 
thoughts  of  getting  my  baggage  stored,  and  stopping  a  day  among 


DATm  MAmXSt 


985 


I 


•tmngen,  would  hare  been  burdenaome  «nd  riooittj,  were  It  not 
that  the  pririlege  of  rererenoing  Ood's  Sabbath  filled  mj  lonl  with 
inezpretiible  peace.  Said  a  gentleman,  who  had  formerly  held  a  ' 
Ugh  offloe  in  the  state,  on  learning  that  I  waa  going  to  leare  Satur- 
day night/  <  You  do  wron^— you  ought  to  ttay  hc^  over  the  Sab- 
bath. '  I  heard  the  captain  say  he  was  Roing  to  ask  you  to  preach 
to-morrow.  You  may  do  much  sood.  If  you  leave,  probably  there 
will  be  no  religious  services  on  Ae  boat'  His  reasoning  failed  to 
convince  me  that  it  was  right  to  *  do  evil  that  good  might  come,' 
or  that  I  should  dare  to  taut  Qod's  blessing  on  my  labors,  when  I 
was  knowin^y  breakhig  his  commandments.  Two  professing 
Christian  ladies,  who  were  present,  feeling  that  their  intention  of 
travelling  was  silently  rebuked,  resamed  the  discasrion,  and  began 
to  plead,  that  in  their  case,  at  least,  It  was  excnsable— they  were 
travelling  abne,  should  spend  the  day  in  reading  the  BiUe,  Ac. 
Their  arguments  were  replied  to ;  they  seemed  to  feel  their  acmhis- 
try,  though  thev  did  not  then  acknowledge  it,  and  remained  suent. 
At  lenffth,  said  the  eldest  lady,  *I  think  I  slwll  not  travel  to-mor- 
row. I  luve  been  thmkii^  much  ef  oar  eoaversation.  I  n«fver 
before  considered  it  in  this  light.  I  do  not  think  because  it  la  at- 
tended with  inconvenience  and  self-denisJ  to  keep  the  command- 
ments, that  we  can  be  gniltless  in  disobedieaee.'  On  arriving  at 
Syracuse  early  Saturday  evenii^,  I  eovU  bat  give  thanks  to  Him 
who  ^tempereth  the  wind  to  the  shorn  lamb,'  as  unexpectedly  we 
came  <  along  side'  a  beaudftil  Sabbath-keeping  boat,  an  inddent 
which  predoded  any  expense  of  my  stren^  In  the  care  of 
my  luggage.  I  immediately  faitrodnoed  myself  to  Elder  Blain, 
pastor  oif  the  CSalvinistic  Baptist  chnroh  in  Syracuse,  who  receiv- 
ed me,  not  as  a  stranger,  but  welcomed  me  as  a  *  brother  beloved.' 
The  ensuing  Sabbath  was  indeed  to  me  a  day  of  joy.  The  sweet 
peace  and  animation  that  filled  my  soul,  seemed  to  invigorate 
all  my  physical  powers,  so  that,  much  to  my  own  surprise,  I  was 
enabled  to  ocmiply  with  the  kind  invitation  of  brother  Blain  to 
preach  Christ  to  Ins  people.  One  effort,  however,  brought  on  so 
much  weakness,  that  I  dared  not  yield  to  his  often  repeated  re- 
quest to  address  them  again,  but  O  it  was  sweet  to  be  in  the  sanc- 
tuary. ■ 

Sabbath  evening,  I  listened  to  an  address  from  Mr.  Stillman,  an 
agent  for  the  American  Bethel  Sodety,  and  never  before  did  the 
sweet  charities  of  Christian  benevolence,  aiming  to  convert  this 
wicked  worid  into  a  new  <  Eden  of  moral  loveliness,'  seem  to  me 
so  inexpressibly  delightibl.  Mr.  StiUman  stated,  that  it  had  been 
ascwtained  by  a  careful  examination,  that  within  ten  years,  the 
amount  of  crime  punishable  by  law  in  the  state  of  New  York  had 
much  decreased.    [This  result  had  doubtless  been  produced  by  tie 


696 


IIBIIOIB0  Of 


tempenuice  reform  and  the  grent  reTivaUr  of  religion.  Ed.]  Yet 
it  vaa  a  atiirtUng  fkot,  that  mI/  these  crimes  had  been  ooomiitted 
on  the  £rie  oanal,  and  the  causn  of  th<s  disproportion  was  clearly 
traceable  to  the  disreoard  of  the  Sabbath.  All  the  lines  of  boats, 
with  one  noble  exoepaon,  ran  on  the  Sabbath.  Boatmen  and  dri- 
ven are  effiectaallj  excluded  fW>m  the  blessings  of  this  land  of  Sab- 
baths. Professors  of  religion,  and  even  professed  ministers  of  that 
Savior,  who  came  <  not  to  destroy  the  law,'  are  often  ^hu.  >  1  on  the 
boats  on  Qod's  holy  day.  The  consequence  of  th***  f  in><  o:"*  things 
is  a  horrid  amount  of  profiuiity,  intemperance,  ^<c(  ^c.  n,  i,  and 
numberiess  other  crimes  that  Imbmte  and  ruM  th«.  loul  i  And  for 
this.  Christians  are  responsible. 

Mr.  Stilhnan  recommended  that  »  ooanV  'nt  be  entered  against 
every  church  member  that  should  be  ir  w  of  the  i^in  of  Smbath 
travellinir  on  the  canal,  and  that  the  discipline  of  the  church  be  as 
impartiany  exercised  upon  those  tnat  violate  the  fourth  command- 
ment, as  upon  those  that  violote  the  sixth  or  seventh.  My  soul 
shuddered  as  I  listened  to  his  portrayal  of  the  crimes  and  wretch- 
edness he  had  himself  witnessed.  Among  the  cases  of  ruin  that  he 
named,  were  two  boys,  sons  of  widows,  («bout  twelve  or  thirteen 
years  of  age  I  who  had  been  employed  as  drivers.  They  ^ed  the 
past  winter,  and  when  he  saw  them,  they  were  almost  literally 
wUn  up  with  that  most  awflil  disease  which  Ood  eve<*  inflicted  on 
maiT,  as  the  immediate  consequence  of  crime.  Mr.  Stillman  an- 
litaaoed  the  pleasing  intelligence,  that  the  Bethel  Society  had  en- 
gaged a  deyc^  minister  to  labor  constantly  as  a  missionary  on  the 
caniai  till  the  dose  of  navigation,  going  fVom  boat  to  boat,  and  con- 
versing with  the  captains,  crews,  and  cMvers.  He  had  already  vis- 
ited five  hundred  boats,  and  in  no  one  instance  had  been  treated 
with  the  least  unkindness  or  disrespect  The  captains  and  boatmen 
generally  told  him  they  would  be  glad  to  rest  on  the  Sabbath,  but 
tibe  owners  of  boats  refused.  Several  capitalists  whom  he  visited, 
said  they  were  williing,  on  their  part,  that  their  boats  should  lie  still 
on  the  Lord's  di^,  but  the  western  merchants  would  reftise  to  pat- 
ronize them.  liLany  of  ^hese  western  merchants  are  professors  of 
religion  1"        *        • 

Ca  Monday  momi'"  '     ,        "    As  res  ..od  his  journey  on  the 
canal,  and  by  the  tit  uis  arrival  in  western  New  York,  his 

health  had  much  improved.  From  the  27th  of  May  to  the  18th  of 
June,  he  attended  appointments  previously  notified,  extending 
through  the  Erie,  CSiatauque,  and  French  (^-eek  quarterly  meet- 
ings, preaching  usually  Arom  one  to  three  times  in  a  day.  June  1 9 
— 21,  he  attended  the  Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting  in  Bethany, 
and  preached  on  the  Sabbath,  standing  in  one  of  the  windov  :»  of 


"-%.   ■''"^'■'  ■  '^**  ^'-'^ 


DAVID  MARKS. 


D.]  Yet 
x>mmUt«d 
M  dearly 
■  of  boats, 
I  and  dri- 
id  of  Sab- 
irs  of  that 
ijt'i  on  the 
of  things 
n.  <i,  and 
{ I  and  for 

edaoainst 

f  SiA>bath 

irchbe  as 

command- 

My  soul 

id  wretch- 

lin  that  he 

tr  thirteen 

y  died  the 

tt  literally 

nflioted  on 

Uhman  an- 

j  had  en- 

Mry  on  the 

and  oon- 

ready  vis- 

in  treated 

boatmen 

ibath,  bnt 

e  visited, 

Id  lie  still 


on  the 
fork,  his 
lie  18th  of 
Bztending 
ply  meet- 
June  19 
athany, 
Indov  s  of 


807 


the  meeting  house,  as  not  half  of  the  vast  ooncoarse  oould  get  in- 
side of  th«  house.  ] 
Immediately  aA^r  the  yearly  meeting,  h«  was  attacked  on  his 
WAV  to  Rochester  with  a  disease  in  his  throat, att.nded  with  a  very 
severe  cough,  and  which  confined  him  to  his  be  f«w  days.  A 
physician,  whom  he  called,  said  it  was  an  attack  ot  hronohitis, 
and  that  he  must  for  a  time  <•  atirely  desist  from  preaclu,  He  soon 
began  to  amend,  but  being  prohibited  from  public  upeakn  .  he  went 
to  Canada  the  early  part  of  July,  and  spent  a  few  ^eeks  *  his  fkth- 
er-in-law's,  writing  a  treatise  on  the  "  Design  of  the  ;  (I'h  tipoer," 
which  was  afterwards  published  bv  the  Book  Conc^  ,  wit/,  three 
other  essays,  in  a  volume,  entitled  Free  Coir  uunioi  T i  e  fol- 
lowinff  incidents,  connected  with  this  visit  to  'anada,  .«  wi-  ;  for 
the  Morning  Star. 

<  **  On  approaching  the  Canadian  shore.  Gen.  Brock's  nti)  \y  mon- 
ument on  Queenston  heigi  's  appeared  a  prominent  obj  From 
the  accounts  in  the  public  journals  of  its  having  been  <l  <  up.  I 
had  received  the  impressloii  that  it  lay  a  mass  of  ruin^  a  dis- 
tance, no  change  in  its  appe^  .ranee  is  perceptible ;  but  on  nearer 
approach,  the  ruthless  work  <  >f  the  enemy  was  clearly  dh  rnible. 
The  monument  was  riven  from  its  base  to  its  topnstone,  a  tance 
of  about  125  feet.  *  *  I  was  every  where  kindly  recei^  i  aad 
cordially  welcomed.  Indeed,  I  never  travelled  among  a  m*  Hos- 
pitable people  than  the  Upper  Canadians.  In  my  joume}  r»  in 
the  province,  I  have  frequently  called  among  entire  stranger  and 
met  with  almost  reproofs  for  offering  to  pay  for  fkvors  lam  mask- 
ed ;  nor  had  the  late  commotions  altered  their  character  in  thw  re- 
spect. Much  of  the  country  is  delightfully  situated,  and  the  soil  ^ 
equal  to  western  New  York.  Some  sections  are  fast  improvii  «. 
Woodstock,  [in  the  town  of  Oxford,]  the  prmcipal  viUage  of  Brodc 
District,  has  sprung  into  being  with  the  rapidity  f  haracteristio  of 
the  villages  of  our  western  states.  It  has  an  ele^t  Court  House, 
and,  together  with  its  vicinity,  contains  the  beautiful  seats  of  sever- 
al of  the  English  gentry.  Five  different  denominations  hold  meet- 
ings in  this  vilhigu  every  Sabbath :  the  Episcopalian,  Scotch  Kirk, 
Free  Communion  Baptist,  Methodist,  and  Christian.  The  latter 
is  distinct  from  the  sect  of  that  name  in  the  United  States.  Their 
denomination  arose  in  Wales.  Among  their  distinguishing  pecul- 
iarities, is  the  order  of  their  meetings.  When  they  assemble*  for 
'  tporshipf  they  all  sit  together,  and  do  not  allow  those  they  consid- 
er impenitent  to  mingle  with  them.  On  such  occasions,  they  have 
no  one  selected  to  preach  to  them,  but  any  one  who  dhooses  may 
speak,  or  pray,  or  engage  in  any  act  of  worship,  to  which  his  views 
of  luty  may  lead  him.  They  have  separate  meetings,  iu  which 
they  preach  to  the  wicked,  but  these  ihej  do  sot  call  meetings  of 

d4 


\ 


898 


micaiiM  ov 


^ror^ip.  Oar  Free  Communion  Baptist  brethren,  so  fkr  as  I  could 
learn,  were  prospering.  Their  church  in  the  village  of  Woodstock 
is  floarishingi  Thej  have  a  house  of  worship,  a  respectable  congre- 
gation, a  good  Sabbath  school,  and  enjoy  the  labors  of  an  excellent 
abd  talented  pastor.  A  few  months  since,  they  were  blessed  with 
a  precious  revival.  In  the  vicinity  of  Long  Point,  the  Free  Com- 
munion brethren  were  sharing  one  of  the  most  powerful  revivals 
that  hw  ever  visited  that  section  of  country. 

Our  brethren  of  the  London  quarterly  meeting  are  iu  a  very 
scattered  sikate.  The  rebellion  had  a  disastrous  effect  on  the 
churohcB  of  this  assodation.  A  large  proportion  of  the  members, 
and  some  of  the  preachers,  fearing  the  troubles  and  distress  of  a 
tedious  war,  emigrated  to  Michigan^  Illinois,  &c.  Those  that  were 
left  thought  it  was  useless  to  struggle  any  longer  against  the  op- 
pom^  influences  that  surrounded  them,  and  concluded  to  give  up 
tbeir  quarterly  meetings  Time  passed  o%  yet  they  could  not  rest 
Atisfied.*  At  length  a  few  brethren  met  together,  and  after  a  sea* 
son  of  weeping  and  prayer^  they  detefmined  on  m^ng  another  ef" 
fort  to  renew  the  quarterly  meeting.  They  have  only  two  minia- 
tes left  thbuk 

Dttiing  my  stay  in  the  province,  the  Colored  people,  to  the  num* 
btr  of  about  two  hundred,  held  a  camp  meeting  in  Norwich,  a  town 
a  ivw  miles  distant  ftvm  Woodstock.  Most  of  these  were  fugitives 
escaped  from  republican  slavery.  The  meeting  was  attended  with 
the  Divine  blessing,  and  guned  the  reputation  of  having  been  one 
of  th«  most  solemn,  orderly  meetings  of  the  kind  ever  held  in  the 
provinee^  I  heard  many  contradictory  opinions  respecting  the  duUT" 
acter  of  the  negro  fugitives.  Some  represent  tliem  as  most  degra- 
ded and  wiQked,-'K>tber8  say  they  are  grateful  fbr  fav(»s,  upright, 
moml,  and  industrious.  The  testimdny  gathered  froM  those  who 
best  knew  them,  as  weU  as  from  facts  that  ftU  under  my  own  ob- 
servation, generally  OMrobomted  the  latter  opinion.  Doubtless, 
there  is  every  variety  of  chwacter  among  them,  as  they  partake  of 
the  deptavity  common  to  man,  and  probably  are  as  bad,  or  nearly 
#^,  tut  white  people  would  be  in  the  same  circumMxinc^.  Bred 
fiott  infancy  amid  scenes  of  oppression,  cruelty,  and  licentiousness, 
sunk  in  igneoranoe,  and  unrestramed  by  moral  or  religious  consider- 
ationa,  it  w6uld  be  (X)ntrary  to  the  lawii  which  govern  mind,  and 
indeed  wouM  amount  to  a  miracle,  were  they,  wiUiout  the  use  of 
mea»9)  to  be  metamorphosed  inMantly  itato  beingi  of  great  mtural  ot 
ktelleictual  wortii. 

Theare  is  much  wock  m  this  province  foie  the  tempetMide  society, 
M  lltere  is  much  intediperanee,  espedfUly  among  tiie  hi^^ber  class ; 
iIm4  fe,  what  ^  tempa«nce  folks'  (»ti  intemperance^-^-thougfa  per* 
faapi  the  ^votees  cf  fasluooable  CAstaxt  might  think  thifi  «  slandeN 


n'-^-:»- 


DAVID  MABKS. 


899 


I  could 
lodstock 
congre- 
xcellent 
led  with 
se  Com" 
revivals 

a  very 
;  on  the 
lembers, 
Bss  of  a 
liat  were 

the  op- 
give  up 

not  rest 
er  ase»* 
other  ef* 
TO  minis- 

the  nnm- 
b,  a  town 
1  fugitives 
ded  with 
)een  one 
Id  in  the 
;he  chaT'- 
it  degra- 
upright) 
lose  who 
ob» 
>ubtles$, 
irtakeof 
nearly 
Bred 
fousness, 
isider- 
d,  and 
use  of 
kOral  01^ 

[soetety, 

class) 

per* 

ider* 


ous  accusation.  Some  of  the  ministers  o^the  Scotch  Kirk  have  re- 
cently engaged  in  the  cause  with  an  ardor  becoming  their  profes- 
sion, and  are  exerting  a  great  influence  in  refomlihg  the  dissipated 
habits  of  their  people.  If  the  ministers  of  the  established  church 
would  follow  their  example,  incalculable  good  to  Canada  would  be 
the  result.  The  Scotch  and  English  inhabitants  are  generally  mem- 
bers of  their  respective  churches,  and  are  very  punctual  in  their  a' 
tendance  upon  their  Sabbath  services.  They  also  refrain  fron. 
some  sins  on  that  day  in  which  they  indulge  on  other  days.  They 
look  upon  it  as  very  <  heathenish'  not  to  be  a  member  of  sotne 
church,  while  their  lives  evince  that  the  power  which  produces  a 
change  in  the  affections  and  conduct,  is  generally  wanting.  There 
is  great  need  of  more  humble,  holy,  evangelical  ministers,  who,  alike 
regardless  of  praise  or  censure,  shall  boldly  tell  the  people,  that  the 
swearer,  the  gambler,  the  fornicator,  the  adulterer,  though  he  may 
belong  to  a  church  below,  can  have  iSo  inheritance  in  the  kingdom 
of  God." 

Mr.  Marks  returned  to  New  York  in  September,  having  preach- 
ed little  for  two  months.  His  throat  was  apparency  well,  and  he 
now  resumed  the  employment  he  so  passionately  loved.  From  the 
1st  of  Oct.  to  the  19th  of  November,  he  visited  and  preached  with 
fifty  churches  in  the  Monroe,  Penfield,  Tates,^  Genesee,  Erie,  and 
Chatauque  quarterly  meeiinga.  j^  winter  approaohod,  he  deemed 
it  prudent  to  locate  for  a  season.  Accordingly,  he  accepted  a  call 
to  labor  half  the  time  with  the  church  in  the  little  village  of  Varys- 
burg,  in  the  town  of  Sheldon,  Wyoming  Co.,  where  he  again  com- 
menced house-keeping.  The  Sheldon  High  School,  under  the  pat- 
ronage of  the  Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting,  was  located  here, 
and  was  in  a  flourishing  condition.  He  commenced  his  labors  in 
December.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  month,  he  held  a  protracted 
meeting  in  Portage,  a  village  on  the  Genesee  river,  noted  for  its  ir- 
religion,  about  twenty  miles  distant  from  Varysburg.  The  meeting 
was  blessed  to  the  conversion  of  several.  He  organized  a  church, 
consisting  at  first  of  twelve  members,  and  engaged  to  labor  with 
them  half  the  time  for  a  season.  The  church  soon  had  several  ad- 
ditions, and  they  immediately  commenced  building  a  house  of  wor- 
ship. He  now  applied  himself  very  laboriously  to  his  pastoral  du- 
ties, visiting  and  praying  not  only  with  the  members  of  his  own  and 
other  churches,  but  with  the  people  generally.  Indeed,  there  were 
few,  if  any,  families  in  Varysburg  and  its  vicinity,  with  whom  he 
did  not  have  personal  religious  conversation  and  prayer.  He  also 
met  a  class  of  four  young  ministers  weekly,  (three  of  them  members 
of  the  school,)  to  whom  he  gave  instruction  and  criticised  their 
skeletons  prepared  for  the  occasion. 


■%:- 


"'■,">?i:  .i.^"';w!f*-.-. 


400 


MEMOiss  or 


Yarysburg  had  for  some  time  been  a  very  wicked  village.  In- 
temperance, and  its  kindred  vices,  had  long  blighted  its  moral  pros- 
pects, and  sectarian  bigotry  had  paralyzed  the  efforts  of  God's  min- 
isters. Mr.  Marks  could  find  no  rest  for  his  spirit  amidst  such  a 
state  of  things.  He  determined  to  commence  a  series  of  efforts  to 
remove  this  pall  of  death,  and  labor  with  a  faithfulness,  which,  at 
least,  should  clear  his  garments  from  the  blood  of  the  people.  He 
was  aware  that  it  would  be  a  long  and  severe  struggle,  but  his  trust 
was  in  Grod,  and  he  had  faith  in  the  power  of  his  word.  He  knew 
it  to  be  mighty  to  the  pulling  down  of  the  strong  holds  of  satan. 
Sometime  in  January,  he  commenced  a  protracted  meeting,  preach- 
ing  from  two  to  three  times  a  day,  at  the  same  time  holding  inquiry 
meetings,  and  visiting  from  house  to  house.  Thus  he  toiled  for 
three  weeks,  with  little  apparent  effect.  Some  of  the  members  of 
the  church  had  taken  hold  well  in  the  work,  some  backsliders  had 
been  reclfdmed,  and  a  few  converted.  But  many  that  were  seri- 
ous soon  after  the  commencement  of  the  meeting,  had  hardened 
their  hearts ;  the  students,  on  whose  minds  it  was  evident  convic- 
tion had  fastened,  seemed  leagued  together  to  resist  religious  influ- 
ences ;  the'  faith  of  Christians  that  they  should  see  a  revival  began 
to  fail,  and  the  visible  prospect  of  a  general  work  was  dark  indeed. 
At  this  period,  Mr.  Marks'  agony  of  spirit  was  almost  overpower- 
ing.     He  felt  that  if  Christiana  relaxed  tlielr  eiFurU,  iLui-e  would  be 

litde  hope  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  Yarysburg.  His  mind  was 
now  led  almost  constantly  to  the  subject  of  death.  He  felt  that  it 
was  about  to  visit  the  people,  and  so  powerful  was  the  impression, 
that  he  several  times  mentioned  in  public,  that  he  believed  that 
death  was  going  to  sweep  through  the  place,  and  carry  mourning 
into  many  families ;  and  at  the  same  time,  he  entreated  the  people 
in  the  most  moving  and  pathetic  manner,  to  prepare  for  its  approach. 
A  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  was  now  held  for  the  conversion  of  thu 
students ;  and  on  this  occasion,  Mr.  Marks  preached  a  funeral  ser- 
mon for  the  first  individual  of  the  congregation  that  should  die.  It 
was  evident  that  deep  impressions  were  made,  and  in  the  evening 
many  crowded  the  altar  for  prayer,  trembling,  and  confessing  their 
need  of  Christ ;  and,  to  the  great  joy  of  Christians,  several  profess- 
ed to  find  pardon.  The  scene  was  glorious  and  awfully  solemn  on 
account  of  the  Divine  presence ;  and  for  a  few  succeeding  days,  the 
place  seemed  almost  shaken  by  the  power  of  God.  Mr.  Marks  re- 
marked that  he  never  before  saw  so  many  in  one  place  so  deeply 
affected  by  the  truth,  neither  had  he  ever  seen  so  much  resistunce 
to  its  power.  He  doubted  whether  there  was  an  individual  in  the 
village,  or  within  some  distance  of  the  village,  that  was  not  solemn- 
ly impressed.  Some  dared  not  attend  the  meeting,  lest  they  should 
be  converted :  others  would  leave  the  village  under  pretence  of 


W'-'i 


DAVID  MARKS. 


4^1 


e.    In- 
A  pros- 
i's  min- 
such  a 
Ports  to 
kich,  at 
e.     He 
kis  trust 
:e  knew 
f  satan.  ' 
preach- 
inquiry 
iled  for 
ibers  of 
ers  had 
ere  seri- 
ardened 
convic- 
us  inftu- 
il  began 
:  indeed, 
jrpower- 

wouUbo 

ind  was 

It  that  it 

iression, 

ed  that 


business.  Two  gentlemen,  of  perhaps  as  much  talent  and  influence 
as  any  in  the  place,  agreed,  in  derision  of  the  work,  that  if  one 
would  furise  for  prayer,  the  other  would.  Accordingly  when  an  op- 
portunity was  presented,  one  of  them  arose ;  but  no  sooner  was  he 
on  his  feet,  than  it  came  powerfully  to  his  conscience,  that  he  had 
gone  too  far  in  so  solemn  a  matter,  and;  yielding  instantly  to  his 
convictions,  he  spoke  almost  before  he  was  aware,  ctmfessing  him- 
self a  great  sinner,  and  saying  that  he  was  resolved  to  seek  Uie  Sa- 
vior. The  assembly  seemed  elecU^fied,  and  Christians  began  to 
feel  that  nothing  was  too  hard  for  the  Lord.  This  gentleman  was 
soon  after  converted,  and  became  a  zealous  laborer  in  the  work. 
His  comrade  dared  not  wrise.  Socm  afterwards,  he  too  was  num- 
bered with  the  sincere  inquirers  for  salvation,  and,  with  his  wife, 
professed  to  find  peace  in  submission  to  Christ.  The  work  spread 
amidst  much  opposition,  till  about  sixty  were  converted,  including 
some  that  were  entirely  backslidden ;  and  a  much  greater  number, 
it  was  believed,  resisted  the  convictions  of  their  duty.  Such  was 
the  grief  of  Mr.  Marks  on  this  account,  that  he  could  hardly  re- 
joice for  the  success  the  truth  had  gained.  During  the  progress  of 
the  work,  still  feeling  deeply  impressed  with  the  idea  that  the  des- 
olating tide  of  death  was  about  to  roll  through  the  place,  he  ap- 
pointed another  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  for  the  conversion  of 
twelve  of  the  most  influential  business  men  in  the  vicinity,  and  on 
the  occasion,  preached  a  ftmeral  sermon  fw  the  first  of  the  number 
who  should  die. 

Immediately  after  the  close  of  the  protracted  meeting,  (which 
continued  about  eight  weeks,)  a  disease,  to  which  the  ^ysieians 
gave  no  same,  c(mimenced  its  fearful  ravages  in  this  hitherto 
healthful  vale.  It  partook  of  the  symptoms  c^  spotted  fever  and 
erysipelas.  Its  first  victim  was  an  individual  who  had  not  attended 
the  meeting,  consequently  it  could  not  be  said  that  excit^ient  and 
exposure  to  evening  air,  originated  the  malady.  It  soon  raged  with 
a  most  alarming  fatality,  and  in  a  few  days,  more  than  thirty  in 
Varysburg  and  vicinity,  within  the  limits  of  two  miles,  were  sudden- 
ly hurried  to  eternity.  One  of  the  twelve  for  whom  a  day  of  fast- 
ing and  prayer  was  held,  was  of  this  number.  Few  families  were 
left  unvisited  by  this  dr^ful  sickness,  and  there  were  scarcely  par- 
sons enough  in  health  to  take  care  of  the  sick.  Some  lived  but  a 
few  hours  after  th^  were  seized,  and  in  some  cases  the  bodies  were 
so  putrid  that  they  were  obliged  to  be  buried  in  five  or  six  hours 
after  they  had  ceased  to  bre«the.  Those  that  recovered,  in  many 
instances,  regained  their  health  very  slowly.  It  was  a  remarkable 
circumstance,  and  <Mie  that  was  frequently  naeaed,  that  not  one  of 
the  converts  or  the  reclaimed,  fell  a  victim  to  the  disease.  Sever- 
al of  the  number  that  died  were  C&ristiauB,  and  left  the  world  re- 
34» 


■I 


\ 


402 


MBMOIBS  or 


joicing.  Othen  died  without  hope.  After  the  sickness  began  to 
rage,  there  were  no  more  cases  of  conversion.  The  impenitent 
trembled  in  view  of  this  judgment,  while  fear  and  anxiety  sat  upon 
their  countenances.  Still  they  refused  to  repent  and  give  glory  to 
God.  They  did  not  know  the  time  of  their  visitation ;  and  now  it 
seemed  to  be  hid  from  their  eyes. 

In  the  month  of  April,  1841,  Mr.  Marks  received  a  letter  from 
a  brother  in  the  city  of  New  York,  spreading  out  before  him  the 
great  field  then  opened  for  Free-will  Baptists  to  do  good  in  that 
city,  and  urging  him  to  occupy  it  without  delay.     He  offered  to  be- 
come responsible,  on  certain  conditions,  for  the  rent  of  a  hall  for 
public  worship,  and  said  there  would  be  no  difficulty  in  raising 
means  for  his  support.     Such  was  the  interesting  state  of  things  at 
Varysburg,  and  the  victory  that  had  been  gained,  had  been  achiev- 
ed at  such  expense,  that  Mr.  Marks  did  not  feel  at  liberty  to  leave 
immediately,  and  accordingly  returned  an  answer  that  he  thought 
he  would  go  the  ensuing  autumn.     He  soon  received  a  reply,  say- 
ing that,  on  several  accounts,  the  spring  would  be  the  most  favora- 
ble for  commencing  a  meeting,  and  if  he  could  not  come  immediate- 
ly, it  woul4  be  best  to  defer  it  till  another  spring.    This  he  prefer- 
red, as  it  gave  him  more  time  for  preparation.  > 
In  June,  he  attended  the  Holland  Purchase  yearly  meeting,  and 
was  appointed  a  delegate  to  the  Greneral  Conference,  which  was  to 
convene  the  ensuing  October  in  Topsham,  Me.     He  was  also  ap- 
pointed a  delegate  with  two  other  brethren,  to  the  New  York 
Christian  Anti-slavery  Convention,  to  meet  in  Auburn,  June  23, 
to  deliberate  on  the  duty  of  the  church  in  regard  to  slavery.     The 
yearly  meeting  wrote  a  letter  to  the  Convention,  taking  high  ground 
on  the  slavery  question.    At  the  day  appointed,  more  than  two  hun- 
dred ministers  and  brethren,  of  different  evangelical  denominations, 
assembled  in  the  large  Methodist  stone  chapel,  where  a  year  before 
even  an  anti-slavery  notice  was  not  allowed  to  be  read.    The  Con- 
vention continued  in  session  two  days.    The  letter  from  the  Hol- 
land Purchase  yearly  meeting  was  listened  to  with  much  interest 
by  the  Omvention,  and  a  vote  was  taken  to  publish  it  with  the  min- 
utes.   There  was  much  warm,  interesting,  and  animated  discubsion 
on  the  different  resolutions,  in  which  Mr.  Marks  took  a  part,  and 
which  he  briefly  reported  for  the  Morning  Star. 

July  4,  he  attended  a  temperance  convention  at  Wyoming  vil- 
lage, met  for  forming  a  county  society  for  the  new  county  of  Wy- 
oming, recently  set  off  from  Genesee,  embracing  thirteen  ttwns. 
The  assembly,  amounting  to  about  two  thousand^  was  convened 
under  the  dense  foliage  of  an  ornamental  forest,  belonging  to  the 
mansion  of  Mr.  J.  C.  Ferris.  A  very  ingenious  and  interesting 
«  Declaration  of  Independence,  and  of  War,  agamst  King  Alcohol," 


DAVID  MARKS. 


408 


and 


3Ub310a 

[rt,  and 

ig  vil- 
If  Wy- 
Itc'wns. 

ivened 
I  to  the 

resting 

bohoV 


was  drawn  up  much  in  the  language  of  our  national  decUiration  of 
independence. 

In  compliance  with  the  invitation  of  several  gentlemen  in  War- 
saw, Mr.  Marks  preached  a  discourse  with  much  acceptance  in  that 
village  on  the  following  question :  "  Is  it  consistent  with  the  Chris- 
tian religion  to  vote  for  a  pro-slavery  candidate  for  any  office  affect- 
ing the  rights  of  the  slave  ?"  His  text  was  Exodus,  18:21.  "  More- 
over thou  shalt  provide  out  of  all  the  people,  able  men,  such  as  fear 
God,  men  of  truth,  hating  covetousness,  and  place  such  over  them, 
to  be  rulers  of  thousands,  and  rulers  of  hundreds,  rulers  of  fifties, 
and  rulers  of  tens."  Also,  2  Sam.  28:3.  «  He  that  ruleth  over  men 
must  be  just,  ruling  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord." 

Having  made  provision  for  supplying  his  two  churches   with 
preaching  for  two  months,  he  set  out  with  his  companion  in  his  own 
conveyance  for  the  General  Conference  in  Maine.    On  his  journey 
he  visited  his  father  in  Tyre,  and  as  he  purposed  giving  him  $50, 
toward  building  him  a  smaU  house,  he  concluded  to  make  some 
purchases  of  lumber  for  him.     For  this  object,  he  went  to  Clyde,  a 
village  on  the  canal,  about  six  miles  from  Tyre,  and  as  he  supposed 
was  seen  paying  out  money.    He  left  Clyde  to  return  to  his  fath- 
er's at  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  and  after  riding  about  half  a  mile 
from  the  village,  he  got  out  of  his  carriage  and  passed  around  to  the 
back  part  to  take  out  some  fruit    While  thus  engaged,  a  stranger 
accosted  him,  saying,  "  Sir,  you  must  go  with  me.    I  am  an  officer, 
and  have  a  warrant  for  you."    Without  any  suspicion  or  fear,  he 
replied,  "  You  must  be  mistaken  in  the  person  you  are  seeking.    I 
am  a  minister.     My  name  is  David  Marks."    "  No,  that  is  the 
very  name.    I  am  not  mistaken.    You  must  go  with  me,  and  it 
will  be  useless  for  you  to  resist."     Glancing  at  him,  he  saw  by  the 
light  of  the  moon  that  he  was  shabbily  dressed,  and  from  all  the 
circumstances,  he  felt  satisfied  that  he  was  a  robber.    Looking 
ai'ound,  he  perceived  that  he  was  in  a  "  dug-way,"  surrounded  by 
woods  and  no  house  in  sight.    He  stepped  forward,  caught  his 
horse's  reins,  and  sprang  on  the  forward  end  of  his  carriage  with- 
out waiting  to  get  in.    Instantly,  the  stranger  seized  his  horse  by 
the  bits.    Mr.  Marks  asked  him  to  show  him  his  warrant.     He 
said,  "  I  will,"  and  putting  his  hand  into  his  pocket,  took  out  some- 
thing that  glistened  in  the  moon-light  like  bright  steel,  and  resem- 
bled in  appearance  the  muzzle  of  a  pistol.    Mr.  Marks  sat  perfect- 
ly self-possessed,  with  the  reins  firmly  grasped  in  one  hand,  and  his 
whip  over  his  shoulder,  watching  every  movement  of  the  robber. 
He  judged  that  there  was  some  difficulty  about  his  pistol  that  he 
was  unable  to  remove  with  one  hand.     At  length,  he  stepped  di- 
rectly before  the  horse,  and  let  go  the  bits.    Instantly,  Mr.  Marks 
struck  his  horse  a  heavy  blow,  at  the  same  time,  reinirig  him  a  lit- 


\. 


404 


MBHOntS  OF 


tie  one  side.  He  sprang  several  feet  the  first  bound,  and  flew  over 
the  log  cross-way  with  great  speed.  When  the  robber  saw  his 
prey  had  escaped,  he  set  up  a  terrible  crjr,  and  threw  a  volley  of 
stones,  which,  however,  were  harmless  in  their  effbcts.  After  Mr. 
Marks  found  himself  safe,  a  sense  of  his  narrow  escape  from  a  vio- 
lent death  so  overcame  him  that  he  could  scarcely  sit  in  his  car- 
riage. Considerable  pains  were  taken  to  detect  the  robber,  but 
without  success.  Shortly  afterwards,  in  nearly  the  same  place, 
another  stranger  was  attacked  in  a  similar  manner,  by  a  perscm 
of  a  similar  appearance.  He  knocked  the  robber  down  Mid  then 
fled. 

Prosecuting  his  journey,  Mr.  Marks  stopped  a  night  in  Peter- 
boro'  with  Mr.  Grerritt  Smith,  in  whose  kind  family  he  was  very 
affectionately  received,  and  with  whom  he  had  an  exceedingly  in** 
teresting  interview.  The  Saturday  following,  he  arrived  at  CUnton 
Seminary,  an  institation  the  Freeowill  and  Free  Communion  Bap- 
tists had  recently  purchased.  It  was  free  of  aecess  to  all  without 
distinction  of  color,  and  was  in  a  flourishing  condition.  Mr.  Marks 
preached  four  sermons  in  Clinton. 

September  8,  he  attended  the  Free  Communion  Baptist  General 
Conference  at  Ames,  Montgomery  county.  This  C<mference  was 
composed  of  fifty-eight  diurcbes,  and  was  to  dedde  the  issue  of  the 
negotiation  that  had  been  for  some  time  going  on,  for  a  union  with 
the  Free-will  Baptists.  Thirty-two  of  the  churches  reported  in  fa- 
vor of  union,  thirteen  opposed,  and  thirteen  made  no  report.  Con- 
sidering the  nature  of  the  business,  the  session  was  very  harmoni- 
ous. A  resolution  was  passed,  saying  that  they  considered  the 
names  Free  Baptist,  Free  Communion  Baptist,  Open  Communion 
Baptist,  Free-will  Bs^tist,  as  significant  of  the  same  pec^le.  Three 
delegates  were  appointed  to  the  Free-will  Baptist  General  Confer- 
ence, who  were  instructed  to  present  a  request  for  the  admission  of 
their  diurches,  to  membership  with  that  body. 

The  ensuing  Saturday  evening,  Mr.  Marks  arrived  in  Troy. 
The  Washingtonian  temperance  reform  was  exciting  much  atten- 
tion. Learning  there  was  a  street  temperance  meeting,  he  attend- 
ed, and  being  celled  upon  by  the  gentleman  whom  he  accompimied, 
he  addrossed  the  meeting  a  few  moments.  At  its  close  he  was  re- 
<]uested  to  lecture  on  temperance  the  next  day  in  the  street  in  West 
Troy.  Sabbath  morning  he  preaefaed  a  sermon  on  temperance  in 
East  Troy,  and  then  attendf'd  worship  in  Dr.  Beman's  diurch.  At 
the  close  of  the  afternoon  service,  he  preached  on  temperance  in  the 
street  in  West  Troy,  and  in  die  evening  prea<^ed  by  request 
in  the  Methodist  chapel.  The  audience  was  large ;  it  was  a 
season  of  much  solemnity  and  weeping,  and  several  presented 
themselves  for  prayer.    Monday  morning  at  sunrise,  he  gave  an- 


OATID  MARKS. 


405 


Three 
snfer- 
ion  of 

["roy. 


an- 


other street  lecture  in  East  Troy,  according  to  previous  appoint- 
ment. 

Continuing  his  journey,  he  attended  a  few  m'edtings  by  the  way, 
and  lectured  again  on  temperance  in  the  street  in  East  Arlington, 
Yt.,  and  in  Pittsfleld,  N.  H.  In  the  latter  place  he  spent  a  week 
with  Elder  D.  P.  Cilley,  and  preached  a  few  sermons.  Sabbath, 
Oct.  8,  he  spent  in  Portsmouth.  He  had  heard  of  the  temperance 
reform  in  that  place,  but  was  hardly  prepared  for  the  reception  he 
met,  and  the  change  he  saw.  Instead  of  the  contempt  and  reproach 
that  he  used  to  meet,  even  in  the  street,  for  the  carrying  out  of  his 
temperance  principles,  the  people  seemed  to  delight  to  do  him  hon- 
or. After  preaching  twice  during  the  day,  he  lectured  on  temper- 
ance in  the  public  market  to  a  large  crowd.  A  temperance  meet- 
ing appointed  for  the  evening  in  one  of  the  houses  of  worship,  was 
adjourned  to  the  Free-will  Baptist  house,  on  learning  that  Mr. 
Marks  would  be  there.  He  gave  them  a  short  address,  which  was 
received  with  much  enthusiasm.  Next  morning,  the  people  made 
him  up  a  purse  of  several  dollars,  and,  as  it  stormed  violently,  they 
gave  out  notice,  without  consulting  him,  that  lie  would  attend  a 
meeting  in  the  afternoon,  and  industriously  circulated  it  among  the 
sailorfl.  Bnt  the  fury  of  the  storm  abating,  he  could  not  be  per- 
suaded to  remain,  as  he  had  scarcely  time  to  reach  Topsham  by  the 
opening  of  tha  Conforonoe.  His  rood  Imy  along  tLo  Atlantic  ooaat. 
The  ocean  was  rolling  tremendous  waves,  and  with  their  white 
caps,  presented  a  more  sublime  and  terrific  spectacle  than  he  had 
ever  before  witnessed  upon  this  great  <<  highway  of  nations." 
Shortly  afterwards,  it  was  ascertained  that  many  vessels  were 
wrecked  and  many  lives  lost  in  this  dreadful  gale. 

October  6, 1841.  At  the  hour  appointed,  the  Conference  opened 
its  eleventh  session,  and  adopted  rules,  requiring  the  delegates  to 
spend  eleven  hours  and  a  half  daily  in  session,  besides  the  time 
spent  on  committees.  Forty-two  delegates  attended.  The  yearly 
meetings  reported  general  prosperity  and  more  than  an  ordinary 
increase.  In  addition  to  the  duties  of  a  member  of  the  Conference, 
Mr.  Marks  was  reporter  of  the  discussions,  and  some  of  the  time 
sat  up  nearly  the  whole  of  the  night.  A  very  interesting  letter 
was  read  from  Mr.  Pike  of  England,  severely  condemning  sla- 
veiy.  The  delegates  from  the  Free  Communion  Baptists  pre- 
sented their  request  for  the  admission  of  their  body  to  member- 
ship, which  was  granted  unanimously.  Their  number  was  about 
twenty-five  hundred.  Their  churches  were  mostly  in  the  vicinity 
of  Utica. 

Spirited  resolves  were  passed  on  the  subject  of  Missions,  Popery, 
Moral  Reform,  Education,  Sabbath  schools,  Temperance,  &c. 
Among  those  passed  on  Temperance  was  the  following :  'M^ys^?^v 


406 


1IKM0IR8   OT 


*^  Retolved,  That  we  advise  the  churches  to  prepare  and 
use  none  but  unfermented  wine  at  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  that 
the  Clerk  insert  in  the  Minutes  a  recipe  for  preparing  such 
wine."  • 

The  resolutions  on  Education  recommended  to  the  general  pat- 
ronage of  the  den(Hnination  the  Free<will  Baptist  Education  Soci- 
ety (which  had  been  recently  formed,)  and  requested  prayer  for  the 
different  literary  institutions  in  operation  among  the  churches. 
The  Conference  continued  its  sitting  for  a  week,  but  had  several  ad- 
joummentd  to  attend  the  anniversaries  of  the  Free-will  Baptist 
Mission  Societies,  Education  Society,  an*d  Sabbath  school  Union, 
which,  for  the  sake  of  convenience,  had  been  appointed  at  this  time. 
Mr.  Marks  reported  also  the  discussions  at  these  anniversaries, 
which  were  very  interesting,  especially  those  of  the  Education  So- 
ciety, of  which  he  then  beoune  a  member.  He  presented  a  res- 
olution to  the  Sodety,  the  purport  of  which  was,  that  we  ought  not 
to  expect  that  Gk)d  will  miraciuously  supply  us  with  that  knowledse 
which  can  be  obteined  by  the  common  use  of  our  fi*eulties.  In  its 
lupport  he  said : 

•  «  «  I  w  Tho  wise  num  tays:  '  The  heart  of  the  prudent  man 
getteth  knowledge ;'  from  which  it  would  seem  that  inateadof  wait- 
ing  for  God  to  transmit  it  to  us  without  our  agency,  it  is  the  busi- 
ness of  (Mwidoni  m«n  4o  get  It.      Again,  Bays  the  flame  tnspirod  wvL 

tar, '  The  ear  of  the  wise  seeketh  knowledge.'  From  this  testimo- 
ny, it  is  clear  that  those  who  do  not  seek  knowledge  are  not  wise. 
That  it  is  not  sufficient  that  ministers  be  sincere  and  good  men,  is 
clear  from  the  wwd  of  the  Lord  to  Jeremiah :  '  And  I  will  give 
you  pastors  according  to  my  own  heart,  which  shall  feed  you  with 
knowhdge  and  understanding.'  From  this,  we  can  see  how  God 
looks  upon  ministers  who  cannot  feed  Uie  people  with  knowledge 
and  imderstanding :  he  does  not  consider  such  ministers  as  *  after 
his  own  heart.'  Another  testimony  from  Malachi  coincides  with 
this.  <The  priest's  lips  should  keep  knowledge,  and  they  [the 
people]  should  learn  the  law  from  his  mouth.'  There  we  are  not 
only  told  that  knowledge  should  be  kept  by  ministers,  but  also  that 
the  people  should  learn  the  law  from  their  mouth.  Again,  God 
said  by  Hosea,  <  My  people  are  destroyed  for  lack  of  knowledge.' 
Thus  it  was  not  knowledge,  but  the  want  of  it,  that  caused  their 
destruction.  A  minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  above  all  other  men, 
should  be  the  last  one  to  plead  for  the  neglect  of  r'^^uy ;  for  it  is 
written  again  in  Hosea,  *  Because  thou  hast  rejected  knowledge,  I 
will  also  reject  thee,  that  thou  shalt  be  no  priest  to  me.'  This 
scripture  is  very  explicit ;  and  as  Grod  has  not  changed  the  princi- 
ples of  his  action,  we  can  now  see  why  some  good  men,  who  have 
been  called  to  the  ministry,  are  comparatively  useless  in  the  vine- 


men,  is 
11  give 
with 
God 
ledge 
after 
3  with 
[the 
I  not 
that 
God 
edge/ 
their 
men, 
it  is 
|e,I 
This 
^rinci- 
,have 
vine- 


DAVIO  1L4BK8* 


407 


yard  of  the  Lord.  They  have  '  n^jected  knowledge  j'  and  for  thii 
cause,  Gkxl  has  rejected  them.  Let  it  not  then  be  said,  that  the 
friends  of  education  have  crowded  those  who  will  not  study  firom 
the  field  of  usefulness.  They  have  not  done  this  thing.  Qod  did 
it,  because  they  rejected  knowledge." 

On  the  Sabbath,  between  the  afternoon  and  evening  service,  Mr. 
Marks  preached  a  temperance  sermon  to  a  large  congregation  in 
the  street  in  Brunswick  village,  separated  ftom  Topsham  by  th« 
Androscoggin  river.  During  the  early  part  of  the  week,  he  set 
out  on  his  return  to  New  Yoric.  Sabbath,  October  17,  he  preached 
in  Portsmouth,  and  there  learned  that  the  missionaries,  Mr*  and 
Mrs.  Noye^  had  just  arrived  from  India,  the  health  of  both  having 
failed.  He  had  with  them  an  interesting  interview.  Great  anxi.' 
ety  had  been  felt  on  their  account,  as  they  had  been  expected  for 
some  time,  and  it  was  feared  they  had  been  lost  in  the  late  gale. 
They  had  indeed  suffered  greatly,  having  been  obliged  to  put  out 
to  sea  when  within  a  few  leagues  of  Boston,  and  had  been  beating 
about  for  nearly  three  weeks,  often  exposed  to  the  most  imndnent 
danger.  Thursday,  Oct.  21,  he  left  Dover,  and  preaching  a  few 
limes  by  the  way,  arrived  in  Varvsbargh  the  last  of  the  month,  and 
was  rejoiced  to  find  that  Uie  Washingtonian  temperance  reibnii 
had  reached  this  little  village,  and  had  rescued  several  of  hs  me- 
briates. 

In  the  eariy  part  of  November,  Mrs.  Mark^  little  neice,  nved 
her  by  her  dying  mother,  became  a  member  of  the  family.  Ever 
after,  she  was  a  great  favorite  with  Mr.  Maries,  and  occupied  a 
large  place  in  his  affections.  She  was  then  a  little  more  thim  two 
years  old. 

Mr.  Marks  now  resumed  his  labors  with  the  churches  in  Yaiyi^ 
burg  and  Portageville ;  but  as  the  latter  place  was  so  far  from  his 
residence,  it  made  his  work  too  lutrd.  The  church  was  prospering, 
had  nearly  finished  their  house  of  worship,  and  he  persuaded  them 
to  get  another  pastor.  After  the  first  of  January,  1842,  he  labored 
half  the  time  till  the  ensuing  May,  with  the  church  in  Java,  eight 
miles  fiom  Yarysburg.  They  had  been  in  great  trials,  and  despair^ 
ing  of  settling  their  fShirs,  concluded  to  disbaikl  and  organise  arow. 
Accordingly  they  ient  ftMr  Mr.  Marks  to  aid  them  in  their  re-or- 
ganization.  He  told  them  he  though  their  course  unscriptumi, 
but  consented  to  assist  them,  provided  they  would  exercise  disd- 
plise,  and  settle  their  difibrenees  by  the  fatw  of  Christ  He  met 
th^B  in  a  protraeted  dburch  meeting,  whidi  lasted  about  a  week. 
This  resulted  in  tira  amicable  adjustment  of  tSSBoan  with  but  one  or 
two  cases  of  cKsdpKnek  The  chuch  felt  eooooraged,  and  b^an 
building  a  bouse  of  won^ip.  He  commenced  a  pimttaeted  meetinff 
«iUi  tlmask  fiad  wss  soo6  r^osssu  to  see  a  mattering  pro^^ect  (^ 


^1. 


408 


MBM0IR8  or 


success.  Several  were  awakened,  some  were  converted,  and  added 
to  the  church,  and  there  were  good  indications  of  a  general  work, 
when,  on  his  return  from  an  evening  meeting,  he  was  suddenly 
seized  with  a  severe  distress  in  his  stomach,  and  would  have  fallen 
to  the  ground,  if  he  had  not  been  supported.  For  several  days 
following,  he  was  confined  to  a  bed  of  sickness,  and,  after  he  was 
able  to  be  carried  home,  remained  very  feeble  for  some  time,  though 
he  continued  the  dischai^  of  his  pastoral  duties. 

The  time  was  drawing  near,  that  he  had  appointed  for  going  to 
New  York  city,  but  while  he  was  planning  the  necessary  arrange- 
ments, he  received  an  unexpected  call  to  go  to  a  western  field. 
The  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania  yearly  meetings  had  formed  an  Edu- 
cation Society,  which  had  resolved  to  get  a  Seminary  of  the  first 
order  into  operation,  and  a  very  earnest  request  was  sent  him  to 
come  to  their  aid,  and  be  their  agent.  He  hardly  knew  what  to  do. 
His  health  had  for  years  beun  .^o  frail,  and  exposures  consequent 
on  travelling  had  so  greatly  injured  him,  that  he  had  thought  he 
was  firm  in  his  purpose  of  settling  in  some  place  where  he  could 
find  labor  enough  to  do  without  travelling,  and  at  the  same  time, 
pursue  a  course  of  study,  that  would  the  better  prepare  him  to 
write  some  works  for  the  Free-will  Baptist  denomination,  which 
had  long  been  on  his  mind  to  write.  N.  York  city  he  thought  offer- 
ed these  facilitiep.  Now  another  path  of  usefulness  was  presented. 
He  had  long  loul  <  1  upon  the  Western  Valley  with  much  interest, 
and  had  deeply  felt  the  need  that  something  should  be  done  to 
arouse  and  prepare  Free-will  Baptist  churches  to  act  efficiently  in 
the  great  moral  battle-field  of  the  West.  Another  circumstance 
had  its  influence  in  guiding  his  decision.  Oberlin  was  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  this  new  field.  He  had  loved  it  from  its  early  settle- 
ment, and,  as  has  been  already  mentioned,  had  greatly  desired  to 
enjoy  its  rich  literary  privileges,  and  be  benefited  by  its  high  tone 
of  piety.  After  much  consideration  and  prayer,  he  finally  con- 
cluded to  accept  the  call  to  Ohio,  and  make  Oberlin  his  home  for  a 
season. 

In  the  early  part  of  May,  he  made  a  tour  to  Upper  Canada, 
where  he  left  his  companion  with  her  parents  while  he  could  visit 
and  take  leave  of  the  churches  in  the  Holland  Purchase  yearly 
meeting.  From  the  21st  of  May  to  the  10th  of  July,  he  visited 
and  preached  with  forty-six  churches,  attended  the  Genesee  quar- 
terly meeting  in  Bennington,  and  the  Holland  Purchase  yearly 
meeting  in  Middlebury.  The  yearly  meeting  was  deeply  inter- 
esting. The  quarterly  meetings  reported  revivals  and  more  ener- 
getic action  in  the  various  causes  of  Christian  benevolence.  Mr. 
Marks  requested  a  dismission  from  the  yearly  meeting  of  which 
he  had  been  a   member  more  than  twenty  years,  to  unite  with 


DATID  MARKS. 


409 


VI- 

settle- 
jired  to 
tone 
con- 
lie  for  a 

jlanada, 

Id  visit 

yearly 

■visited 

quar- 

lyearly 

inter- 

ener- 

Mr. 

Iwluch 

with 


one  of  the  Ohio  yearly  meetings.  A  very  kind  and  affection- 
ate commendatory  letter  was  given  him;  and,  unexpectedly  to 
him,  the  yearly  meeting  conference  passed  the  following  vote  of 
thanks: 

"  Jiesolved,  That  we  render  our  unfeigned  thanks  to  Elder  Da- 
vid Marks  for  his  services  in  this  yearly  meeting  for  the  last  twenty 
vears,  and  gratefblly  acknowledge  the  aid  he  Iws  rendered  us  in 
his  indefatigable  labors  for  the  advancement  of  the  cause  of  Christ 
in  this  region." 

A  few  Airther  particulars  respectinff  his  labors  and  the  Indus- 
trious occupancv  of  his  time  during  this  his  last  visit  to  the  church- 
es of  the  Holumd  Purchase  yearly  meeting  may  be  gathered 
from  the  following  extracts  from  his  letters. 

.  **  My  carriage,  near  Niagara  Falls,  U.  C.  May  20, 1842. 
My  dearly  beloved  wife : — 

My  health  is  good  and  I  am  happy.  The 
morning  is  beautiAil,  the  road  very  smooth  and  I  commence  wri- 
ting this  letter  while  riding  in  a  wagon  at  the  rate  of  five  miles 
per  hour.  The  day  I  left  you,  especially  the  latter  part  of  it,  I 
was  very  calm  and  happy.  My  time  was  spent  mostly  in  meditations, 
which  were  sweet  to  my  soul--such  as  the  certainty  of  the  hope  of 
eternal  life,  where  sicuiess,  sorrow,  labor,  and  pain,  will  be  un- 
known, and  loved  friends  will  part  no  more.  O  how  sweet  were 
these  reflections.  What  a  luxuiy  it  is  to  the  soul  to  contemplate 
the  ineffable  glories  of  eternal  lire,  not  in  a  vague,  general,  and  in- 
definite manner,  as  by  a  glimmering  light,  but  as  a  tangible  reality, 
an  ^anchor  sure  and  steadfast"  These  sweet  reflections  were 
awakened  by  those  lonely  feelings  which  had  at  flrst  come  over 
me,  in  consequence  of  the  long  separation  which  was  to  take 
place  between  us.  While  my  thoughts  wandered  over  the  thir- 
teen years  which  have  passed  since  we  first  met,  and  lingered  on 
that  kind  providence  which  has  ever  attended  us  amidst  all  the 
changes  of  this  rapid  flight  of  time,  my  heart  was  melted  with 
a  feeling  of  gratitude  and  thankfulness  which  was  inexpressibly 
sweet. 

As  I  draw  near  the  Falls  which  are  so  celebrated  I  must  lay 
aside  my  pen  to  listen  to  their  miyestic  roar,  gaze  upon  their  aw- 
ful grandeur,  and  contemplate  the  greatness  of  their  Author. 

May  24.  I  had  a  pleasant  time  in  passing  the  mighty  cataract. 
I  crossed  the  Niagara  the  same  day,  and  left  Buffalo  about  six 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  then  rode  twenty  seven  miles  by  a  delightful  moon- 
light, and  arrived  at  Darien  at  half  past  eleven  o'clock. 

The  quarterly  meeting,  [Genesee,  at  Bennington,]  was  attend- 
ed by  a  larger  number  of  delegatee  than  I  have  seen  at  the  quar- 
85 


.-H.>=-.-».-ii'C:^K. 


410 


MKMOIAB    or 


5  '--*•■ 


^«^ 


ttfly  meetiag  ftw  nuuar  j^mni  and  oa  the  Sabbath,  notwitb«tand* 
ing  the  hMvj  r«K  •  faigc  oongrantion  waa  present.  It  woa  on 
Iha  whole  the  beit  quarterly  leiilon  thia  aMooiatioo  of  church 
ee  has  had  for  years.  Brother  Philander  W.  Belknap  was  ur- 
d^ned.  It  was  my  lot  to  preach  the  ordination  sermon,  and  my 
spul  was  baoUied  into  the  spirit  of  my  sut^iect.  I  preached 
my  ikrewell  disooorses  at  Varysburgh  and  Orangeville  the  22d  of 
mj"      •       •       • 

<<  My  carriage,  Castile,  June  8,  1842. 
'iHy  dearly  belored  wife  >— 

The  travelling  of  seventy  miles  «x^/-a,  the 
aettUng  of  Book  Concern  accounts  with  several  assistant  agents, 
the  completion  of  my  eleventh  Star  report,  and  keeping  a  copy  of 
the  same,  together  with  my  personal  business,  daily  appointments, 
and  travels,  Mve  occupied  me  so  closely,  that  I  have  had  little 
sleep  or  rest  for  eight  days  past  Even  the  whoh  thfne  that  I  have 
keen  riding  haa  been  oooupled  hs  writteg  or  arransing  accoontH. 
I  am  getting  so  as  to  write  letters  to  others  while  riding  as  well  as 
to  my  dear  companion.    •    f    * 

libe  ol|urok  in  Portagevfile  alill  prospert.  It  now  numbers 
about  sixty  members.  I  preached  in  Naples  in  Uie  Methodist 
ohi^  to  a  very  crowded  house,  spoke  two  hours  and  had  one  of 
my  best  seasons.  I  never  saw  a  stillw  or  more  aUentive  assembly 
Ibr  the  same  length  of  time,  so  fiur  as  extraneous  noises  were  con- 
oemed.    «    •    •    f 

Jme  15.  I  fiwmd  a  revival  in  BVeedom  under  the  labors  of 
Elder  Bei^jamin  McKoon.  Nine  were  converted  the  night  after 
I  preached  there.  The  church  were  finishing  off  their  meeting 
iKmse,  which  was  covered  six  years  ago!  I  take  much  comfort, 
eiE^oy  excellent  liberbr  in  preaching,  and  am  kindly  received  in  ev- 
ery place.  My  old  Kochester  affairs  are  nearly  settled.  *  •  * 
Farewell.  Your  affectionate  husband, 

^   :■■%-■  Db  Marks. 


<  j        -_         It':  ■('/?■ ''**■■  -^j-  '■,■:*.■   • 


^a*^'?f»»>•  -f*-'-  •"■    ■■'■':.^?((?#.*»iiv.v...  .  ■;    .. ^i'>-..»wji.; •.«■'■ --■-■      •    -  ■    -i"    , 


\lht  notwitliBtund- 
lent.  It  WM  on 
atloB  of  church 
Belknap  was  or- 
■ennon,  and  my 
ect.  I  preached 
eville  the  22d  of 

,  June  8,  1840.  ! 

y  miles  extrot  the 
i  assistant  agents, 
keeping  a  copy  of 
lily  appointments, 
I  have  had  little 
•  time  that  I  have 
■anging  accounts. 
I  riding  as  well  as 

It  now  numbers 
in  ihe  Methodist 
t  and  had  one  of 
itentive  assembly 

noises  were  oon- 

ler  the  labors  of 
d  the  night  after 
>ff  their  meeting 
:e  much  comfort, 
|y  received  in  ev- 
ittled.     *    *    * 

IX  Marks.  ^ 


-mi^ftp^- 


»'^^^.*-'"''^  \v  ■ 


J-. 


'  i^*M 


DATtD  MABKI. 


CttAt>TKft  XXIX. 


% 


Mr.  Marht*  IcAon  in  th«  cava  qf  OkritHan  Educationj  ^.  m 
Ohio  and  Nno  ff<mp»hir»i  from  Jtdjf  1842,  to  Hov.  1844. 

Mr.  Marks  gave  a  leotare  by  request  in  Hariiburg,  on  the  4th  of 
July,  on  the  duty  of  voters.  This  subject,  as  weU  as  temperano^^ 
education,  Ac.  he  always  treated  very  religiously,  and  enforced  iik 
practical  obliaation  by  arguments  drawn  directly  from  Sct^ptuM. 
He  usually  eelected  a  text,  and  conducted  the  sehrices  in  the  MM^ 
manner  as  any  meeting  of  religious  worship.  Oflen  these  tit' 
oasions  were  melting  sdettin  seasons.  After  the  ckwe  of  (die 
lecture,  he  rode  to  BufiUo,  met  hk  companion  returning  fMtlk 
Canada,  and  with  her  proceeded  on  his  way  to  his  field  of  labor  ill 
Ohio. 

July  18.  He  neached  b  Cherry  Valley,  and  next  morning,  tn 
company  with  Elder  Ransom  Dilma,  (who  had  been  itastrumtotdl 
in  engaging  his  services  fbr  the  Wei^im  Reserve  Education  S<Nlu 
et^,)  continued  his  journey  to  ChMter,  Geauga  county,  AiMtiMA 
miles  east  of  Cleveland,  the  place  the  society  iMd  in  vi«w  in  wkoH 
to  locate  their  Seminary.  Jnly  Id,  the  society  oonveiied.  Th«y 
had  no  funds  to  meet  the  expenses  of  an  agent)  and  but  extremely 
limited  collections  could  be  immediately  made.  The  churelMI 
among  which  they  were  going  to  send  theilr  agent  W6f«  many  of 
them  but  reoendy  organised,  small,  comparatively  poor,  mottly 
without  meeting  houses,  and  able  to  sustain  ^reachteg  but  A  ptit 
of  the  time.  Mr.  Marks,  with  his  Usual  selfnewcrificing  spirit,  chai^ged 
the  terms  of  his  services.  He  had  stipulated  to  receive  his  pky 
quarterly  from  th6  sociefy,  in  ord^r  to  meet  his  expiehMM  j  but  aio# 
he  l^preed  to  watt  till  it  could  be  collected  from  the  subscHptibti  M 
might  raise  for  the  society.  In  addition  to  thid  agen<iy,  he  accept^ 
the  appointment  of  Corresponding  Secretary.  It  was  also  decided 
to  open  the  school  immediately  at  Chester.  The  directors  pnN 
chased  eighty  acres  of  land)  designed  fot  a  manual  labor  farm,  M  a 
cost  of  $1593,  which  was  paid  for  with  a  part  of  92159,  which  had 
been  subscribed  in  Chester,  and  9100,  relinquished  by  the  Free^ 
will  Baptist  Education  Society  in  New  England,  from  the  beqii^ 
of  Mr.  Luke  Philbrick,  of  Chester. 

Mr.  Marks  spent  several  da3rs  in  getting  the  school  into  opetft* 
tion.  Subscriptions  for  between  twenty-nve  and  thirty  scholars 
were  obtained,  die  services  of  brother  Asahel  Nichols  were  secured 
as  teacher  for  a  short  season,  and  the  school  was  immediately 
optoued  in  the  Free-will  Baptist  chapel.    Mr.  Marks  then  v&tited 


■•r7iK*i^y 


412 


MEKOntS   OF 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Daniel  Branch,  at  that  time  teachers  of  Farmington 
Academj,  for  the  purpose  of  engi^ing  them  as  permanent  teachers 
in  Chester.  They  removed  to  Chester  the  February  following, 
took  chaise  of  the  school  at  the  commencement  of  the  third  quar- 
ter, which  charge  they  have  ever  since  retained.  They  have  been 
very  faithful,  laborious,  and  self-denying  in  their  efforts,  and  have 
seen  many  of  their  pupils  converted.  ,  S  ,  V 

In  the  month  of  August,  Mr.  Marks,  after  removing  his  family  to 
Oberlin,  commenced  a  tour  through  the  churches  connected  with  the 
Ohio  and  Pennsylvania  yearly  meeting.  The  Education  Board 
had  resolved  that  subscriptions  should  be  opened  to  articles  of 
all  kinds  that  are  bought  and  sold,  except  slaves  and  intoxicating 
drink,  or  such  things  as  would  make  the  reception  a  violation  ot 
principle.  The  following  brief  account  of  the  agent's  labors  till 
the  last  of  January  1843,  is  taken  from  an  article  published  in  the 
Morning  Star. 

"  In  the  month  of  August,'  1842,  I  commenced  a  tour  through 
the  churches  belon^ngto  the  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania  yearly  meet- 
ing, and  in  three  weeks  visited  and  preached  with  twenty  churches, 
and  raised  a  subscription  of  $2007,85.  Not  the  first  word  of  op- 
position di4  I  hear  m>s>  a  single  individual  in  these  churches.  *  * 
In  Pennsylvania,  the  most  sanguine  expectations  were  more  than 
realized ;  for,  notwithstanding  the  churches  we^ :  nearly  all  new, 
small,  and  poor,  there  was,  according  to  their  ability,  a  greater  lib- 
erality among  them  than  among  the  churches  in  Obio,  for  in  twen- 
hr-seven  churches  that  were  visited,  $1298.  were  subscribed.  In- 
deed, in  some  instances,  poor  females  that  had  large  families,  came 
forward  with  tears,  and  wished  to  subscribe  a  dollar  per  year  to  be 
paid  in  knitting.  Others  wished  to  subscribe  on  condition  that 
health  would  permit,  and  others  on  condition  that  they  could  pay 
their  subscriptions  without  distressing  their  dependents.  One 
brother  subscribed  ninety  dollars,  his  wife  ten  dollars,  to  be  paid  in 
knitting,  and  his  eldest  daughter,  fourteen  years  of  age,  ten  dollars 
more,  to  be  paid  in  the  same  way.  But  when  I  understood  that 
this  brother  was  worth  but  about  $800.  my  heart  was  touched,  and 
I  said  to  him,  that  I  feared  he  had  been  excited,  and  had  subscribed 
too  much,  and  I  would  allow  him  if  he  chose,  to  lessen  his  subscrip- 
tion. He  replied,  *  No,  brother,  I  have  not  subscribed  too  much.  For 
years,  I  have  trembled  at  the  increased  corruption  of  political  par- 
ties which  threatens  our  country  with  the  subversion  of  all  its  lib- 
erties. No  ray  of  light  or  hope  has  dawned  on  my  mind  until  the 
subject  of  a  sanctified  education  was  introduced.  Here  there  is 
light,  hope,  and  prospect.  What  I  have  subscribed  is  not  all  I  in- 
tend to  do,  if  the  Lord  prosper  me.'  This  brother  had  right  views 
of  the  subject.    O  that  our  churches  were  filled  with  such  men. 


'■Ti-'/.fjrj.y 


DAVID  HARKS. 


41^ 


par- 
lib- 

[the 
Ire  is 

I  in- 
riews 
■men. 


Oh  the  18th  of  January,  1843,  I  finished  a  tour  through  the 
Ohio  Northern  yearly  tneetmg,  which  had  occupied  seven  weeks, 
having  pre<t.ched  to  about  sixty  churches  6n  thd  subject  of  edticn- 
tion,  and  raised  a  subscription  of  $4770.  Total  in  the  two  yearly 
meetings,  S10,579.*  More  than  one  half  of  this  subscriptioh  is 
payable  either  in  cash  or  its  equivalent,  and  it  is  ^rdbiibl^,  accord- 
ing to  the  usual  fftilures  in  subscriptions,  cost  of  collection,  trans- 
portation, &c.,  that  not  more  thtin  one-third,  ot  at  most,  two-fifths 
need  be  deducted  from  this  sum,  to  get  the  amount  which  wiA  b6 
actually  returned  to  the  society  over  and  above  all  expenses,  lote- 
es,  failures,  &c.  It  is  also  ptobable  that  a  fbtindation  is  laid  for  in- 
creased subscriptions  every  year,  hot  only  from  thbte  Whode  h&aiM 
Grod  may  yet  enlarge,  but  also  fh>ni  converts  that  will  be  added  io  oti^ 
chujrches.  Eighteen  building  lots  hav6  be6n  rented  by  the  Institu- 
tion for  ten  jeard,  to  individuals  intending  to  erect  small  private  dr 
family  boarding  houses  the  present  year.^ 

The  following  are  extracts  from  hid  letters  ttrritteh  to  his  <i6ill- 
panion  during  these  labots : 

:^  V  ^;      ;.  '"      ,.   ^  ''Fairfield,  !^a.  Sept.  16.    J 

*  ♦  i  have  traveilliecl  eleven  miles  this  morning,  and 
for  the  first  two  hours  busied  myself  in  reciting  the  rules  of  my 
Latin  grammar.  «  #  «  -^j  health  is  about  as  usual,  except 
my  bronchitis  is  better,  much  better  while  there  id  an  increase  of 
the  weakness  of  my  stomach,  and  of  exhaustion  upon  exercise,  t 
feel  that  I  hold  my  life  on  a  slender  thread,  and  its  continuance  is 
on  probation.  Sometimes  I  think  I  will  return  home  and  atten4 
to  my  health,  to  the  neglect  of  every  thing  else.  Then  again,  I 
seem  to  think  I  am  foolish  and  easily  alarmed,  so  that  what  would 
be  nothing  to  another,  afiects  my  weak  nerves.  But,  blessed  be 
God,  there  is  a  home,  sweet  home,  the  eternal  rest  of  the  redeem- 
ed, where  loved  ones  will  part  no  more,  and  where  sickness  will  be 
a  stranger.  ^ 

Sept.  18.  I  Am  now  through  visiting  the  churches  of  the  Oraw> 
ford  quarterly  meeting.  There  are  eight  in  alL  I  have  visited 
six.  I  attended  a  session  of  their  quarterly  meeting  last  Saturday 
find  Sabbath  at  Deer  Creek.  My  mission  was  kindly  received.  I 
preached  three  times  on  the  Sabbath,  and  three  or  four  professed 
to  be  converted  Sabbath  evening. 

Huron  Village,  November,  28.    I  am  now  at  the  house  of  — — - 

,  one  of  the  richest  men  in  this  part  of  the  country,  and  till 

seven  months  since  one  of  the  wickedest  men.    Then  a  fit  of  sick* 

ness  brought  him  to  repentance,  which  he  has  lately  confessed  for 


*  A  part  of  this  subscription  was  payable  Ib  anaual  inRtcdlme&tS  for  thd  tea. 
cnsqiQor  years. 

35* 


;.-j'  j-':i7.'-7'55e^Ti'^''-. 


414 


MEMOIBS   or 


the  first  time.   Brother  C and  myself  are,  this  night,  probably 

the  first  ministers  that  were  ever  invited  into  his  house,  and  this 
evening  probably  the  first  vocal  prayer  was  made  under  his  roof. 
We  have  had  a  very  good  quarterly  meeting.  [Lake  Erie  quarter- 
ly meeting.]  This  evening,  eleven  came  to  the  anxious  seat,  one 
of  whom  found  peace.'*        *        *        * 

Toward  the  last  of  December,  Mr.  Marks  returned  home.  He 
had  discovered  a  bloating  in  his  limbs,  which  a  physician  whom  he 
consulted  said  was  merely  a  result  of  the  debility  of  his  system. 
He  wrote : 

"  New  Haven,  Huron  Co.  Jan.  2, 1843.  Through  the  goodness 
of  the  Lord  I  am  in  usual  health,  except  the  bloating  of  my  limbs, 
which  I  think  increases  a  little.  I  hope,  however,  that  it  is  but  the 
result  of  the  inactive  state  of  my  system,  from  which  I  hope  to're- 
oover  when  my  nerves  become  strengthened.  My  medicines,  I 
think,  are  producing  a  good  effect  My  stomach  is  certainly  much 
stronger,  and  acidity  is  almost  a  stranger  to  it  The  difiiculty  in 
my  throat  has  entirely  disappeared.  O,  dear  companion,  thank  the 
Lord  with  me  for  these  favorable  omens,  and  yet  let  us  be  prepar- 
ed for  whatever  chastening  the  Lord  may  be  pleased  to  send  upon 
us,  rememWring  that  whom  he  loveth  he  chasteneth,  and  scourgeth 
every  son  whom  he  receiveth. 

Yesterday,  I  preached  three  times  to  crowded  congregations,  and 
had  very  good  seasons.  Twenty-two  came  forward  and  kneeled 
for  prayer,  nearly  all  of  whom  spoke.  Eighteen  of  these  and  forty- 
two  others  [professors']  covenanted  to  kneel  and  pray  three  times 
a  day  for  a  year.  I  think  a  revival  will  follow.  I  commenced  the 
year  by  a  new  consecration  of  myself  to  God,  and  a  renewed  prom- 
ise to  live  by  my  good  rules  and  resolutions.  Perhaps  this 
year  may  make  an  inroad  in  our  happy  family,  but  I  trust  we 
are  all  like  minute  men,  and  shall  be  ready  when  our  Lord  shall 
call. 

A  am,  as  usual,  busy,  very  busy.  How  is  it  that  I  always  have  my 
hands  full  ?  When  I  think  I  will  do  less,  and,  for  the  recovery 
of  my  health,  live  easy,  it  is  true  as  you  have  often  told  me,  /  do 
not  know  how.  Infinite  toils  are  needed  in  this  wicked  world,  and 
as  I  see  that  a  little  labor  here  and  a  little  labor  there  will  do 
good,  I  feel  a  sort  of  uncontrollable,  impelling  power,  urging  me 
on,  and  before  I  am  aware,  I  am  loaded  with  cares  and  responsi- 
bilities.'* 

"  Grand  township,  Marion  quarterly  meeting,  Jan.  5, 1843.  *  * 
The  day  after  mailing  my  last  letter  to  you,  I  went  to  Bucyrus ; 
and  as  my  limbs  were  swollen  the  night  before  worse  than  I  had 
ever  seen  them,  I  called  on  a  physician,  to  learn  whether  I  had  the 
dropsy.    Jn  answer  to  my  questions  he  said  I  had  no  symptoms  of 


DAVID    MARKS. 


415 


|ave  my 
pcovery 
3,  /  do 
1,  and 
all  do 
ing  me 
jsponsi- 

«    « 

Icyrus; 
I  had 
idthe 
}msof 


dropsy,  though  my  debility  if  not  removed,  might,  in  two  or  three 
years,  terminate  in  either  dropsy  or  consumption.  He  said  my  liv- 
er is  very  inactive,  and  the  bloating  of  my  limbs  proceeds  from  the 
inactive  state  of  my  blood.  He  thought  the  course  of  medical 
treatment  I  was  pursuing,  as  directed  by  Dr.  Yanort,  would  cure 
me. 

January  8.  We  have  had  a  good  quarterly  meeting ;  my  health 
improves.  In  twelve  days  and  twenty  hours,  I  hope  to  see  my 
dear  family  in  my  sweet  home ;  yet,  if  disappointment  awaits  me, 
may  the  Lord  prepare  me  for  it. 

Your  more  than  ever  affectionate  husband, 

D.  Marks." 

About  the  last  of  January,  Mr.  Marks  suspended  for  a  few 
months  his  travels  for  the  Western  Reserve  Education  Society, 
and  made  arrangements  for  the  commencement  of  his  studies  at 
Oberlin.  He  engaged  to  preach  statedly  with  four  churches,  two 
of  them  eight  miles,  one  of  them  nine,  and  the  other  twenty  miles 
from  Oberlin,  spending  with  them  about  three  days  in  a  week,  in- 
cluding the  Sabbath.  These  churches  were  to  raise  $300.  per  year 
for  his  support.  At  the  commencement  of  the  term  of  the  Oberlin 
Institute,  February  1, 1843,  he  joined  a  class,  and  began  anew  his 
study  of  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages,  preaching  according  to 
his  engagements,  occasionally  holding  other  meetings  in  adjacent 
neighborhoods,  and  superintending  the  building  of  a  small  house. 
He  was  not  only  able  to  go  on  with  his  class,  but  even  under  these 
circumstances,  his  health  rapidly  improved.  Formerly,  when  he 
travelled,  as  night  came  on  he  had  laid  his  book  aside,  except  when 
the  full  moon  shone,  but  now  he  adopted  the  expedient  of  carrying 
a  lanteiTi  and  studying  by  its  light,  as  he  returned  from  his  even- 
ing meetings.  Three  months  thus  passed  very  happily  with  him 
in  his  studies  and  labors.  Indeed,  he  seemed  to  enjoy  life  exceed- 
ingly. He  had  in  the  mean  time,  from  different  sections,  many 
and  urgent  calls ;  but,  with  a  perseverance  unexampled  in  his  for- 
mer history,  he  was  enabled  to  say  "  No,"  a  word  be  often  remark- 
ed he  had  never  before  learned  to  say.  One  of  these,  however, 
notwithstanding  his  strong  resolution,  made  him  pause.  It  was  a 
call  from  the  Trustees  of  Strafford  Academy,  in  New  Hampshire, 
written  in  their  behalf  by  Elder  Place.  The  institution  was  so  in- 
volved that  it  was  feared  that  it  would  be  lost.  He  wrote  the  fol- 
lowing reply: 

^ '  "■  "^     "'  ^        "  Oberlin,  O.  March  10,  1843. 
My  Dear  Brother : — 

Yours  of  the  27th  ult.,  directed  to  Chester,  was  received 
yesterday  at  this  place — the  place  of  my  fixed  residence  for  a  number 
of  years,  if  I  live,     I  must  answer  your  letter  briefly,  ar  I  have  to  attend 


yr'^ 


416 


miroiRS  Of 


to  study  ten  hours  to^ay,  and  berides  have  to  travel  eighteon  miles  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Vermillioa  river,  and  preaoh  three  hours  on  baptism  aocord- 
inff  to  previous  engagement. 

I  am  now  settled  m  Oberlin,  with  a  fixed  and  unalterable  determina- 
tion, if  the  Lord  will,  to  pursue  those  studies  needful  for  preparing  me 
to  enter  college — ^then  to  take  a  thorough  and  regular  course  through 
college  and  theology.    I  have  not  blundered  into  these  purposes.    They 
are  not  the  reault  of  any  sudden  excitement,  but  of  careful,  prayerful, 
and  sincere  examination  of  duty  fbr  years.    I  take  this  course  fVom  the 
full  conviction  that  I  can  do  far  more  good,  if  I  should  live  but  a  flaw 
years  af^er  its  completion,  than  I  could  aooomplish  in  any  other  way. 
*    *    *    I  have  now  only  to  say,  that  until  I  change  ray  views  of  duty, 
no  consideration  will  induce  me  to  abandon  my  studies  nor  leave  them, 
even  temporarily,  unless  I  should  have  evidence  that  it  is  to  accomplish 
some  great  Work  for  the  public  good,  which  no  other  man  can  be  found 
to  do,  under  existing  circumstances.    If  I  knew  that  no  other  man  nould 
be  and  would  be  obtained  to  save  the  Institution,  I  cannot  say  that  I 
would  not  leave  my  studies  for  three  or  four  or  even  six  months  to  A6* 
eomplish  such  a  work.    But  on  no  other  grounds  would  I  listen  to  any 
proposals,  nor  to  any  inducements  whatever.    I  am  poor,  and  probably 
always  shall  be— and  should  be,  if  I  had  an  income  of  $  3000  a  year, 
bat  mere  peeuniary  ofibrs  would  not  induce  me  to  ffo.    If  the  Institution 
has  been,  and  now  is,  conducted  on  right  and  Christian  principles,  I 
have  no  doubt  that  I  have  arguments  and  measures  that  would  dear  it 
from  its  embarrassments,  and  set  it  on  a  sure  foundation  in  from  three  to 
six  months.    *    *    «    *    i  would  not  think  a  moment  of  the  great, 
and  trying,  and  painful  self-denial  of  leaving  my  dear  family  in  my  fee- 
ble health][to  go  to  your  aid,  were  it  not  from  fear  that  the  Institution 
will  not  be  saved.    I  entreat  that  every  measure  may  be  taken  that  is 
possible,  and  that  no  dependence  be  made  upon  me,  except  as  a  last  re* 
sort.    I  would  rather  not  go  at  $  SOOO.  a  year  if  I  could  avoid  it,  and 
not  sin  against  God  and  my  beloved  connexion,  for  I  have  an  object  in 
view  hieher  than  any  money  concern."    After  making  several  propo- 
sitions, lie  added :  '*  After  all,  I  dare  not  sav  that  I  would  go  were  all 
these  conditions  fulfilled.    My  studies  and  my  age — my  health,  the 
wants  of  the  Western  Reserve  Education  Society,  and  the  churches  to 
which  I  preach,  make  me  hesitate,  and  close  in  haste,  with  a  fervent 
prayer  that  God  will  direct."        •        •        • 

In  the  mean  time,  brother  J.  J.  Butler,  T'lincipal  of  Clinton 
Seminary,  N.  Y.  wrote  him  thus :  "  If  you  can  save  Strafford  Acad- 
emy by  three  months,  six  months,  or  a  year's  labor,  I  think  you 
ought  to  engage  in  its  behalf.  And  I  am  inclined  to  suppose  you 
might.  Could  you  place  the  pecuniary  affairs  of  your  Seminary 
in  Ohio  in  such  a  train,  that  you  could  pafely  leave  them,  you 
would  accomplish  a  great  and  good  work  in  rescuing  the  Institution 
at  Strafford.  I  hope  to  hear  that  you  comply  with  their  request, 
provided  you  can  do  it  without  thereby  sacrificing  the  Ohio  Insti- 
tution.   You  must  be  pretty  busily  employed  with  all  your  cares 


DAYID  MABKS. 


4X7 


ution 
lat  is 
9tre- 
and 
ct  in 
ipo* 
all 
th& 
IS  to 
ent 


and  responsibiliticB.    You  need  wonderful  faculties  to  do  justice  to 
them  all." 

Soon  afterwards  Mr.  Marks  received  the  following :  "^ 

"  Strafford  Centri,  N.  H.  April  17,  1843. 
My  Dear  Brother  Marks : — 

Yours  of  the  16th  ult.  has  been  duly  received  and  laid  before 
our  Trustees.  At  their  meeting  held  on  the  16th  inst.  I  was  authorised 
to  answer  your  letter,  and  present  to  you  the  views  and  feelings  of  our 
Board.  •  •  •  *  O,  brother  Marks,  we  do  not  wish  to  flatter  you. 
God  forbid.  The  sole  and  only  cause  why  we  have  troubled  you  with 
our  request,  is,  that  we  do  believe  that,  under  God,  you  are  the  only 
man  that  we  have  any  knowledge  of  in  our  denomination,  that  can  save 
our  literary  Institution. 

The  Catholics  have  at  last  formally  invaded  New  England.  A  large, 
expensive,  and  splendid  edifice  is  now  in  progress  at  Worcester,  Mass., 
forty  miles  from  Boston,  for  a  coUeffe  of  Jesuits  ! !  and  yet  nine-tenths 
of  the  numerous  hosts  of  Free-will  Baptists  in  this  state  axe  asleep--' 
asleep  on  the  subject  of  Christian  education,  while  the  enemy,  in  solid 
phalanx,  will  soon  overtake  them,  when  it  will  be  too  late  for  repen- 
tance. O,  brother,  I  say  it  in  the  fear  of  €k)d,  that  while  I  write  this, 
streaminff  tears  flow  in  torrents  from  my  weeping  eyes,  and  my  praver 
is,  that  God  may  direct  us  all  in  the  wav  of  duty.  I  am  reading  D'Au- 
bigne's  History  of  the  Reformation.  It  is  a  rich  repast,  and  had  it  not 
been  for  a  sanctified  education  in  the  hand  of  God,  the  world  would  have 
slept  on  till  this  time  in  papal  darkness,  and  you,  and  I,  and  millions  of 
others,  have  finally  gone  to  hell.  We  believe  that  the  call  we  make  up- 
on you  is  from  God,  and  that  his  holy  hand  is  in  it.        *        *        *   ''' 

Our  wish  is  that  you  become  our  sole  agent.  O  do  come,  do,  do,  for 
God's  sake  come  to  our  help.  I  do  not  say  this  to  move  your  passions. 
The  whole  truth  is  summed  up  in  these  few  words — ^the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees believe,  beyond  a  doubt,  that  you  alone  can  save  the  Institution, 
and  if  you  cannot  come,  no  other  man  can  do  it.  *  *  *  * 
Yours  in  the  best  of  bonds,  E.  Place."    . 

This  letter  was  an  appeal  that  Mr.  Marks  had  not  in  the  power 
of  his  heart  to  withstand.  He  laid  the  subject  before  his  teacher, 
and  the  president  of  the  college^  and  asked  their  advice.  They 
thought  it  unfortunate  for  him  at  his  time  of  life  to  fall  back  a  year 
in  his  studies ;  but  conceded,  that  probably  under  existing  circum- 
stances it  was  bis  duty  to  go  to  New  Hampshire.  After  this  con- 
sultation, he  wrote  immediately  to  the  Trustees  an  afiirmative  an- 
swer, and  sent  on  a  list  of  appointments.  He  wrote  also  a  very 
pithy  appeal  to  the  New  Hampshire  churches,  which  he  closed  with 
a  brief  outline  of  the  plan  of  his  agency.  He  said  in  this  article, 
"  Don't  forget  that  I  am  to  preach— not  merely  lecture,  hnt  pretxch 
the  blessed  gospel,  that  this  is  the  only  part  that  I  have  anything  to 
do  with  in  relation  to  education." 

There  were  at  this  time  three  young  Free-will  Baptist  ministers 
pursuing  a  course  of  study  at  Oberlin,  in  whose  welfare  Mr.  Marks 


4id 


itftMoms  Of 


felt  much  solicitude)  Whlck  they  ever  affectionately  reciprocated. 
On  the  morning  of  the  day  of  his  departure,  he  received  thefoHonf- 
ing  note  fh)m  one  of  Ihem. 

•  •  •  t<  Permit  me,  deair  brother  Marks,  to  charge  you  to  be 
carefal  of  your  health.  You  are  aware  that  we  hav6  reason  to  fear  that 
the  arduous  taslc  before  you  may  prove  too  maoh  for  one  in  your  state, 
and  with  your  strength  of  constitution.  As  far  as  human  obserratton 
can  go,  there  seens  to  me  to  be  a  long  chain  of  reasons  why  vou  shonld 
be  Bfraired  to  the  Free-will  Baptist  chtirch  yet  mafty  years.  Those  of  ok 
in  this  place,  who  belong  to  that  branch  of  the  church,  cannot  but 
feel  dec^lv  solicitous.  An  educated  and  holy  ministry  we  must  have, 
or  we  shaU  cease  to  exert  a  saving  inflaenoe  ••  a  denomination.  Yon 
know  how  strongly  the  tide  of  opposition  sets  against  us.  Who  have 
come  to  this  plaoe,  and  how  ncccssai^  to  nS,  under  QbA,  are  your 
strength  and  hmuenee.  May  Ood  have  yen  in  fab  koly  keeping  is  the 
prayer  of  your  brother  in  Christ,  H^  E.  Wtiipnbt." 

Tuesday,  Juhe  6,  hb  hkie  acliett  to  his  family,  eipdctSAg  to  bd 
absdnt  four  moii^.    He  wrote : — 

"  Boston,  Maes.  Monday,  Jnne  19.  I  reached  this  city,  704  miles 
from  Oberlin,  after  travelkng  fiAy-seven  hours  and  twenty-two  minutes, 
and  stopping  thirty  hours  and  fojrty-eight  nunutes.  Sabbath  ttiomhig, 
I  preaoned  in  Ckariestewa  to  Elder  JaokeonHi  eongregatioA,  ud  haid 
an  exeellent  time.  In  the  afternoon,  I  proaefaed  to  the  fVee-will  Bap- 
tist ehwrdli  ia  Boirton,  and  had  a  far  better  season  than  in  the  morning ; 
indeed,  one  of  my  beet.  Abont  two  hundred  and  fifty  w«re  present,  and 
they  seemed  deeply  and  sdiemnly  impteesed. 

I  am  in  good  health  and  most  exoellent  spirits^  I  have  been  qaite 
happy  to-day,  though  afibetion  to  my  much  loved  family  has  forced  a 
few  Mgbe  and  soon  teen  from  me.    Farew^. 

Your  ever  aflbctionate  husband,  David  Marks." 

On  entering  upon  his  labors^  he  found  olMtacles  of  whidi  he  had 
no  idea,  and  his  prospects  of  success  ieeuied  datk  indeed.    He 

wrote  i—  ^/*'r;l!iift^t'i^»*JSj?f»,     =^^.  ;ky*''  j»-  4>M  »>^:;fi,pM<f 

■.5    }*    «•  NoR-rtiwoob,  Jufte  r»,  18*3^.  > 
My  Dearly  Beloved  Wife :— .  ^  - 

Happy  should  I  be,  could  I  write  you  good  tidines — tidings 
which  would  comfort  that  heart  which  is  so  worthy  of  consolation ;  but 
ou  have  learned  that  '  man  is  bOrn  to  affliction,  as  the  sparks  that 
!y  upwards' — that  this  is  not  the  place  of  our  rest.  The  most 
painful  news  I  have,  and  which  saddens  me  because  it  must  saldien 
my  dearest  earthly  friend,  is,  that  I  have  been  sick,  quite  sick,  so 
that  when  I  roanhed  Straflrord,  I  kept  my  bed,  e)ccept  when  I  went  to 
my  meetings.  However,  I  soon  got  better,  for  I  Could  sleep  from  ten 
to  thirteen  hours  per  day,  and  have  ever  since,  as  I  find  this  the  best 
medicine  I  can  take.  I  never  before  slept  so  much  with  such  perfect 
ease,  insomuch  that  sometiraes  I  have  been  ahnost  alarmed  on  account 
of  my  stupidity. 

Another  subject,  and  one  which  I  do  not  know  how  to  approach  so  as 
to  prevent  paining  you,  is,  my  agency.    To  tell  you  theplam  truth,  and 


$ 


DAVID  MAAKA. 


419 


as 
land 


to  t«ll  you  tb«  w^ytt  at  oqqq,  I  havo  90W  UtUe  doubt  that  it  inu»t  and 
will  prove  m,  entire  failure,  by  which  I  alutll  lone  py  time,  and  I  think 
all  my  ei^pensea,  except  my  mere  travelliog  exjleitaee.  1.  Milleriem 
haa  done  muoh,  and  so  far  aa  that  is  believed,  I  can  do  nothing.  3.  My 
appointm«nt«  are  in  abvay  tiine  f<»  fanners.  3.  There  ia  a  general  dis- 
like to  the  Trustee*  ranniog  in  debt  to  build  a  boarding  house.  4' 
There  Vi  great  oom]^*J9t  on  aooount  of  the  location.  5.  There  ia  a 
great  dislike  to  ageota<— a  supposition  that  thej  have  very  high  wages, 
sod  that  former  age^ta  have  run  off  with  4u»  money,  and  many  have 
said  for  a  long  time,  *  I'll  never  give  any  thijag  more  to  an  agent*'  9> 
Deep  rooted  prejudice*  havo  settled  in  many  h«art«  against  the  St)»£R>rd 
Institution,  they  know  not  why ;  so  thajt  while  %  can  csirry  all  before 
me  as  to  education,  and  move  my  assemblies  to  a  flood  of  tears,  I 
can  make  no  impression  in  behalf  of  Straibrd  Academy.  I  find  much 
mo«e  sympathy  for  myself  than  for  the  histitution.  I  think  some 
of  cutting  my  agency  sheet,  and  returning  bon^  sooner  than  I  Iq- 
^ndedp  I  luiall  «triv«  to  gst  s,  meeting  of  the  Txuateea  and  ask  a4' 
vioe. 

I  have  now  told  yoa  all  my  trouUe,  because  I  promiaed  to  do  so ;  but 
it  hae  beoA  hwcd  work ;  yet  I  know  you  oiu^bctKE  up  vender  aAiotiooe, 
even  b«itter  than  I  do.       «       •       « 

Your  affecUpnaAe  hnabaod,  Pavid  Makks." 

Mf.  VxAb  prosecuted  his  labors  amidst  these  and  oth^  d!s- 
coniragemepts.  So  iiiTetei^te  we^Q  tbQ  preludices  against  the  ob- 
ject m  hia  agency,  thi^  mai^  would  not  go  to  hear  a  word  on  this 
suhjeot.  O^rs  that  out  <n  respeet  to  Um,  would  listen  to  a  lec- 
taxe^  were  oare&l  to  leave  thdv  money  at  home,  lest  their  feel- 
ings should  be  touched,  and  they  should  be  indneed  to  {pve  seme- 
thing.  In  some  instaiices,  however,  their  precaution  oal;^  gave 
them  trouble,  as  their  consciences  would  not  let  them  leave  till  they 
had  borrowed  money  and  contributed.  Hoping  to  arouse  the 
churches  to  a  sense  of  their  dqty,  Mr.  Maxks  resorted  to  the  expe- 
dient of  publishing  weekly  reports  of  his  labors  in  a  tabular  form, 
giving  the  ntunes  oi  the  churches,  the  number  of  members,  num- 
ber of  hearers,  sums  subscribed,  and  sums  paid,  to  which  he  added 
remarks  either  of  o^isare  or  commendation.  The  following  was 
Ui  connection  with  his  seventh  weekly  report; 

*'  One  cause  of  theUttle  interest  felt  in  eduwtion,  is  manifest  in  the 
following  note  which  waa  attached  to  my  carriage  by  a  man  that  listen- 
ed to  my  discourse  ten  minutes  and  went  off  apparently  angry.  I  copy 
perfectly  verbatim,  letter  far  Utter,  4rc. 

^  Jesus  Christ  tasted  death  for  every  Man  it  is  not  ftw  yon  to  Say  who  sball 
Be  Saved  you  told  Me  that  you  came  to  Preach  the  doctrine  of  Jeswi  Christ 
Jesus  Christ  Never  Sent  any  man  out  A  Begin  for  Money  to  Raise  up  Ministers, 
Doctorsi,  Nor  Lawyers  "Sot  Judges  Nor  devik  if  yon  want  Money  yoa  go  to 
work  andarnitw^t.i{|(^y  we^ha^iEeJi^iearwewaat.  ^  ojurownyoose  ]Qee 
ofyoorSelfc'    :.mr^m^''tm'fr.^         '  m'^p 


V 


420 


MBM0IB8    09 


^yaii/idL.'  ;-.-^.i 


Now,  though  no  Christian  would  exhibit  the  spirit  of  the  aBbre  wri- 
ting, yet  its  principal  Mntiment*  are  pmotioally  acted  out  by  a  large 
portion  of  church  memben.  The  great  error  contained  in  this  paper, 
M  a  common  and  extenaiTC  one.  It  coMiata  in  the  asaumption  that  great 
piinciplea  are  not  obligatory,  and  to  be  carried  out,  unless  Ood  has  point- 
ed cut  precisely  the  thousand  best  methods  which  would  arise  in  differ- 
ent ag»8  and  nations,  and  specified  these  Tery  methods  by  definite  names 
in  all  the  dialects  of  earth.  God  has  enjoined  great  principles  through- 
out the  whole  Bible  on  every  question  which  can  interest  man.  In  rela- 
tion to  education,  the  principle  enjoined  is,  that  we  should  'study,' 
*  learn,'  *  increase  in  learning^  in  every  thing  visible  and  iuvisible  which 
Qod  has  created,  giving  to  every  part  of  his  works  that  prouortion  of  at- 
tention and  afl^tion  which  its  value  demands.  Hence  it  is  an  undeni- 
able inference,  that  well  regulated  academies  and  colleges,  being  among 
the  best  methods  of  obedience  to  God  in  relation  to  the  study  of  sevet- 
tl  parts  of  his  works  and  truths,  are  well  pleasing  to  God.  They  are 
expressly  designed  to  develope  our  faculties,  and  train  our  intellects,  so 
as  to  fit  us  by  a  knowledge  of  the  works  and  truths  of  God  to  do  good 
here,  and  finally  sit  down  with  Christ  in  his  throne,  judge  angels,  and 
judge  the  world.  But  if  words  instead  cf  principles,  are  to  be  our  rules 
of  action,  then  we  should  abandon  temperance,  mission  and  Bible  soci- 
eties, fianibr  prayer,  Sabbath  schoob,  prayer,  conierence,  church, month- 
ly, ouarterly  and  yearly  meetings,  because  weir  names  are  not  found  in 
the  Bible ;  and  as  Jesus  Christ  never,  in  so  many  words,  said  any  thing 
against  drinking  whiskey,  rum,  gin,  brandy,  &c.,  nor  against  circuses, 
horse  races,  theatres,  houses  of  ill  fame,  free  masonry,  and  slavery, 
all  opposition  to  these  and  a  thousand  other  kindred  vices  not  known  in 
the  Scriptures  by  the  names  under  which  they  are  designated  among  us, 
•hould  eease  as  unsoriptuxal." 

Mr.  Mai^s  wrote  to  his  companion  as  follows : 

,  "  Enfield,  July  3,  1843.  My  health,  praise  God,  is,  for  me,  extreme- 
ly and  astonishingly  good.  I  preach  and  speak  publicly  five  or  six 
hours  daily,  seemingly  with  as  much  ease  as  the  moving  of  a  clock.  I 
have  got  my  soul  baptized  into  my  mission,  so  that  I  am  more  success- 
ful than  I  reared  I  should  be.  My  meetings  are  attended  with  much 
weeping,  and  often  with  powerful  feelinffs.        •        •        • 

Manchester,  N.  H.,  July  10.    I  am,  tnrouffh  the  blessing  cf  God,  in 
excellent  health,  though  last  week  I  preached  thirteen  sermons,  averaff- 
ing  two  hours  each,  and  yesterday  three  more  in  brother  Cilley's  church. 
•  •  •  •  •  •  •  • 

Dover,  July  24.  A  week  aao  to-night,  I  met  with  the  Trustees  at 
Strafford,  and  obtained  facts  wnich  will  help  me  in  my  agency.  Mat- 
ters, so  far  as  I  can  learn,  have  been  managed  well.  I  have  now  little 
doubt  that  I  shall  save  the  Institution,  though  I  may  have  to  come  a 
three  months'  toui*  again. 

You  wrote  that  brother  N and  other  western  brethren  think  the 

remarks  in  the  weekly  reports  of  my  agency  are  too  severe,  and  calcu- 
lated to  make  me  enemies,  &c.  Brother  N.  and  our  western  brethren 
can  scarcely  form  an  idea  of  the  disorganizing  stuff  and  want  of  princi- 
ple, which  have  called  for  the  merited  severity  of  my  reports.     My 


DAVID  HABK8. 


421 


i 

ime- 
|or  six 

sk.  I 
iocesB- 

much 


tes  at 
Mat- 

I  little 
le  a 


opinion  is  that  they  are  doing  much  good,  and  that  though  some  nMem- 
bliea  may  have  been  smaller  on  this  account,  a  much  greater  number 
have  been  larger.  My  success  has  been  increasing  fi;om  the  commence- 
ment of  my  reports  in  the  Star.  I  aim  to  be  just  to  right  principles, 
let  the  immediate  effect  be  what  it  may.  Great  principles  are  concern- 
ed. I  have  the  approbation  of  our  most  intelligent  men  in  my  severity, 
still  there  are  good  men  that  think  it  injudicious.  The  reports  are 
arousing  a  good  deal  of  sensibility.  Treble  is  paid  down  in  a  week 
now  to  what  there  was  when  I  began.  This  shows  that  conscience 
is  aroused.  •  •  •  J  think  the  institution  will  be  redeemed. 
But  '}£  it  is  lost,  there  will  arise  a  re-action  that  will  produce  more  prin- 
ciple as  to  education.  My  success  I  do  not  measure  by  dollars.  Verjf 
many  converts  are  made  |o  right  principles.  J  have  reason  to  believe 
that  very  few  go  from  my  meetings  with  anything  like  those  feel- 
ings with  which  they  came.  The  s^  is  abundant  and  will  produce 
fruit. 

I  reioice  to  hear  of  the  good  preaohing  and  spiritual  times  at  Oberlin. 
Majr  Uod  preserve  me  to  be  blessed  by  such  seasons  there.  I  greaUv 
rejoice  to  hear,  my  precious  wife,  of  their  influence  on  your  own  minj, 
and  of  the  increase  of  your  confidence  in  God.  O,  I  thank  Heaven  for 
this.  I  am  exceedingly  interested  in  the  account  you  wrote  me  of  Pro* 
feasor  Finnev's  Pastoral  lectures  on  the  qualificationa  of  ministers' 
wives.  BroUter  Burr  thinks  your  r^rt  would  do  good  in  the  star.  If 
you  have  any  objection  to  its  publication,  write  me.  *  ^  *  ^ 
Farewell.    I  remain  as  ever,  •  '^  /    . 

Your  affectionate  and  confiding  husband — a  happy  one  indeed. 

D.  Marks." 

"  Lisbon,  Monday,  Aug.  33.  I  hope,  my  dear  wife,  you  have  grace 
to  reconcile  you  to  any  mere  earthly  affliction,  that  God  shall  permit  to 
come  upon  you,  knowing  that  there  is  not  a  sorrow  which  God  does  not 
design  to  work  for  our  good.  This  letter  will  cause  you  unwelcome 
pangs ;  but  let  me  assure  you  that  I  am  happy  in  the  liord,  and  dieer- 
fully  resigned  though  I  am  mostly  eonfined  to'my  bed  by  a  severe  attaek 
of  inflammatory  rheumatism. 

Last  Tuesday,  August  22, 1  started  in  a  moderate  rain  to  ^o  twentv* 
three  mileo  to  Gorham :  but  having  a  covered  carriage,  a  thick  bnflhlo 
skin,  and  a  thickly  lined  borrowed  cloak,  I  did  not  anticipate  the  least 
danger ;  but  on  the  way,  the  rain  increased  to  a  shower :  my  buflUo 
skin  got  wet  perfectly  through,  and  my  clothes  damp,  but  not  much  wet, 
and  the  rain  soaked  through  my  carriage  top.  Though  my  health  was 
as  usual,  I  stopped,  thinking  it  not  safe  for  me  to  attempt  to  reach  my 
next  appointment.  The  next  day  toward  night,  I  felt  some  rheumatic 
afbction  about  my  right  knee.  Thursday  it  increased,  and  was  accom- 
panied with  swelling.  I  went,  however,  to  Concord.  Verm<Hit,  thirteen 
miles,  and  preadied  sitting.  Friday,  I  went  to  Lisbon  and  preached, 
but  I  passed  a  night  of  great  distress.  I  feh  now  that  I  was  actually 
sick  for  the  first  time  in  the  absence  of  my  dear  companion,  who,  under 
Crod,  has  blessed  me  and  comforted  me  so  much  in  my  scenes  of  sick- 
ness and  nervous  prostration.  I  imagined  erysipelas — white  swelling — 
that  I  should  be  a  cripple  for  life,  or  that  mortification  must  set  in  utd 
death  follow — that  I  should  never  see  my  < 


86 


lamuy  any 


422 


MimoiAB  or 


world.  [You  know  my  nervous  hob-ffoblins  bo  well  that  these  things 
will  not  tVighten  you.1  This  night,  I  had  two  watchers  attending  con- 
stantly upon  me,  bnisning,  rubbing,  fanning,  &o.  At  four  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  I  sent  for  a  physician  of  some  celebrity  residing  in  Lisbon, 
a  member  of  the  church  and  a  man  of  prayer.  Saturday  I  was  some 
better,,  and  Sabbath  both  the  physician  and  my  friends  would  have  me 
carried  out  to  preach.  I  spoke  to  about  four  hundred  people.  The 
physician  has  visited  me  three  times  a  day.  I  have  now  little  pain,  and 
I  hope  to  be  able  to  leave  safely  the  last  of  the  week.  My  right  limb  is 
almost  useless,  and"  I  have  to  get  about  with  crutches.  My  symptoms 
are  all  fkvorable,  but  you  know  a  swelled  joint  demands  that  patience 
have  her  perfect  work.        •        •        • 

Septembers.  Thanks  to  our  Heavenly  Father,  yesterday  I  was 
strenirthened  to  get  up  from  my  sick-bed  and  ride  forty-eight  miles,  and 
this  without  doing  me  any  injury.  A  young  man  came  with  me  to  as- 
sist me,  and  I  went  to  bed  twice  by  the  way.  With  care  and  prudence, 
I  hope  now  to  meet  my  appointments. 

September  18.  My  health  is  still  improving,  though  I  can  walk  or 
stand  verv  little ;  but  my  preaching  powers,  thank  Heaven,  never  seem- 
ed so  little  fatigued  by  immense  labor.  I  have  a  great  deal  to  do,  and  I 
have  to  labor  hard  to  take  what  sleen  nature  reouires.  The  excitement 
occasioned  by  my  longing  for  sweei  home  and  the  bosom  of  m^  family, 
as  I  draw  near  the  time  of  my  return,  is  so  intense  that  I  find  it  (difficult 
to  sleep." 

Mr.  Marks  was  in  the  habit  of  holding  correspondence  with  his 
little  favorite  Julia,  who  in  her  turn  often  dictated  very  amusing  re- 
plies. The  following,  written  about  this  period,  is  a  specimen  of 
his  letters  to  her. 

"  My  dear  little  precious  daughter  Julia  Marilla : — I  was  so  glad  to 
get  your  sweet  little  letter  that  I  cried — shed  tears  on  it.  I  want  to  see 
you  so  much  that  I  weep  now.  I  cao't  help  it.  O  how  my  heart  beats 
at  the  thought  of  you.  I  feel  as  though  I  could  almost  fly  to  see  you. 
O,  I  was  very  glad  to  hear  that  you  are  a  good  girl,  and  that  you 
pray  daily,  and  pray  for  me.  If  you  could  see  me,  you  would  cry  to 
see  how  lame  I  am.  I  walk  with  crutches.  O  you  would  pity  me  much 
if  you  could  see  me.  You  know  your  '  dear  papa'  was  to  be  gone  six- 
teen Mondays.  [She  always  reckoned  the  time  or  his  absence  from  home 
by  the  number  of  Mondays.]  Well,  precious  pet,  they  arc  nearly  all 
past.  In  two  more  Mondays  and  five  days,  I  hope  to  see  you  in  Cleve- 
land. If  mamma  thinks  best,  will  you  come  with  her  to  meet  me? 
Good  by,  dear  daughter.  Your  Papa." 

The  following  were  among  the  remarks  appended  to  Mr. 
Marks'  concluding  weekly  report 

Near  the  close  of  my  agency,  a  report  went  out  that  I  was  to  re- 
ceive thirty-three  per  cent  on  all  the  subscriptions  I  obtained.  Some 
brethren  of  good  judgment  (in  cases  where  they  had  no  bias,)  actually 
believed  that  the  Trustees,  with  all  their  personal  embarrassmen  ;S  for 
the  Institution,  were  about  to  give  me  seven  hundred  dollars  for  thir- 
teen weeks'  work,  and  actually  used  this  as  an  argument  to  prevent  in- 


DAVID  MABV^. 


428 


dividuals  from  coming  to  my  appointments,  or  giving  anything  to  the 
object  of  my  agency.  Hoping  to  modify,  in  some  measure,  the  preju- 
dices  of  such  as  have  not  enough  of  the  charity  which  thinketh  no  evil, 
I  will  state  a  few  facts,  leaving  them  to  judffe  how  much  real  founda- 
tion there  has  been  for  this  report,  and  for  slanders  of  the  above  cast, 
which  the  devil  always  puts  in  circulation  against  benevolent  Institu- 
tions. 
I  have  raised  a  subscription  off  3006,74  of  which    $863,22  were 

itaid  besides  $60,  collected  on  old  subscriptions.  The  raising  and  col> 
ecting  of  these  sums  cost  me  as  follows  : — 1600  miles  travel  by  public 
conveyance,  1518  miles  by  private  carriage,  138  sermons,  averaging 
two  hours  and  four  minutes  each,  394  hours  mental  labor,  close  appli- 
cation to  accounts,  &c.  If  thirty  miles  travel  by  private  carriage- 
one  hundred  miles  by  public  conveyance — eight  hours  close  mental  la- 
bor, and  one  sermon  of  one  hour's  length,  are  each  enough  for  a  day's 
labor  on  an  average,  I  have  rendered  349  days  service  for  the  Institution 
in  four  and  a  half  months.*  For  this  service  I  have  received  but 
$  78,97  over  and  above  what  I  have  paid  out  for  mere  travelling  and 
agency  expenses,  or  suffered  in  losses  unavoidably  resulting  directly 
from  my  services,  not  including  wear  of  clothes,  time,  or  famuy  expen- 
ses. I  make  not  this  statement  for  complaint,  for  I  am  satisfied,  not  only 
that  the  Trustees  gave  me  all  they  should  have  given  me,  but  also  that 
in  this  respect  I  have  fared  better  than  agents  generally,  excepting  those 
of  older  and  wealthier  denominations." 

Aa  Mr.  Marks  was  about  leaving  Strafford,  the  following  reso- 
lution passed  by  the  Board  of  Trustees  was  handed  him : 

"  Resofved,  That  the  exertion,  zeal,  and  untiring  industry  of  El- 
der David  Marks,  in  his  avency  in  proonring  subscriptions  and  dona- 
tions for  the  Strafford  Academy,  entitle  him  to  the  thanks  and  highest 
regards  of  the  Trustees  for  the  diligent  and  faithful  manner  in  which 
he  has  conducted  his  agency.  Daniel  Winkley, 

Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  Pro  tern.'* 

Mr.  Marks  arrived  at  Oberlin,  October  6th,  in  very  feeble  health, 
having  had  another  attack  of  sickness  in  Boston,  which,  during 
nearly  his  whole  journey,  obliged  him  to  accept  the  almost  constant 
care  of  a  brother  who  was  accompanying  him  to  Ohio.  When  he 
was  in  Albany  he  had  a  very  interesting  interview  with  Mr.  Charles 
T.  Torrey,  (the  recent  martyr  in  the  cause  of  humanity,)  and  pur- 
chased of  him  several  thousand  copies  of  the  second  number  of  the 
Monthly  Patriot,  containing  an  article  written  by  Mr.  Torrey,  en- 
titled, "  War  of  Slavery  on  Northern  commerce  and  agriculture." 
This  article  he  read  aloud  on  the  steam-boat  (having  previously 
obtained  permission)  during  its  passage  from  Buffalo  to  Cleveland, 
and  then  offered  copies  to  those  that  wished  them.  About  two 
hundred  applied  for  them.    There  were  several  slaveholders  on 


*  This  period  includes  the  time  spent  in  going  to  New  Hampshire,  and  re- 
turning ;  also,  the  time  spent  in  writing  previous  to  his  departure  from  Ober- 
lin. 


jp|iViqii|'J<ii^'Wiwi>r  I  i.^ii^ij;t«ipf;;^«pvinijp|ij|ipH  III  i   i'M«pir^«i- 


424 


MXMOiBi  or 


board,  though  he  wm  not  then  aware  of  it,  and  so  muoh  excite- 
ment was  produced  that  for  a  time  he  viewed  himself  in  dan* 
ger. 

His  engRgoments  for  the  Weatom  Reserve  Education  Society 
allowed  him  no  time  for  rest.  Ho  had  already  one  hundred  and 
twelve  appointments  notiflod  in  the  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania  church- 
M,  covering  the  ground  Ua  went  over  the  preceding  autumn,  wliich 
would  occupy  his  time  till  the  12th  of  January.  Besides,  he  was 
depending  on  the  avails  of  his  agency  then  due  him,  (and  for  which 
he  had  consented  to  wait  till  it  could  be  collected  from  the  sub- 
scriptiou;)  for  the  immediate  support  of  himself  artd  familv.  Tho 
Education  Society  was  also  in  pressing  wnnt  of  funds,  as  they  had 
commenced  a  large  building  for  the  Seminanr.  They  had  refused 
the  charter  granted  them  by  the  Ohio  Legislature  on  account  of  a 
clause  prohibiting  them  Arom  extending  equal  privileges  to  the  peo- 

Ce  of  color,  and  had  directed  Mr.  Marks,  as  their  agent,  to  drcu- 
te  among  the  churches  a  petition,  requesting  the  repeal  of  the  re- 
striction.** Hb  thought,  under  the  circumstances,  that  it  was  duty 
to  go  fi>rward ;  but  his  toib  were  excessively  fatiguing.  The  sear 
soSf  it  was  said  by  the  oldest  inhabitants,  was  the  most  unpleasant 
of  any  that  had  been  known  since  the  settlement  of  the  country.  It 
rained  almost  daily  for  several  weeks,  and  the  travelling  through 
the  deep  mud  of  Uie  cl^  roads  of  Ohio,  can  only  be  conceived  by 
those  who  saw  them.  The  Sodety  fitted  out  a  two  horse  wagon  and 
a  man  to  acoo!r*~-uiy  their  agent  But  on  account  of  the  state  of 
the  roads,  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  reach  several  of  his  ftppoint> 
ments,  and  at  a  number  of  those  he  did  reach,  he  found  small  con- 
gregations, the  people  not  expecting  him,  supposing  that  he  could 
not  travel.  Still  he  toiled  on,  riding  sometimes  till  twelve  or  one 
o'dock  at  night,  doing  what  he  could,  till  the  early  part  of  January, 
when  he  fi/und  himself  so  worn  down,  and  so  ill,  that  it  was  an  ut- 
ter impossibility  to  fill  his  remaining  appointments.  He  now  en- 
»iged  a  brother  to  go  in  his  stead,  and  resigned  himself  to  rest.f 
But  repose  f&iled  to  invigorate  his  system  as  it  had  formerly  done. 
Its  elasticity  seemed  gone.  His  limbs  bloated  badly,  and  it  caused 
him  much  aistress  even  to  walk  across  his  room.  Afler  the  lapse 
of  a  few  days,  he  gave  up  nea.ly  all  hopes  of  recoveiy,  yet  he  was 
very  calm  and  happy  in  his  mind.    He  wrote  several  farewell  let- 

*  The  Legislature,  at  their  ensaing  session,  granted  them  snch  a  charter  as 
they  deaired. 

t  This  was  the  last  of  Mr.  Marks'  labors  for  the  Western  Reserve  I.duca- 
tiou  Society.  Tho  Institution  at  Chester  has  continued  to  prosper.  During 
the  tenn  dosing  Nov.  1845,  it  had  100  students. 


I 


DAVtD  MARKB. 


420 


an  ut- 


Cdaca- 
)aring 


ten  to  his  relatives  and  fHends,  from  Home  of  which  the  following 
few  extracts  are  taken. 

[To  Mm.  M.  Turner,  Arlington,  Vt.)        <        •   '^ 

«•  Obmlin,  Feb.  88,  1844.   - 
My  dear  Aunt  :— 

*  *  *  *  I  am  now  confined  mostly  to  my  room — have 
uiven  up  all  my  itudies,  and  do  not  often  go  out  even  to  meeting. 
What  little  strength  I  have,  is  occupied  mostly  in  arranging  my  papers, 
so  that  should  I  not  recover,  they  may  occasion  my  dear  companion  as 
little  trouble  as  possible.  Mrs.  Marks  is  strong  in  the  faith  that  I  shall 
yet  get  well,  lam  not.  But  my  mind  is  calm,  and  I  have  peace  like 
a  river.  '  For  me  to  live  is  Christ ;  to  die  would  be  gain.'  4  have 
looked  death  in  the  face,  surveyed  its  terrors,  carefully  reviewed  my 
past  life  in  view  of  mv  approaching  dissolution,  and  think  I  am  not  mis- 
taken in  sajring,  'Atlisvoell.'  While  now  my  labors  are  closing  up 
and  coming  in  review  preparatory  to  my  final  change,  it  is  to  me  a  great 
satisfaction,  that  1  feel  a  sweet  consoiousness  of  having  acted  on  the 
principle  of  entire  consecration  to  God — that  neither  the  love  of  honor, 
popularity,  nor  interest,  have  ever  influenced  me  to  withhold  needful 
truths,  nor  to  daub  with  untempered  mortar,  crying,  '  Peace,  peace, 
where  God  has  not  spoken  peace.'  *  *  O  how  sweet  it  is  to 
feel  that  God — the  everlasting  God — is  my  Father,  my  Friend,  and  my 
everlastinff  portion.  Surely,  in  Him  there  is  fullness  of  joy,  and  at  his 
right  hand  are  pleasures  forevermore.        •        •        • 

1  have  means  to  be  comfortable  for  a  few  months :  if  health  does  not 
amend,  I  must  then  subsist  on  the  kindness  of  friends,  of  whom  I  have 
many,  and  they  will  not  suffer  me  to  want,  after  I  feel  that  I  need  to 
usk  help  :  and  as  to  this  I  shall  feel  no  delicacy,  believing  I  have  ren- 
dered faithful  service  to  the  public  these  twenty-three  years,  much  of 
which  yet  remains  temporally  unrewarded.  I  may  recover.  If  so,  I 
intend  by  Divine  permission  to  go  through  college,  and  a  regular  course 
in  theology. 

Oberlin  is  the  most  interesting  spot  I  have  ever  seen.  Its  professora 
are  the  most  humble,  and  its  influence  the  most  holy  and  effectual  for  the 
searching  and  sanctification  of  the  heart  of  any  Institution  with  which  I 
have  been  acquainted.  Great  is  the  grace  here  manifested,  and  its  influ- 
ence is  being  felt  to  the  end  of  Christendom.        *        * 

Yours  affectionately,  D.  Marks." 

[To  a  relative,  nearly  ninety  years  of  age.] 

"  Obbrlin,  Feb.  29,  1844. . 
My  Dear  Aunt  —         ..-■'■ 

The  feelings  of  my  heart  prompt  me  to  write  you,  especially  as 
it  now  appears  quite  doubtful  whether  we  ever  again  meet  in  this  world, 
and  quite  probable,  when  a  few  more  days  are  gone,  that  we  shall  meet 
amid  all  the  realities  and  scenes  of  another  state  of  existence.  Your  ad- 
vanced age  gives  strong  assurance  that  the  days,  which  Job  declared 
were  '  like  a  weaver's  shuttle,'  will  soon  be  forever  numbered,  and  the 
ties  which  bind  you  to  earth  be  dissolved  no  more  to  be  renewed.  True^ 
you  have  lived,  even  since  the  infirmities  of  age  came  upon  you,  to  see 
86* 


]  '."^  ■?  i^'  T*^-''*:  vm  'iiv  w*^' " 


\ 


426 


MEMOIRS    or 


many  of  the  young,  the  healthy  and  the  gay,  go  to  their  long  home  be- 
fore yoa.  Yet,  let  it  not  be  forgotten,  that  it  has  been  eaid  of  the  oldest 
man  that  ever  lived — '  He  died' — nor  that  it  will  yet  be  thus  said  of  us 
all.  What  a  multitude  of  friends  and  acquaintances  you  have  lived  to 
see  go  down  to  the  grave.  0  how  many  funeral  solemnities  you  have 
witnessed.  Another  thing  which  inclines  me  to  invite  your  attention  to 
this  subject,  is,  I  feel  that  I  too  have  but  a  few  days  to  stay  in  this  world. 
Pray,  dear  aunt,  be  not  grieved,  if  I  inquire,  '  Are  you  prepared  ?  Is 
your  feace  made  with  pod?  Have  you  been  bom  of  the  Holy  Spirit?' 
Surely,  it  is  our  privilege  to  know  what  our  state  is,  for  the  word  of 
God  has  said :  '  He  that  belieVeth  hath  the  witness  in  himself,'  and 
again,  '  Prove  your  own  selves  whether  ye  be  in  the  faith.  Now  we 
should  not  be  commanded  to  prove  ourselves,  if  it  were  impoMible  for  us 
to  do  tnis.  Again,  the  beloved  disciple  speaks  of  our  knowing  that  we 
have  passed  from  death  unto  life,  ana  he  could  never  have  spoken  in  this 
inanner,  had  it  not  been  our  privilege  to  know  our  own  state.  A  multi- 
tude of  Scripture  evidences  might  be  brought  to  the  same  point,  but  these 
are  sufficient,  and  prove  unanswerably,  not  only  that  it  is  out  priv- 
ilege, but  our  duty,  to  determine  with  certainty  our  true  aracter  be- 
fore we  go  to  the  judgment.  O  then,  permit  me  to  entr«  x  you,  as  a 
child  would  entreat  a  parent,  as  a  friend  would  entreat  another  dear  to 
his  heart,  and  as  a  watchman  of  the  cross  should  entreat  the  souls  be- 
fore whom  he  must  soon  give  an  account  of  his  stewardship,  don't  de- 
lay. 0,  for  heaven's  sake,  do  not  trust  to  mere  morality  or  even  the 
form  of  godliness,  and  to  the  circumstance  that  you  love  the  good,  and 
are  a  friend  to  religion.  Don't  rest  without  a  witness  that  your  heart  is 
changed,  and  that  you  have  something  more  than  a  mere  hope — which 
may  be  *  as  the  spider's  web  in  the  giving  up  of  the  ghost.'  O  get  one 
that  will  be  like  an  anchor  cast  into  a  firm  took.  Tt  is  for  you,  if  you 
will  only  seek  it.  Dear  aunt,  do  seek  it — seek  it  now — seek  it  earnest- 
ly— seek  it  perseveriugly — seek  it  with  the  whole  heart — seek  it  as  an 
invaluable  prize,  an  indescribable  treasure,'' as  that  which  is  worth  more 
liian  friends  and  wealth,  or  indeed  more  than  all  earth  itself.  Manyhav? 
found  :  new  hope  at  an  age  greater  than  yours.  Yes,  some  sinners  have 
been  coirverted,  and  become  like  little  children  at  the  age  of  one  hundred 
years.    May  we  be  prepared  to  meet  in  heaven. 

.^         Yours  affectionately,  D.  Marks," 

[To  one  of  his  brothen*i&-law.] 

"  Oberlin,  March  3,  1844. 
My  dear  brother  :— 

*  *  I  certainly  have  great  reasons  and  very  strong  ones  for 
attachment  to  your  family,  nor  have  they  been  lessened  by  any  want  of 
courte83''  or  brotherly  kindness  on  your  part.  Though  you  do  not  profess 
religion,  my  visits  in  your  family  have  always  been  pleasant  and  are  re- 
membered wjith  delight.  Only  one  deduction  has  pained  my  heart,  and 
tills  concerns  your  duty  to  God  and  your  eternal  interest.  JBeing  fully 
assured  that  here  our  time  is  short,  and  that  in  a  few  fleeting  days,  we 
Bhall  witness  the  crumbling  of  every  earthly  tie,  and  the  dissolution  of 
every  worldly  hope,  0  how  can  1  refrain  fifom  anxiety.  Surely  you 
vrould  not  think  me  too  forward  or  officious,  should  I  see  you  exposed 


one 

you 

urnest- 

as  an 

more 

havo 

have 

indred 


)s  for 
>nt  of 
'ofess 
rere- 

and 
fully 

We 
m  of 

you 
losed 


DATIO  liASKfi. 


427 


to  be  burned  to  death  in  a  flaming  house,  even  though  I  should  be  great- 
ly excited,  and  alrrmed,  and  use  even  ultra  efforts  to  save  you.  But 
this  is  only  a  faint  illustration.  Permit  me  to  say,  desx  brother,  that  I 
am  sure,  if  you  have  not  a  well  founded  hope  in  tne  dear  Redeemer,  you 
are  in  infinitely  greater  danger^— in  danger  of  a  death  that  never  dies — 
of  a  loss  which  is  irrsparabre.  O  the  foss  of  the  soul !  Who  can  de- 
scribe  it?  When  we  lose  friends  we  may  regain  others ;  and  when  we 
lose  property  we  may  acoumulate  more,  or  even  reconcile  ourselves  to 
poverty.  But  when  the  soul  is  lost,  all  is  lost ! — lost  forever ! — lost  ir- 
recoverably !-~and  with  it,  all  that  the  heart  can  desire.  O  my  brother, 
I  would  not  pain  you  unnecessarily.  The  physician,  in  amputating  a 
limb,  don't  mean  to  inflict  pain — that  is  not  his  object ;  but  he  W4>nld 
benefit  his  patient,  and  he  acts  from  the  full  conviction  that  the  amputa- 
tion had  better  ao  <m,  notwithstanding  the  circamntance  that  pain  is  its 
inevitable  attendant.  So  I  feel,  diat,  as  a  brother,  if  aught  of  beaevo- 
lenoe  rules  in  my  heart,  now  while  my  health  is  gone,  and  I  stand  re- 
joicing on  the  brink  of  the  eternal  world,  I  must  solemnly  warn  you, 
that  except  you  are  born  of  the  Spirit,  there  is  ceaseless  sorrow  before 
you— that  there  is  a  fire  never  to  oe  quenched,  where  all  will  be  lost! 
• — forever  lost !  0  the  loss  of  the  soul !  Who  c&n  imagine  its  ceaseless 
woes!  a  night  beyond  vrhich  no  day  will  ever  dawn — pain  v-ithout 
pleasures,  sorrows  without  joys,  where  the  sweets  of  society  and  of 
sympathy  will  never  cheer  the  heart— -where  there  will  be  an  ocean  of 
pain  without  one  drop  «f  ease,  and  an  eternity  of  woes  without  any 
relief! 

-.[    . ,:  .;,,,:  ;i  *  Tempests  of  angry  fire  will  roll, 
/!  ;;  ? ' ' '••"  >:'v:     And  beat  in  one  eternal  storm. 
.     ■   '  1     1:    •   ^    Upon  the~ naked  soul!'  -T 

0  my  brother,  fly  to  Christ ;  fly  now.  Don't  delay.  God  '  hates 
putting  ofl!*.'  We  know  not  our  time.  '  As  the  bird  is  caught  in  a  snare, 
and  the  fishes  are  taken  in  an  evU  net,  so  the  sons  of  men  are  snared  in 
ail  evil  time  when  it  falleth  suddenly  upon  them.'  Let  us  then  be  ready. 
O  that  I  may  hear  that  you  are  a  decided  Christian  '  before  I  go  hence 
to  be  here  no  more.'  Pray  write  to  me,  and  let  me  know  your  state  of 
mind.  Tell  me  all  about  it.  It  would  be  a  satisfaction  to  me.  I  can 
but  pray  for  you  daily  :  I  trust  your  dear  wife  does  the  same,  and  I 
know  your  sister  Manila  does.  Do  you  pray  for  yourself?  Don't  be 
offended  at  my  importunity.    The  case  is  an  urgent  one.        *        * 

Yours  affectionately,  D.  Marks." 

Mr.  Marks,  for  some  time,  rdused  to  employ  a  physician,  beliey* 
ing  that  his  eiSbr^e  would  be  unavailiQg,  but  at  length,  for  Uie  grat- 
ification of  his  anxious  family,  he  ctmsented.  Medicine  appeared 
to  have  the  desired  effect,  his  system  again  seemed  invigorated, 
bis  bloating  subsided,  and  finally  disappeu«d.  In  the  mean  time, 
as  spring  opened,  he  burned  himself  in  the  cultivation  of  his  garden 
as  his  strengtb  would  permit,  an  employment  which  benefited  him, 
and  in  which  he  greatly  delighted.  But,  with  bis  returning  strength, 
though  he  did  not  feel  able  to  resume  bis  studies,  he  could  not  be 
restituned  from  big  much  loved  work  of  preaching  Christ.  Accord- 


'  *!'r-'<>Tr'*^''^*?95' 


428 


MEMOIBS  OP 


ingly  he  resumed  his  labors  in  some  of  the  churches  with  which  he 
was  preaching  previous  to  his  tour  to  New  Hampt^hire,  and  also  or- 

ganized  a  church  in  Henrietta,  four  miles  from  Oberlin,  to  which 
e  preached  every  fourth  Sabbath.  During  the  spring  he  com* 
menced  an  acquaintance  with  Mr.  Edmund  B.  Fairfield,  a  member 
of  the  Faculty  of  Oberlin  College,  which  soon  ripened  into  strong 
Chrbtian  friendship.  He  was  a  Calvinistic  Baptist  licensed  minis- 
ter, and  first  called  on  Mr.  Marks  for  the  purpose  of  conversing  on 
the  subject  of  free-communion.  Not  long  afterwards,  he  united 
with  the  Free-will  Baptists. 

May  25,  Mr.  Marks  attended  the  Lake  Erie  quarterly  meeting 
at  North  Amherst,  and  preached  on  the  subject  of  sanctification, 
from  1  Thess.  5:23.  He  introduced  his  subject  by  saying,  "  Had 
all  the  evil  spirits  in  the  universe  held  a  three  hundred  and  sixty- 
five  days'  council  in  pandemonium,  they  could  not  possibly  have 
succeeded  better  in  their  designs,  than  to  have  invented  measures 
to  establish  the  doctrine  in  the  church  of  Jesus  Christ  that  the  blood 
of  Christ  never  cleanses  a  soul  from  all  sin  in  this  life."  in  June, 
he  attended  the  Ohio  Northern  yearly  meetiiig.  This  l  now 
passed  some  very  spirited  resolutions  on  the  subject  t  ' .  ery. 
Hitherto  they  had  not  taken  a  very  high  stand  in  the  cai4Ut>  of  abo- 
lition. Mr.  Marks  was  appointed  one  of  the  delegates  to  the 
General  Conference  to  meet  the  ensuing  ffdl  in  Plainfield  in  the 
eastern  part  of  New  York.  He  declined  the  appointment,  still  think- 
ing his  recovery  doubtful.  His  acceptance  was  urged  on  the  ground 
that  if  hef  did  not  recover,  he  ought  to  go  and  meet  his  brethren 
once  more,  and  as  a  substitute  was  elected  in  case  of  his  failure,  it 
was  insisted  that  his  appointment  should  remain. 

In  the  latter  part  of  June,  he  had  a  public  discussion  on  the  sub- 
ject of  baptism  with  Dr.  Shaffer,  a  Methodist  presiding  elder. 
Several  months  previous,  in  compliance  with  the  urgent  request  of 
a  number  of  ministers,  he  had  consented  to  meet  Dr.  Shaffer,  who, 
as  he  was  informed,  devoted  a  considerable  part  of  his  time  to 
preaching  on  this  subject,  advocating  the  position,  that  immersion 
was  not  baptism,  and  had  challenged  the  Baptist  world  to  meet 
him.  The  discussion  was  held  in  the  Methodist  meeting  house  in 
New  Haven,  Huron  Co.  and  continued  five  days.  Mr.  Marks  was 
assisted  by  brother  E.  B.  Fairfield  of  Oberlin,  a  liberty  he  request- 
ed on  account  of  his  health.  Fifteen  Methodist  and  nineteen 
Free-will  Baptist  preachers  were  among  the  attendants.  Among 
the  novel  positions  of  Dr.  Shaffer  was  the  following :  <*  That  as 
baptism  is  the  answer  of  a  good  conscience,  the  candidate  should 
have  his  choice  as  to  the  mode  of  administration ;  but  that  immer- 
sion is  not  a  scriptural  mode  of  Christian  baptism,  and  that  there- 
fore he  would  not  immerse  those  applicants  who  desire  to  be  bap- 


DAVID  IMAK8. 


429 


tized  in  this  way,  bat  would  send  thorn  to  his  brother  ministers." 
Previous  to  the  disoussion,  it  was  agreed  that  no  public  express- 
ion of  the  congregation  should  be  taken.  Sotfta  ioea  of  its  mer- 
its may  be  formed  from  the  following  article,  which  appeared  in 
the  Mornmg  Star.  It  was  written  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Free- 
will BapUst  Book  Concern,  and  was  signed  by  twelve  minis- 
ters. 

'*  Dear  Brethren :— The  tinderaigned,  havintf  been  in  attendance  dur- 
inff  the  disoQSsion  on  baptism  between  brother  Maries  and  Dr.  Shaffer, 
which  commenced  on  the  S4th  inst.  and  was  continaed  five  days,  take 
this  method  «f  expressing  to  you  our  ftiUest  conviction,  that  Baptist  sen- 
timents have  been  triumphantly  sustained,  both  as  it  respects  the  sub- 
jects of  baptism,  and  the  manner  of  its  administration.  We  are  also  of 
the  opinion,  that  it  would  greatly  subserve  the  interests  of  true  religion, 
to  have  the  principal  ai^uments  used  in  this  debate,  published  in  a  book 
form  for  the  use  of  the  Christian  public.  Such  a  work  is  needed  by 
our  denomination,  especially  in  the  new  states,  where  our  sentiments  are 
continually  assailed  by  the  crudest  objections,  and  most  shameless  dog- 
matisms. The  arguments  adduced  by  our  brother  Marks,  are,  in  our 
judgment,  admirably  suited  to  the  times,  in  view  of  ^e  various  and  con- 
Iticting  sentiments  entertained  respecting  the  design,  mode,  and  subjects 
of  baptism.  There  are,  indeed,  many  valuable  works  before  the  public, 
treating  on  these  points,  but  in  no  one  of  them  do  we  find  any  consider- 
able portion  of  the  arguments  used  on  this  occasion.  Ever  since  this 
discussion  was  first  contemplated,  brother  Marks  has  been  actively  en- 
ffaged  in  collecting  his  materials  for  debate,  so  that  no  noint  of  attack 
has  been  left  undefended.  A  very  considerable  share  ot  his  matter  is 
already  in  manuscript,  having  been  copied  from  Pedo-Baptists  lexicog- 
raphers, commentators,  authors  of  the  highest  distinction,  whose  numer> 
ous  concessions,  of  themselves,  form  an  unanswerable  argument  in  fa- 
vor of  Baptist  sf  atiments.  In  collecting  these  materials,  brother  Marks 
has  been  assisted  by  our  gifted  and  worthy  brother  Fairfield,  a  tutor  in 
Oberlin  college,  and  has  been  enabled  to  collect  an  amount  of  valuable 
testimony  in  h\ot  of  immersion  far  exceeding  our  most  sansuine  expec- 
tations. •  •  •  Xhe  arguments  used  in  this  debate,  should 
you  publish  them,  will  be  found  to  contain  the  statements  of  the  ablest 
critics  and  lexicographers,  on  all  the  varieties  of  sentiment  entertained 
on  the  subject  of  baptism,  with  accurate  references  to  the  books  where 
they  may  be  found,  so  that  one  may  have  within  a  compass  of  some 
four  hundred  pages,  substantially,  the  arguments  of  the  learned  Carson, 
of  Pengilly  and  Hinton,  the  valuable  arguments  of  Camp'dU  with 
McAuiey,  and  more  recently  with  Dr.  Rice,  besides  many  other  excel- 
lent works  of  less  magnitude.  •  •  •  But  the  greatest 
value  of  these  materials,  arises  from  the  fact  that  they  are  so  simplified 
as  to  bring  the  most  elaborate  arguments  drawn  from  classic  usage  and 
other  learned  disquisitions  withm  the  comprehension  of  the  general 
reader." 

Mr.  Marks  greatly  enjoyed  this  discussion,  but  the  mental  effort 
much  reduced  his  strength,  and  he  never  was  able  to  comply  with 


480 


MEMOIRS  OF 


the  many,  requests  to  prepare  the  work  for  publication.  On  his  re- 
turn to  Oberlin,  he  received  the  following,  in  reply  to  the  resigna- 
tion he  had  tendered  of  his  agency  for  the  Strafford  Institution. 

"  Dear  Brother  Marks : — The  acobunt  you  gave  us  of  your  health, 
and  the  resignation  of  your  agency,  has  filled  us  with  no  small  concern. 
*  *  *  It  is  the  setded  opinion  of  the  Board,  that  your  visit  to 
New  Hampshire,  and  your  powerful  effort  as  our  agent,  was  o'  God, 
and  that  the  hand  of  Grod  was  manifest  in  that  effort,  and  further,  that  if 
you  could  find  it  to  be  duty  to  come  with  your  family  to  New  England 
and  reside  for  a  term  of  time  with  us,  that  you  would  soon  free  our  Sem- 
inary of  learning,  that  God  has  so  manifestly  owned  and  blessed  with 
the  out-pouring  of  his  Spirit.  And  further,  we  believe  that  if  our  Insti- 
tution is  ever  saved,  it  will  appear  to  have  been  done  by  your  efforts. 
At  the  last  meeting  of  our  Trustees,  they  voted  and  directed  me  to  write 
to  you,  that  they  cannot  give  you  up,  if  God  will,  in  answer  to  prayer, 
restore  your  health.  I  remarked  to  the  Board,  that  I  was  willing  to 
write,  and  would  do  it  cheerfully,  but  that  I  believed  you  had  made  up 
your  mind  that  you  had  done  all  you  could  for  us,  or  you  would  not  have 
sent  us  your  resignation.  All  this,  however,  would  avail  nothing ;  write 
I  must,  or  some  other  one  of  the  Board  would,  for  they  are  determined 
to  hear  from  you  before  they  appoint  any  other  one  as  agent.  Do,  broth- 
er, pray  over  this  subject,  and  come,  if  your  health  will  permit.  We  do 
not  entertain  a  doubt  of  your  success,  for  the  objections  that  lay  in  your 
way,  have  by  you  and  the  above  named  committee,  been  removed  from 
the  miadtt  of  all  who  have  received  the  intelligence.  *  *  O 
that  Grod's  will,  and  not  ours,  may  be  done  in  this  thing. 

Yours  in  love,  E.  Place.'' 

In  reply,  Mr.  Marks  recommended  brother  E.  B.  Fairfield  as 
his  successor  in  the  agency,  and  he  was  afterwards  employed  by 
the  Trustees.  "        /  .\m  •• 

During  the  months  of  July  and  August,  Mr.  Marks  remained 
mostly  in  Oberlin,  except  on  the  Sabbath,  his  health,  meanwhile, 
again  improving.  He  was  very  happy,  for  he  was  in  an  atmosphere 
congenial  to  his  feelings,  and  he  enjoyed  with  the  keenest  relish, 
the  moral,  intellectual,  and  religious  repasts  so  often  spread  in  Ober- 
lin. But  he  could  not  rest  to  enjoy  them  alone.  He  loved  to  im- 
part his  good  things  to  others,  and  accordingly  frequently  reported 
for  the  Star,  some  of  the  interesting  meetings  he  attended.  Among 
these  reports  were  seven  lectures  on  slavery  by  Professor  Hudson, 
and  Professor  A.  Walker's  account  of  his  tour  in  England  and 
France.  Perhaps  there  were  few  occasions  that  fillei  him  with 
greater  delight,  than  the  celebration  of  West  India  emancipation, 
conducted  entirely  by  the  colored  people.  The  decorum,  taste,  and 
refinement,  exhibited  by  them  during  the  exercises  of  the  day,  af- 
forded him  the  sweetest  enjoyment,  as  it  was  a  demonstration  of  the 
power  of  liberty,  science,  and  religion,  to  elevate  this  crushed  and 
down-trodden  race.  r 


DAVID  MABKB* 


481 


Mr.  Marks'  physician  having  advised  him  to  journey  in  an  easy 
carriage,  entirely  laying  aside  preaching,  he  concluded  to  attend 
the  Greneral  Conference ;  and,  accordingly,  Friday,  September  18, 
he  left  home  in  his  own  conveyance,  accompanied  by  his  wife,  and 
brother  Fairfield,  who  was  going  on  his  agency  to  New  Hamp- 
shire. Saturday  and  Sabbath  following,  he  attended  the  Lorain 
quarterly  meeting  in  Sheffield.  Two  ministers  united  at  this  ses- 
sion, brethren  H.  Wellington  and  Charles  Pierce.  The  former,  an 
Oberlin  student.,  was  ftom  Massachusetts,  and  had  hii.herto  been 
connected  with  the  Calvinistic  Baptists.  The  latter  was  a  Congre- 
Rationalist  licensed  minister,  formerly  a  student  at  Oberlin,  who,  hav- 
ing embraced  Baptist  views,  believed  he  had  never  been  scriptur- 
ally  baptized.  At  his  request,  Mr.  Marks  now  baptized  him,  and 
a  very  impressive  season  was  enjoyed. 

Prosecuting  his  journey,  and  enjoying  the  kind  attention  of 
brother  Fairfield,  "Mr.  Marks  found  his  hralth  improving,  till  two 
or  three  days  before  he  reached  Plainfield,  when  he  took  a  severe 
cold,  and  his  dropsical  difficulties  returned.  He  reached  Plain- 
field  in  season  to  be  present  at  the  organization  of  the  Conference. 
Fifty-three  delegates  attended,  bcbldes  several  other  leading  breth- 
ren, who  had  come  from  different  states  to  er^oj  the  discussions  of 
the  Conference,  and  attend  the  anniversaries  of  the  benevolent  so- 
cieties. Soon  after  the  Conference  was"  opened,  a  little  time  was 
spent  in  listening  to  the  remarks  of  brethren  considerably  advanc- 
ed in  life,  who  had  seen  much  of  the  glory  of  God.  The  season 
was  a  melting  one,  and  an  excellent  preparation  for  the  discussions 
before  them.  The  reports  from  the  different  parts  of  the  denom- 
ination were  cheering.  Nine  yearly  meetings,  most  of  which  had 
been  newly  organized,  were  received  into  membership.  One  of 
this  number  had  been  raised  up  through  the  instrumentality  of  a 
minister  sent  out  by  the  Home  Mission  Board,  at  an  expense  of 
only  $1500.  A  very  interestmg  letter  was  received  from  the  mis- 
sionaries in  India.  They  had  rormed  small  churches  at  two  sta- 
tions, which  they  had  organized  into  a  quarterly  meeting,  called 
Balaisore.  All  seemed  astonished  at  the  rapid  spread  of  the  de- 
nomination within  the  last  few  years. 

Resolutions,  accompanied  by  soul-stirring  speeches,  were  passed 
with  great  unanimity,  on  Slavery,  Missions,  Moral  Reform,  Popery, 
Temperance,  Sabbath  Schools,  Education,  State  of  Religion, 
Church  PoUty,  Secret  Societies,  Printing  Establishment,  &c. 
Among  the  resolutions  on  slavery  were  the  following :  "  Reaohed, 
That  all  human  laws  which  require  men  to  violate  the  laws  of 
God,  are  wicked  laws,  and  should  not  be  obeyed.  Resolved,  That 
all  laws  which  require  us  to  assist  in  returning  the  fugitive  slave 
into  bondage,  or  prohibit  us  from  feeding,  clothing,  or  protecting 


m 


MBMOtBS  OV 


him,  contravene  the  Iowa  of  God,  and  therefore  shonld  not  be  re- 
garded. Resolved,  That  this  Conference  belieye  it  to  be  the  dutv 
of  all  Christian  voters  to  act  on  anti-slavery  principles  at  the  bal- 
lot box." 

The  following  are  a  few  of  the  remarks  Mr.  Marks  made  in  sup- 
port of  the  last  resolution,  and  are  introduced  as  exemplifying 
some  of  his  views  of  the  political  duty  of  a  Christian  citizen.     He 

SMd,— 

"  In  this  business  of  voting,  there  is  a  great  mora/ principle,  which  has 
not  been  sufficiently  weighed  by  the  church  to  enable  her  to  fix  upon  her 
conscience,  the  responsibility  she  has  at  the  ballot  box  in  a  i-epnblican 
government.  God  has  ordained  human  government.  The  form  of  gov- 
ernment and  the  exercise  of  governmental  powers,  axe  left  to  be  deter- 
mined by  circumstances.  In  a  republic,  the  people  are  the  sovereigTis. — 
the  governors—'a.ndi  God  holds  them  responsible  as  such.  One's  decdin- 
ing  to  act  as  a  governor,  lessens  not  his  responsibility  to  God,  so  long 
as  his  power  to  act  remains  in  his  own  hand.  Nor  does  the  fiiet  that  one 
cannot  alone  carry  his  point  at  the  ballot  box,  lessen  his  moral  obligation, 
so  far  as  his  proportion  of  power  or  influence  is  eonoemed.  It  is  not 
necessary  that  a  mob  of  one  hundred  should  kill  a  hundred  individuals, 
in  order  to  oonstitate  each  one  a  murderer.  AH  who  engage  in  a  mob 
which  kills  a  single  individual  are  murderers.  So  it  is  in  a  republican 
government.  I  am  responsible  for  every  principle  I  vote  to  have  carried 
out.  Nor  will  it  avail  me  anything  to  plead  as  an  excuse,  that  if  I  had 
not  voted  to  put  in  an  immoral  man,  others  would  have  put  him  in  with- 
out me.  I  might  on  the  same  principle,  rob,  sell  rum,  practice  licen- 
tiousness, &c.,  pleading  v.iat  1  deplore  these  evils  '  as  much  as  any 
body,'— *b«t'->if  I  don't  practice  them,  '  othcn  will.'  •  #  • 
*  *  There  is  sophistry  in  this  dextrine  '  of  two  evils,  choose  the 
least,'  which  is  oilen  overlooked.  Evil  has  two  meanings ;  one  signi-* 
fies  sin — the  other  calamity.  Now,  while  in  the  last  sense,  it  is  lawful 
to  choose  the  least  of  evils,  as  did  David  when  he  chose  between  sword, 
pestilence,  and  famine,  it  is  not  true  in  the  first  sense,  moral  evils,  that 
we  should  choose  the  least.  To  choose  the  least  of  two  moral  evils,  is 
to  choose  to  sin.  To  sin,  under  a  pretence  of  effecting  a  greater  good, 
is  not  only  a  simple,  foolish  doctrine,  amid  the  light  of  this  age,  but  is  a 
honible  doctrine,  a  <  damnable  heresy,'  and  joins  its  advocates  to  those 
of  whom  Paul  said  their  language  was  :  *  Let  us  do  evil  that  good  may 
come.'  Were  there  three  candidates  up  for  President  of  the  United 
States,  the  first  being  the  devil,  the  second  a  thief,  and  the  third  an  hon- 
est man  ;  and  had  I  the  castinfr  vote  between  the  devil  and  the  thief,  I 
would  by  no  means  give  it  to  the  thief  to  keep  the  devil  out,  simply  be- 
cause I  have  no  right  to  vote  for  the  thief  to  keep  others  from  putting  in 
the  devil.  I  must  vote  for  the  honest  nurn,  though  by  my  adherence  to 
principle,  another  should  have  the  casting  vote,  and  put  in  the  devil. 
He  then  will  have  the  guilt  before  aU  heaven,  earth  and  hell,  of  putting 
in  the  devil,  and  I,  before  all  the  same  witnesses,  will  have  the  praise  to 
all  eternity,  of  voting  for  the  honest  man.  Let  me  illustrate  the  moral 
responsibility  of  voting.  Suppose  here  is  a  crank  connected  with  a 
wheel,  that  wheel  with  another,  the  second  with  a  third,  and  so  on  to 


DJLTID  WJUKKS. 


4MS 


He 


tting 
Be  to 
loral 
th  a 
n  to 


five  hundred  wheels,  and  I  take  bold  «f  the  orank,  and  turn  it,  and  that 
turns  the  first  wheel,  that  the  next,  and  so  on  ;  uid  the  Ave  hundredth 
wheel  turns  a  sword  in  such  a  manner  as  to  cut  off  a  man's  head. 
Now,  who  does  not  know  that  I  am  just  as  much  a  inbrderer  as  though 
I  had  done  it  directly  by  taking  the  sword  into  my  own  hand.  To  say 
I  did  not  kill  the  man,  that  T  merely  turned  the  erank,  &;o.  is  a  mere  quib- 
ble. God  holds  me  responsible  fat  the  natural  resdhs,  which  I  saw 
would  accrue  from  my  turning  the  crank.  Bo  in  the  bumness  of  voting. 
Here  is  a  law  system,  which  not  only  sabs  the  slaves  of  dl  their  earn- 
ings, but  compels  them  to  licentiousness,  and  kills  multitudes  of  them. 
But  who  made  and  retains  the  slave  oode  that  does  all  tliis  wicke^ess  ? 
The  law-makers.  Who  make  the  law-makers?  The  voters — the  sov- 
ereign people.  *  •  •  •  #  Hence  it  follows  that  ev- 
ery voter  who  votes  to  send  a  pro-filavery  agent  to  Congress,  or  put  one 
into  a  htwHooaking  offiee,  is  'himself  a  rdbber,  and,  if  he  knows  all  the  cir- 
aimstanees  which  his  vote  thus  sanctions,  he  is  also  a  murderer,  and  God 
will  hold  him  lespoasible  as  such.        •       «        •       «  ^ 

The  comimttee  on  secret  soeietaes,  of  which  "Mr.  Marks  was 
chairman,  reported  as  fdiows : 

*'  That  the  watchfulness  of  the  public  eye  is  essential  to  the  purity  of 
all  associated  bodies  and  institutions  whatever ;  and  ^at,  in  the  preeent 
state  of  society,  however  pure  mi^  be  the  motives  and  prHici|^es4>f  th^ 
founders  of  secret  societies,  secrecy  is  sure  to  corrupt  them.  *  *  la 
the  opinion  of  your  committee,  all  extra  judicial  oaths  or  affirmations  for 
the  keeping  of  the  secrets  of  such  associations  as  Free  Masons,  Odd  Fel- 
lows, Rechabites,  and  similar  combinations,  are  contraxv  to  the  Bible, 
which  forbids  us  to  forswear  oaraelvec,  and  contrary  to  the  spirit  of  the 
Chrietiui  religion,  ^vhioh  does  not  allow  its  subjects  to  agree  to  things 
which  they  do  net  understand,  or  to  take  obligations  upon  them  whidi 
they  do  not  know  for  themselves  the  bearings  of,  in  contingencies  which 
may  arise, — Therefoie,  ,4. 

Resolved,  That  we  advise  our  churches,  as  far  as  practicable,  to  avert 
this  evil  in  its  first  beginnings,  by  laboring  with  all  who  take  upon  them 
the  extra  judicial  oaths  or  pledges  of  these  societies,  or  who  remain  con- 
nected with  them." 

''  The  report  of  the  Book  Concern  afforded  matter  for  devout 
thanks^ving,  and  furnished  ample  testimony  of  the  wisdom  and 
prudence  with  which  it  had  continued  to  be  conducted.  Its  valiie 
was  now  estimated  at  $25,184,  it  was  free  from  debt,  and  bad  sev- 
eral hundred  dollars  surplus  ftinds,  which  the  Conference  voted  to 
divide  between  the  Mission  and  Education  Societies.  The  Morning 
Star  had  heen  enlarged  the  third  time,  and  otherwise  improved, 
without  addition  to  the  price. 

••  But  perhaps  no  subject  that  came  heforethe  Conference  awaken- 
ed so  much  interiest  as  the  location  of  the  "  Biblical  SchooV  an 
Institution  which  had  been  established  by  the  Education  Society,  and 
had  been  in  operation  several  years  without  any  permanent  location. 
The  Trustees  of  Clinton  Seminary,  N.  Y.,  had  made  averyadvan- 
37 


^ti^^^i^'siiii^i^AjlLiirJi'. 


\ 


484 


HEHOIBS   OF 


tageous  exchange  of  their  Institution  for  the  buildings  of  the  Oneida 
Institute  in  Whitestown.  Thej  were  anxious  the  Biblical  School 
should  be  located  with  them,  and  had  offered  to  give  the  use  of  one 
of  their  large  buildings.  Other  very  generous  oners  had  been  made 
from  other  places ;  and  the  Society  had  referred  the  decision  to  the 
General  Conference.  Notwithstuiding  the  local  interests,  that  could 
but  have  their  influence  on  the  minds  of  the  members,  the  discus* 
sion  was  conducted  in  the  most  Christian  spirit,  and  the  decision 
flnallv  was  in  favor  of  Whitestow. 

After  a  week's  sitting,  when  the  time  for  the  a<^'oumment  of  the 
Conference  arrived,  a  very  great  solemnity  rested  upoi^  its  mem- 
bers, several  of  whom  addressed  their  brethren.  But  probably  to 
none  was  it  more  solemn  than  to  Mr.  Marks.  He  said,  "  I  thank 
my  Heavenly  Father  for  the  strength  he  has  unexpectedly  given 
me  to  come  to  this  Conference,  and  see  so  many  that  are  dear  to 
my  heart.  My  feeble  health  admonishes  me,  that  probably  this  is 
the  last  time  that  I  shall  see  your  faces  in  this  world,  and  that  I 
have  for  the  kut  time  reported  your  speeches.  But  I  thank  God 
that  for  me  '  to  live  is  Christ,  to  die  would  be  gain.'  I  wish  to  ask 
you  all  to  pray  for  me."  The  "  Christian's  Hope,"  by  Mr.  Sutton, 
commencing, 

"'  "  Hail  sweetest,  dearest  tie  that  binds 

Our  glowing  hearts  in  one," 

was  sung,  and  nearly  all,  if  not  all,  wept  as  they  exchanged  salu- 
tations. Prayer  was  then  offered,  and  an  affecting  separation  fol- 
lowed, accompanied  by  many  tears. 

Thus  closed  the  twelfth  General  Conference.  It  had  embodied 
a  greater  array  of  talent  and  sterling  piety,  than  had  ever  before 
been  assembled  in  the  Free-will  Baptist  denomination.  It  was 
also  the  most  interesting  and  important  in  its  results.  In  subse- 
quent days,  the  subject  of  these  memoirs  oft«n  referred  to  this  Con- 
ference, while  tears  of  gratitude  would  flow  down  his  cheeks,  and, 
•  In  the  most  melting  accents,  he  would  thank  his  Heavenly  Father 
that  he  had  strengthened  him  to  attend  it,  and  had  permitted  him 
to  live  to  see  so  many  strong  young  men  raised  up  to  fight  in  the 
holy  war,  and  then  he  would  frequently  add,  that  he  could  be  spar- 
ed from  the  field,  and  he  was  ready  ^o  depart  in  peace. 

"Wednesday  afternoon,  Oct.  9,  Mr.  Marks  set  out  on  his  return 
homeward,  and  as  he  had  been  able,  during  the  Conference,  to 
write  out  but  little  part  of  the  notes  of  his  reports,  and  there  was 
much  anxiety  for  their  immediate  appearance  in  the  Star,  he  em- 
ployed much  of  his  time  while  traveUing,  in  writing.  These  reports 
when  published,  occupied  between  fifty  and  sixty  columns,  and  were 
;read  with  the  greatest  avi'^.ity.    On  his  return,  he  visited  the  In- 


DAYID  MABK8. 


4^5 


stitution  at  Whitestown,  and  was  extremely  gratified  with  all  he 
saw.  During  a  night  in  which  he  stopped  between  Rochester  and 
Buffalo,  the  country  was  visited  by  a  most  dreadful  tempest,  which, 
with  its  effects,  he  thus  described  m  the  Star : 

BfcpiiQ  prophet  Isaiah  said,  thatClirist  should  be  'A  hiding  place 
fVom  the  wind,  and  a  covert  ilrom  the  tempest.'    In  the  land  of  Judea, 
where  the  storms  are  frequently  tenible  aad  awfully  sublime,  the  fig- 
ure used  in  the  above  passage  is  a  striking  one.    Nor  has  it  been  less 
strikingly  appropriate  to  multitudes  on  lake  Erie,  and  in  western  New 
York,  who  have  witnessed  the  hoart-rending  efibcts  of  a  terrible  tem- 
pest, which  happened  on  Saturday  morning,  Oct.  18,  1844.    We  were 
then  on  our  return  from  the  General  Conference,  and  had  taken  lodgings 
at  the  house  of  brother  A.  Achilles  in  Oak  Orchard,  about  thirty  miles 
from  Rochester.    At  one  o'clock  in  the  morning,  we  were  awakened  by 
the  noise  of  the  wind  and  the  tremulous  motion  of  the  house  in  whieh 
we  lodged.    At  two  o'clock,  the  family  were  up,  and  the  shaking  of  the 
house  warned  us  to  flee  to  some  stronger  retreat.    We  were  scarcely 
dressed,  when  there  came*a  crash,  and  tne  whole  building  reeled,  and,  for 
a  moment,  we  expected  to  be  buried  in  its  ruins.    The  roof  of  the  kitch- 
en had  fallen  in,  and  we  now  all  fled  to  a  neighboring  house.    There  we 
listened  for  hours  to  the  ragings  of  the  gale,  and  as  we  thought  of  Uie 
scenes  of  distress  on  the  a^acent  lakes,  which,  from  the  suddenness  of 
the  tempest  must  be  unavoidable,  we  engaged  in  prayer.     Saturday,  we 
continued  our  journey  westward,  and  through  the  whole  country,  witness- 
ed extensive  damages,  such  as  the  destruction  of  timber,  fences,  and 
buildings.    Four  days  after  the  gale,  we  visited  the  lower  part  of  Buf- 
falo, which  had  been  inundated.     The  wind  had  blown  from  the  south- 
west directly  down  the  lake  with  such  force,  that  the  whole  body  of  the 
lower  end  of  the  lake  had  risen,  some  said  sixteen  feet  /    This,  with  the 
unprecedented  dashing  of  the  waves,  caused  an  amount  of  destruction 
which  almost  surpasses  the  power  of  description.    On  one  of  the  largest 
streets  in  the  lower  part  of  the  city,  we  were  told  that  the  water  stood 
five  feet  deep  in  the  street.    Yet  beneath  the  large  blocks  of  buildings 
were  under-ground  rooms,  some  of  which  were  used  for  sleeping  apart- 
ments.    At  one  time,  it  was  said,  the  water  rose  four  feet  in  five  min- 
utes.   In  some  cases,  a  furious  wave  would  burst  in  a  door  or  window, 
and  fill  a  room  so  suddenly,  that  the  inmates  had  only  time  to  awake  and 
perish !     How  awful  to  such  must  have  been  that  moment !     They  had 
not  the  most  distant  dream  of  danger.    They  slept  as  calmly  as  others. 
They  heard  the  noise  of  water — sprang  from  their  beds,  and  found  them- 
selves in  the  dark  rising  flood — they  were  covered  with  it— no  intelli- 
gence as  to  the  cause — no  explanation — no  time  for  reasoning ;  and  the 
awful  thought  rushed  on  the  soul — '  I  am  drowning — escape  is  impossi- 
ble—it is  done — now  I  must  meet  my  Judge— am  I  ready  ? — No  time  for 
preparation — O!   I  am  going — going — gone!'    It  was  said,  that  the 
screams  of  distress  and  cries  for  help,  that  alternately  rose  and  died  a^ay 
amid  the  waves  and  winds  from  two  o'clock  till  sunrise,  were  enough  to 
melt  a  heart  of  stone.    We  were  informed  that  the  bodies  of  fifty-five 
had  been  picked  up  and  carried  to  the  court-house,  where  they  were  left 
for  a  season  that  their  friends  might  identify  them.    Many  were  missing 


jii!^MX:iJiiii^iiii..  ^^1 


-V 


346 


lUMOiBS  or 


that  had  not  been  found.  Some  were  of  the  opinion  that  one  hundred 
lives  were  lost  in  Bufihlo,  but,  considering  the  number  of  those  whose 
bodies  may  have  washed  down  the  Niagara  river,  and  sunk  into  the 
dreadAiI  whirlpool  below  the  Falls,  never  more  to  rise  till  Oahriel's 
trump  shall  call  out  the  dead  from  earth's  deepest  caverns,  no  one  can 
be  sure  of  even  the  probable  number  lost.  We  stood  in  the  nouth  part 
of  the  city,  on  the  edge  of  the  ruins,  nearly  a  mile  from  the  lake,  and 
with  the  most  solemn  feelings  surveyed  the  scene  of  desolation,  which 
fbr  more  than  a  mile  in  extent,  north  and  south,  east  and  west,  met  the 
eye.  •  *  •  Though  now  four  days  after  the  destruction,  almost  all 
kmds  of  materials  seen  in  a  city  were  here  piled  in  endless  confusion. 
Large  nnmbere  of  teams,  and  hundreds  if  not  thousands  of  workmen 
were  engaged  in  clearing  away  and  regulating  this  singular  flood- 
wood."        #        #        •        • 

Leaving  Baffiilo,  the  next  day  Mr.  Maries  visited  the  wreck  of 
(he  steamer  Robert  Fulton,  lying  on  the  beach  twenty  miles  south 
<^  Buffalo,  where  it  was  driven  ashore  during  the  gale,  with  about 
two  hundred  and  seventy-five  passengers  on  bofu^.  It  was  to 
them  a  night  of  awful  terror,  and  of  earnest,  ccmtinued,  and  agon- 
ising prayer.  Two  were  drowned  in  the  steerage  cabin,  and  two 
were  washed  overboard.  He  was  told  by  one  of  tlie  passengers, 
that  an  hifidel  was  on  board)  who  had  sealously  argued  his  princi- 
ples till  the  gfde  struck  the  vessel,  and  then,  when  all  were  expect- 
ing to  be  lost,  he  prayed  as  fervently  as  any  one.  Mr.  Marks  con- 
tinuing his  Journey,  arrived  in  Oberlin  the  early  part  of  Novemr 
ber. 


<i-.in^\ 


■j-tHi-.-' 


x»*  ■ 


..-,? 


^■■■:\y^ 


■';•'■  ^fj;4f.-vt  '.f\y:;^    fr  iW* 


-■fvitti^ii    '!;',;*■!;?,  ;j^':t*';  »-i,>fis?  •t*>i>>*  •'^    ;:"■■ 


DAVID   MABKS. 


m 


"*  CHAPTER  XXX. 

A  few  pariiculara  respecting  his  state  of  health,  last  labors,  deathf 
funeral  sermon,  farewell  addresses,  ^c,  from  Nov.  1844,  to 
December,  1846.  JJso,  extracts  from  the  correspondence  of 
friends,  containing  testimonials  of  their  esteem  and  views  of 
his  character,  Sfc, 

Mr.  Marks  preached  a  few  Sabbaths  af^er  his  return  to  Oberlin, 
but  he  found  that  every  attempt  increased  his  illness.  Professor 
Finney  now  interested  himself  in  his  case,  persuaded  him  to  relin- 
quish his  appointments,  and  encouraged  him  to  hope  that  continued 
rest,  sleeping  all  he  possibly  could,  and  omitting  the  use  of  medi- 
cine entirely,  would  yet  restore  him  to  a  tolerable  state  of  health. 
He  commenced  this  course,  and  was  astonished  at  the  changes  pro- 
duced.  His  bloating  again  subsided,  his  system  became  somewhat 
invigorated,  and  his  fHends  greatly  rejoiced  in  his  brightening 
prospects.  Professor  Finney,  in  his  kindness  and  care  for  him, 
used  often  to  go  out  hunting  wild  game,  with  which  he  kept  him 
almost  constantly  supplied  for  several  months.  Thus  pasi^  the 
winter  and  spring.  As  soon  as  Mr.  Marks'  friends  were  appris- 
ed of  his  state  of  health,  and  that  he  was  destitute  of  funds  to  meet 
his  current  expenses,  they  made  him  kind  and  liberal  remittan- 
ces. 

May  31  and  June  1,  he  attended  the  Ohio  Northern  yearly 
meeting,  in  compliance  with  the  urgent  entreaties  of  brethren,  on 
condition  that  they  would  not  ask  him  to  preach.  It  was  held  in  "■ 
Spencer,  twenty  miles  from  Oberlin.  He  assisted  durin'  the  busi- 
ness meeting,  lying  down  a  part  of  the  time.  Sabbath  morning,  he 
gave  a  short  exhortation,  which  produced  a  ^.hrilling  effect.  One 
impenitent  man  went  out,  because  be  said  he  would  not  be  seen  to 
weep,  and  if  he  had  remained,  he  should  have  burst  into  tears.  Af- 
ter the  meeting  Mr.  Marks  returned  to  Oberlin,  apparently  unin- 
jured l^y  this  effort.  ^ 

June  2.  A  minister  from  Michigan  called  to  persuade  him  to 
attend  the  Michigan  yearly  meeting,  which  was  soon  to  assemble 
He  urged  his  attendance  in  the  most  moving  tenns,  and  was  espec- 
ially anxious  on  account  of  a  literary  institution  the  yearly  meeting 
had  just  established.  A  charter  had  been  obtained  for  a  college^ 
called  Michigan  Central  College,  and  the  school  wba  then  in  opera- 
tion in  Spring  Arbor,  under  the  superintendence  of  brother  Dan- 
iel M.  Graham,  a  graduate  from  Oberlin.  He  argued  that  he  could 
rest  about  as  well  on  the  steam-boat  and  in  the  cars  as  he  could  at 
37* 


i,  :L:^"..  .t  je»*i!WiiAl/-^.'-k  ■_ 


488 


iMKOiRii  or 


home,  and  that  a  trip  on  the  lake  would  benefit  him.  Afler  consid* 
erable  consultation,  the  decision  of  the  matter  was  referred  to  Pro- 
fessor Finney,  who,  with  much  hesitation,  reluctantly  said,  that  per- 
haps it  would  not  imure  him.  June  4,  Mr.  Marks  took  a  steam- 
boat for  Detroit  at  Huron,  but  afler  leaving  the  wtiarf,  found  the 
berths  all  engaged,  consequently  he  wai  able  to  get  very  little  rest 
through  the  night.  At  Detroit,  he  took  the  cars.  The  following 
letter  from  brother  D.  M.  Graham,  written  since  the  death  of  Mr. 
Marks,  gives  a  few  particulars  respecting  his  visit  to  the  Michigan 
yearly  meeting : 

"  Sprino  Arbor,  Mioh.  Mareh  9,  184S. 
Dear  Sinter  Maries  :— ' 

*        *        Our  yearly  meeting,  at  which  brother  Maries 

ftreaehed  his  to/^  sermon,  was  held  on  the  5th,  6th,  and  7th  of  June  last, 
n  our  meeting  house  at  Leoni.        *        * 

On  the  morning  of  the  0th  of  June,  I  set  out  for  the  yearly  meeting. 
At  Jackson,  eighty  miles  iVom  Detroit,  I  took  the  cars,  when,  to  my  great 
surprise,  and  still  greater  joy,  I  found  that  I  was  fellow  passenger  with 
£SIder  Marks.     He  was  in  company  with  Elder  Elijah  Cook.    He  was 
unusually  cheerful — almost  jovial.    I  expressed  my  joy  for  the  privilege 
of  meeting  him  in  my  own  state,  and  of  listening  to  mm  once  more  :  he 
said,  owing  to  illness,  he  should  not  attempt  to  preach.    In  a  few  mo- 
ments we  were  at  Leoni,  eight  miles  from  Jackson.    Having  been  in- 
troduced to  the  Conference,  he  a»ked  th(3  privilege  of  lying  down  during 
their  deliberations.    Accordingly,  he  took  his  position  on  a  buffalo  robe, 
his  head  being  supported  by  pillows.    As  Pitt  was  carried  on  a  bed  to 
Parliament  to  discharge  his  last  political  duty,  so,  in  future,  it  may  be 
said  of  brother  Marks,  that  he  was  home  to  the  house  of  God  to  dis- 
charge his  last  two  public  duties  in  the  service  of  his  King.     He  fre- 
quently spoke  during  the  delibctations  of  the  conferf^nce,  sometimes 
standing,  sometimes  reclining.     Saturday  afternoon,  there  was  a  sermon 
and  religions  conference.    His  feelings  were  much  elated.    While  thus 
looking  upon  the  work  of  his  Master,  and  being  pressed  by  all,  he  con- 
sented to  preach  the  next  day.    Sabbath  morning,  the  church  was 
crowded,  and  many  were  standing  outside  at  the  doors  and  windows. 
AAer  a  sermon  preached  from  the  words,  '  If  any  man  thirst,  let  him 
come  unto  me  and  drink,'  your  husband  preached  from  Matt.  S8:19, 20, 
'  Go  ye  therefore  and  teach  all  nations,'  &c.    He  kept  his  seat  for  the 
'  most  part  while  delivering  his  sermon.    He  was  very  moderate  when  he 
began,  manifestly  favoring  hin^self  what  he  could.    His  sermon^as  sim- 
ple in  diction,  powerful  in  argament,  and  overwhelming  in  pathos.    He 
seemed  to  be  familiarly  talking  with  each  auditor  till  every  one  was  all 
attention,  then  compelling  conviction  by  his  argument,  white  tears  suit- 
ed from  his  own  eyes,  he  seemed  literaJly,  with  resistless  strains  of  elo- 
quence, to  melt  the  whole  audience  before  him.    In  vain  I  attempt  to  de  • 
scribe  the  scene.    He  continued  thus  more  than  two  hours.    So  deep, 
lasting,  and  extensive,  were  the  impressions  made  by  that  sermon,  both 
among  professors  and  non-professors,  that  long,  long  after  the  speaker 
ahall  have  lain  in  the  grave,  one  wanderer  af^er  anotbev  will,  through 
its  iaduence,  be  brought  home  to  God.  .  , 


DAVID  MASKS. 


489 


After  •ermon,  he  was  taken  to  Elder  Limbocker's,  completely  ex> 
hausted.  He  told  me  that  he  feared  that  he  had  done  wrong  in  preach- 
ing so  long.  I  parted  with  him,  expecting  never  to  meet  him  again,  as 
it  was  then  his  intention  to  leave  the  next  morning  for  Oberlin.  The 
next  day,  however,  he  called  upon  me  in  Spring  Arbor,  apparently  in 
better  health  than  he  waa  before  preaching.  Wnen  passing  in  fVont  of 
the  new  biriding  erected  for  the  vae  of  our  Institution  in  this  plaoe,  he 
fixed  his  eye  on  it,  and  paused  for  a  while,  as  though  in  deep  thought. 
At  length,  addressing  himself  to  Elder  Coltrin,  he  spoke  with  deep  emo- 
tion of  the  progress  of  the  denomination.  '  Who  would  have  thought  a 
few  years  ago,'  said  he,  '  that  our  denomination  would,  from  a  mere 
infant,  have  become  a  great  people,  spreading  far  and  wide !  Who 
would  have  thought,'  continued  he.  '  that  so  soon  after  hiding  m^  gram- 
mar, lest  the  indignation  of  ray  elder  brethren  would  be  out  against  me, 
wo  should  have  one  literary  institution  after  another,  and  most  of  all 
away  here  at  the  West ! '  Many  remarks  similar  to  these  he  made  while 
with  us.  He  spoke  of  t'le  inflnence  this  institution  would  be  likely  to 
exert  in  the  great  battli  vet  to  be  fought  between  Trutli  and  Error  in 
the  West.  So  elated  u>d  he  bc'  '-me,  that  he  even  shouted,  '  Glory  to 
God!  Glory  to  God!!'  " 

Mr.  Marks  returned  to  Oi  eriin,  after  an  absence  of  eight  days, 
mucl)  enfeebled.  I?  -  aow  failed  to  nefit  him ;  he  grew  worse 
rapidly,  and  his  8;)n)pt«m8  became  very  alarming.  After  mnch 
entreaty,  he  was  pej  juaded  to  resort  to  medicines  which  had  for- 
merly lessened  hie  dropsical  difficulties,  but  they  produced  no  ef 
feet.  Again,  he  gave  up  all  hope  of  recovery,  but  was  very  caki 
and  happy.  Oace  more,  in  deference  to  the  anxious  feelings  of  hii 
family,  he  consented  to  call  a  physician  who  had  recently  settled 
in  Oberlin  ;  but  told  him  ho  had  no  expectation  that  he  could  ben- 
efit him.  The  physician,  after  an  examination  of  his  case,  express- 
ed confidence  thiat  he  could  be  relieved ;  but  said  if  the  accumula- 
tion of  water  could  not  be  carried  off,  he  could  live  but  few  days. 
He  commenced  treating  his  case,  and  very  shortly  succeeded  be- 
yond his  most  sanguine  expectations,  in  removing  the  dropsical  ob- 
structic  :  and  restoring  him  to  ease  and  comparative  comfort. 
Again,  .  I'riends  and  himself  were  flattered  with  hopes  of  his  res- 
toration to  health.  Sometimes,  while  lying  on  his  couch,  and  think- 
ing of  once  more  being  able  to  preach,  he  would  sav,  "  O,  what  a 
beautiful  world  is  this.  I  am  not  anxious  to  leave  it.  O  the  pre- 
cious harvest  of  the  Lord.  How  delightful  it  will  be  to  labor  in  it 
again.  I  would  like  to  live  a  hundred  years,  if  it  were  my  Heav- 
enly Father's  will,  and  I  could  preach.  O,  I  would  like  to  see  the 
triumphs  the  gospel  will  then  have  won.  I  would  like  to  see  the 
wonderfbl  effects  wrought  by  the  annihilation  of  distance  by  steam- 
boats, railroads,  and  the  wonderful  magnetic  telegraph.  God  will 
use  all  these  for  the  spread  of  his  knowledge."  Thus  he  would  of- 
ten go  on,  his  eye  kindling  with  expression,  and  his  countenance 


■  •"■  '-»^-r*r  ' 


440 


HEMOms  OF 


glowing  with  emotions  too  big  for  utterance.  His  health  continued 
to  improve  for  a  few  weeks,  and  then  seemed  to  remain  about  sta* 
tionary.  He  usually  rode  out  every  day,  and  sometimes  attended 
worship  on  the  Sabbath.  On  one  occasion,  at  Professor  Finney's 
request,  he  broke  bread  to  the  Oberlin  church,  and  made  some  re- 
marks, and  several  times  he  opened  or  closed  the  meetings  by 
prayer. 

In  the  mean  time,  he  was  often  cheered  by  the  letters  of  his 
Christian  friends.  Among  them  were  communications  from  his 
missionary  friends,  Sutton,  Bacheler,  and  Phillips.  The  latter 
wrote: 

«  Jellasorc,  India,  Sept.  11,  1844. 
Dear  Brother  Marks  : — 

•  *  *  •  We  see  by  the  Star,  that  you  have  been  ex- 
ten8iv3ly  engaged  in  the  cause  of  education.  The  success  which  attend- 
ed your  effort  in  Ohio  is  really  encouraging,  and  seems  to  have  been  un- 
precedented in  our  denomination. 

I  read  your  fall  and  very  interesting  letter  of  March  13,  1844,  at  our 
late  quarterly  meeting,  it  being  of  common  interest  to  ns  all.     We  all 
felt  sorry,  though  none  disappointed,  that  you  were  laid  aside  from  ac- 
tive labors,  and  suffering  from  ♦  nervous  debility.'    The  wonder  seemed 
rather  to  be,  that  you  still  kept  soul  and  body  together,  and  I  believe  we 
were  all  agreed  in  charging  you  with  imprudence.    '  Strength  equal  to 
your  day,'  seems  not  to  satisfy  you.    You  grasp  after  the  strength  of 
three  or  four  days  in  one.    My  dear  brother,  is  this  wise?    I  trust  you 
have  taught  the*  people  truths  that  will  not  soon  be  forgotten  ;  but  even 
to  do  this,  ought  a  man  to  kill  himself?    A  candle  lighted  at  both  ends 
must  soon'burn  out,  and  cease  to  afford  any  light.    On  the  subject  of 
your  own  education,  to  us  in  India,  you  appear  to  be  verging  an  ex- 
treme.   Aire'  ]y  broken  down  with  hard  labor,  and  sinking  into  the 
grave  under  the  pressure  of  premature  old  age,  the  vitel  fluids  too  much 
exhausted  to  rally  again  soon,  you  are,  to  say  the  least,  in  a  poor  state 
of  body  or  mind,  to  endure  four  or  six  years  of  close  application  to  hard 
study,  not  to  inquire  wh&t  your  prospects  for  usefulness  are  likely  to  be 
when  the  task  shall  have  been  accomplished,  should  you  live  so  long. 
One  would  thind  that  David  might  well  have  been  content  with  Go- 
liah's  sword  in  addition  to  his  sling  and  smooth  stones,  without  coveting 
Saul's  armor,  and  especially  so,  when  he  sees  what  a  mighty  victory 
they  had  gained  for  Israel.    If  I  have  taken  too  great  liberty,  I  know 
you  will  pardon  me,  rather  than  take  it  amiss.     What  you  say  of  your 
state  of  mind  and  of  the  society  at  Oberlin,  is  calculated  to  represent 
your  situation  as  the  most  desirable  on  earth,  and  such  I  can  fancy  it  to 
be.     Many  thanks  for  yonr  offer  of  the  Oberlin  Evangelist.     I  should 
much  prize  the  Evangelist,  but  I  cannot  consent  to  have  you  give  it  to 
me.        •♦•#•• 

With  you,  I  look  forward  with  delight  to  the  time  we  shall  meet,  no 
more  to  part.  I  trust^-  can  say,  that  •  for  me  to  live  is  Christ,  to  die 
would  be  gain.'    Once  more,  adieu.  J.  Phillips." 


>:P'"S'?'^'"'''^'^".-    ■■?'*'t^    '  :^' 


, ■:»;,'€• ' '"^'*  ■  -ifWife'  ' W ■>'■  ~-'|, 


i-i\ 


DAyiD  MASKS. 


441 


ho 


Elder  Place  wrote  him  June  7, 1845,  as  follows- r^^^ 

**  Dear  Brother  Marks : — 

You  cannot  conceive  the  peculiar  sensations  that  filled  my 
heart  at  the  close  of  the  General  Conference  at  Plainfield,  when  yoa 
told  us  that  it  was  the  last  time  you  ever  expected  to  report  the  doings 
of  that  body,' and  that  it  was  more  than  probable,  that  before  their  next 
session,  you  should  be  numbered  with  the  dead !  My  thoughts  flew 
quicker  than  lishtning  over  our  beloved  denomination  in  solemn  search 
for  a  man  to  fill  your  place,  but  could  not  find  him  ;  neither  have  I  been 
any  more  successful  in  my  search  since,  than  at  that  time ;  and  if  there 
is  one  of  our  brethren  whom  God  has  designed  to  fill  your  place,  it  is 
only  known  to  him,  and  not  to  us.  On  a  second  view  of  the  subject,,  I 
have  never  been  able  to  bring  my  thoughts  to  believe  for  a  single  mo- 
ment that  your  gospel  labors  were  about  to  close  forever.  Hence  it  has 
been  my  earnest  prayer,  that  your  health  might  be  restored,  and  that 
our  brethren  might  pray  fbr  that  i^ecific  object,  and  that  you  might  be 
reconciled  to  your  lot,  and  take  every  precaution  to  recover  your  health. 
Whitfield  saul  at  Exeter,  the  day  before  his  death,  that  he  was  not 
tired  of  the  way,  but  tired  in  the  way.  All  resignation  to  the  divine 
will,  to  live  or  die,  should  be  the  frame  of  mind  in  which  every  true  ser- 
vant of  Christ  should  be  found ;  but  truly  this  is  no  small  work  or  ml> 
nor  attainment :  it  is  only  through  much  prayer,  and  the  assistance  of  di- 
vine grace,  that  such  victories  are  ever  achieved.  And  further,  we  should 
not  wish  or  long  to  go  to  heaven,  while  it  is  Grod's  will  that  we  remain 
on  earth.  For  could  we  live  a  thousand  lives,  and  each  to  the  eommon 
age  of  man,  and  spend  the  whole  in  preaching  the  gospel  of  Christ,  O, 
it  would  be  delightful  work,  glorious  employment,  and  then,  with  all 
those  brought  to  Christ  by  his  ever-blessed  gospel,  we  should  find  ample 
time  to  praise  God  in  a  world  without  end.  •  •  *  •  •  May  God 
raise  you  up  to  health,  and  prolong  your  days  for  ZIon's  sake. 

'■ ""  \:. "',  -;.  *     "^r:^^'" ;':;/::::v'  ■  e.  place.'*  ^ 

Mr.  Marks  seldom  allowed  himself  to  write  replies  to  any  let- 
ters, or  furnish  any  articles  for  the  Morning  Star,  though  his  name 
was  still  continued  as  one  of  the  assistant  editors.  But  noticing  a 
communication  from  a  correspondent,  favoring  the  society  of  "  Odd 
Fellows,"  he  forwarded  an  article  on  the  subject,  from  the  Oberlin 
Quarterly  Review.  To  this  article  he  wrote  the  following  preface, 
which  was  about  the  last  he  wrote  for  the  Star.  It  was  published 
October  15,  1845.      --,^,,-.u..  -p, ,  .^^ .  „-,.:.=.  •i^f.,'.^A>,.'j«-  ■  ^'if' 

"  It  was  with  sorrow  that  I  perused  an  article  in  a  late  number  of  the 
Star,  from  an  esteemed  brother,  as  we  are  assured,  favorable  to  the  soci- 
ety of  Odd  Fellows.  When  I  wjis  strong  and  '  able  to  go  whithersoev- 
er I  would,'  my  Lord  demanded  me  to  expend  bome  of  my  energies  in  an 
uncompromising  warfare  against  secret  societies,  ^he  society  of  Free 
Masons  at  that  time  was  most  prominent,  and  that^s  a  glsd  day  to  my 
soul,  when  our  General  Conference,  years  ago,  took  a  decided  stand 
against  them.  I  mourn  that  so  soon  the  evi^  is  gaining  ground  in  the 
rapid  spread  of  the  society  of  Odd  Fellows,  i  ut  let  this  selfish  orgaKi= 
zation  be  confined  to  the  children  of  the  devil,  whence  it  originated,  and 


I 


442 


MEMOIRS  OF 


where  it  belongs ;  and  let  not  the  followers  of  a  pure  and  holy  Savior, 
turn  aside  to  be  taken  in  its  snares,  deceiving  and  being  deceived. 
When  I  read  the  article  referred  to,  I  .could  scarcely  restrain  myself 
from  taking  my  pen  with  a  view  of  exposing  to  the  readers  of  the  Star 
the  wicked  principles  of  this  society  ;  but  the  reflection  that  even  this 
eflTort  might  blast  my  prospect  of  returning  strength,  or  hinder  me  longer 
from  open  combat  with  the  foes  of  Zion,  deterred  me  from  the  at- 
tempt."       *        #        • 

A  difficulty  had  arisen  in  a  church  near  Oberlin,  in  consequence 
of  the  faithful  and  pointed  testimony-  of  its  pastor  against  intemper- 
ance. This  difficulty  had  been  referred  to  the  Lorain  quarterly 
meeting,  of  which  the  church  was  a  member.  Mr.  Marks,  fearing 
the  faithful  minister  might  not  be  sustained,  determined  to  attend 
the  quarterly  meeting,  to  which  he  had  been  appointed  a  delegate, 
and  which  was  to  be  held  in  September,  about  twenty  miles  from 
Oberlin.  On  being  remonstrated  with  for  his  decision,  and  being 
reminded  that  his  physician  would  not  consent,  he  replied,  "  I  shall 
not  ask  my  physician.  We  are  commanded  to  lay  dovm  our  lives 
for  the  brethren.    There  are  those  that  will,  if  they  can,  sacrifice 

brother ,  because  he  has  been  faithful  to  truth  and  their  souls. 

He  is  a  man  of  God,  and  it  is  my  duty  to  go  and  stand  by  him." 
At  the  time  appointed,  he  went,  accompanied  by  four  Free-will 
Baptist  minbters  living  in  Oberlin,  all  of  whom  rendered  efiective 
aid  in  favor  of  the  persecuted  minister,  being  permitted  to  take  part 
in  the  discussions.  For  a  day  and  a  half  the  subject  was  canvass- 
ed. Mr.  Marks  wns  the  only  member  that  defended  the  uncom- 
promising course  of  the  faithful  preacher ;  but  he  was  in  his  ele- 
ment, and  never  did  he  appear  stronger  in  the  power  of  truth,  nor 
his  spirits  more  buoyant  Undaunted,  fearless,  and  bold  in  his  po- 
sitions, he  seemed  tc  speak  with  a  power  more  than  human.  In- 
deed, his  language  was  clothed  with  a  grandeur,  that  was  both  aw- 
ful and  terrible,  and  which  crvried  resistance  before  it.  When  the 
final  vote  was  taken,  he  expected  that  he  should  be  in  "  the  glori- 
ous minority  of  one^  but,  to  his  great  astonishment,  it  was  unan- 
imous on  the  side  he  had  advocated,  except  one,  who  refused  to 
vote.  Two  or  three  members,  as  they  were  part'"'  s  concerned,  did 
not  vote.  Mr.  Marks  lay  down  much  of  the  tini.  during  the  delib- 
erations of  the  Conference.  After  its  close,  he  returned  to  Ober- 
lin, exceedingly  happy  and  joyful,  and  to  the  surprise  of  himself 
and  friends,  apparently  in  better  health  than  when  he  left  home. 
From  this  circumstance,  they  all  felt  encouraged  to  hope  for  his  ul- 
timate recovery. 

The  following  Sabbath  he  attended  worship  at  Oberlin,  which, 
as  near  as  can  be  recollected,  was  the  last  Sabbath  he  ever  spent  in 
an  earthly  sanctuary.    He  walked  to  the  meeting  house,  perhaps  a 


DAVID  UABKS. 


448 


nor 
po- 
In- 
aw- 

the 
ori- 
lan- 
to 
did 
ftlib- 
er- 
self 
Ime. 
ul- 

|ch, 
It  in 
is  a 


quarter  of  A  mile  distant.    He  spoke  in  the  mee  ing— said  he  wish* 
ed  to  bear  testimony  to  the  power  of  religion  to  make  the  possessor 
happy  even  in  the  most  adverse  scenes  of  life.    He  continued, — 
"  When  I  used  to  visit  alms  houses,  and  see  people  laid  aside  from 
active  labors,  supported  by  the  toils  of  others,  it  seemed  to  me  were 
I  thus  circumstanced,  I  should  be  wretched  indeed.    I  knew  from 
blessed  experience,  that  religion  could  make  the  soul  happy  while 
one  had  the  consciousness  that  he  was  accomplishing  something  for 
God,  but  I  could  not  see  how  I  could  be  otherwise  than  miserable, 
were  I  a  burden  on  community,  and  unable  to  labor  for  the  good  of 
others.    But  O,  the  goodness  of  God !    His  grace  is  sufficient. 
While  I  am  now  so  feeble  as  to  be  able  to  do  comparatively  noth- 
ing, poor,  living  on  the  liberality  of  my  friends,  I  am  infinitely  hap- 
pier than  the  great  ones  of  the  earth.    My  peace  is  like  a  river, 
and  my  soul  has  a  continual  feast."    He  concluded  with  a  pathetic 
address  to  the  students  to  choose  his  God  for  their  God.    At  noon, 
he  dined  with  Professor  Finney,  lay  down  on  a  sofa  most  of  the 
time  during  the  intermission,  meanwhile  conversing  with  much  ani- 
mation.   At  the  close  of  the  afternoon  service,  he  walked  home, 
stopping  by  the  way  at  President  Mahan's  to  rest.    He  was  agdn 
very  cheerful,  conversed  about  the  prospect  of  his  returning  health, 
and  remarked  that  he  thought  he  should  yet  be  able  to  preach  the 
glorious  and  blessed  gospel.    The  President  said  he  thought  so  too. 
About  the  middle  of  October,  he  rode  out  one  morning  to  attend  to 
what  he  thought  was  indispensable  business.  ^  The  air  was  chilly — 
he  took  cold,  and  shortly  after,  his  dropsical  symptoms  returned, 
with  aggravated  violence.     His  physician,  who  was  about  to  leave 
on  a  journey  to  Massachusetts,  to  be  absent    jver  '  weeks,  tried  to 
encourage  him  to  hope  for  another  removal  of  thos^    syinptoms,  gave 
him  some  general  prescriptions,  and  charged  him  to  be  very  cfvn- 
tious  of  future  exposures,  as  they  might  bring  on  a  relapse  that 
would  terminate  fatally.    He  faithfully  followed  the  directions  of 
his  physician ;  but  his  disorder  steadily  increased,  while  his  soul 
seemed  absorbed  in  heavenly  contemplations^     He  oflen  said  his 
hopes  of  recovery  were  again  very  faint,  and  talked  almost  inces- 
santly in  the  most  touching  strains,  about  the  reality  and  consola- 
tion of  the  Christian's  hope,  the  resurrection,  the  work  of  the 
"  spirit-land,"  and  the  glories  of  heaven.     Still  none  of  his  friends 
were  particularly  alarmed,  as  he  had  several  times  been  apparently 
much  worse.     Ho  had  recently  heard  of  the  death  of  his  oldest 
brother  in  Illinois,  and  they  attributed  his  conversing  so  much 
about  his  own  departure,  to  the  effect  of  this  intelligence  upon  his 
mind.     He  continued  declining,  and  finally  began  to  speak  of  the 
certainty  of  his  dissolution  in  a  more  positive  manner  than  he  ever 
had  before.    His  companion,  now  fearing  that  he  was  about  to  be 


[' 


I 


444 


KEUOXBB  OF 


:!.'.  I 


/I 


I' 

!■ 


removed,  commenced  recording  a  very  few  of  his  many  'v^marks 
for  her  own  consolation,  in  case  he  should  soon  pass  away.  These 
memoranda  are  as  follows ;  but  they  give  a  very  faint  and  imper> 
feet  idea  of  the  glorious  and  affecting  scenes  of  his  closing  life.  To 
those  who  had  the  invaluable,  the  blessed  privilege  of  seeing  the 
angelic  expression  of  his  countenance,  and  hearing  his  heavenly 
words,  his  very  room  seemed  often  "quite  the  verge  of  heav- 
en." 

October  28,  Tuesday.  My  deaf  husband  said  to  me  ha  was  decided 
that  there  was  in  his  case  no  hope  of  recovery.  It  wr.s  ti  great  trial  to 
his  mind  to  lift  the  veil  and  tell  me  we  must  part,  but  he  felt  sure  he 
should  stay  but  little  time.  He  knew  my  trial  was  much  greater  than 
his,  said  he  tenderly  sympathized  with  me.  He  well  remembered  his 
own  feelings  when,  watching  by  my  sick  bed,  he  expected  to  be  left, 
and  felt  that  he  knew  not  how  lo  endure  it.  "  But  I  bless  God,"  said 
'ke,  **  that  in  mercy  he  has  so  constituted  us  that  the  poignancy  of  grief 
will  wear  away.  *  Though  sorrow  endure  fm  anight,  joy  "will  come  in 
the  morning.'  We  have  lived  together  as  Christians.  More  than  six- 
teen yea:a  God  has  given  us  to  each  other.  They  have  been  happy 
years,  blessed  with  the  most  perfect  mutual  confidence  and  affection.  In 
a  little  time  we  shall  be  re-united,  und  when  your  work  is  done,  I  shall 
joyfu'ily  wdcome  your  spirit  to  that  better  land."  What  he  did,  he  ad- 
ded, must  be  done  quickly.  He  wanted  to  write  letters  to  his  friends, 
also  t!.  farewell  address  to  his  beloved  denomination  and  to  the  world, 
while  his  strength  remained.  He  wished  to  be  sarried  to  the  house  of 
worsitiip,  to  give  one  more  public  testimony  for  God,  to  speak  once  more 
to  the  students  prepariog  for  the  ministry.  He  was  very  happy,  felt  his 
work  was  done.  He  had  loved  it  exceedingly,  though  for  years  he  had 
labored  in  great  weakness  of  body.  Now  he  was  going  where  he  could 
work  without  sleep,  and  labor  without  fatigue.  {At  this  date  he  had  no 
alarming  symptoms  except  being  weaker.] 

October  30.  He  wrote  thus  tc  his  youngest  brother.  "  My  dear 
brother  Jeremiah  : — Your  letter  of  the  4th  inst.,  bringing  the  painful 
tidings  of  our  brother's  death,  was  July  received.  So  our  dear  brother 
Friend  has  gone— gone  to  his  long  home — gone  to  the  spirit  world — :to 
receive,  whUe  endless  ages  roll  on,  according  to  the  deeds  done  in  the 
body!  And  soon  we  must  follow  him,  and  Know  all  the  realities  that 
there  are  on  the  other  side  of  the  river  of  death.  I  am  fast  hastening. 
1  write  to  you  now  in  bed,  to  which  I  am  confined  most  of  the  time,  and 
have  no  expectation  of  recovering  my  health.  I  am  exoeedii.jly  weak, 
and  probably  this  is  the  last  letter  I  shall  ever  be  able  to  write  you.  I 
may  drag  along  some  months  yet,  but  I  should  not  be  surprised,  should 
I  drop  away  in  a  week.  The  tide  of  life  has  tub  so  low  that  I  am  now 
arranging  all  my  affairs  to  leave  without  a  moment's  warning.    But 

flory  to  God,  dear  brother  Jeremiah,  I  am  prepared — and  I  am  happy, 
esus  Christ  has  taken  away  the  sting  of  death,  so  that  I  rejoice  and  am 
exceedingly  Aappy  in  view  of  my  certain  dissolution.  What  supports 
and  comforts  me,  dear  brother,  is  the  hope  of  eternal  life — a  sure  hope 
like  an  anchm  to  the  soul,  sure  and  steadfast,  and  entering  even  into 
heaven.    O,  my  brother,  don't  be  offended  with  me,  when  I  say,  would 


DATIO  UAAKS. 


445 


now 
But 

■ppy- 

am 
lorts 

ope 
into 
ould 


to  Ood  that  my  brothet  Jeremiah  had  thia  hope  alao^thia  good  hope*- 
thiaprecioua  hop«>— which  extenda  beyond  thia  liie^— wU^  will  buoy  up 
the  spirit  in  the  dark  valley  and  ahadow  of  death,  j  O  that  you  were  a 
Christian !  a  good  Chriatian— «  genuine  Chxiatia»— that  yon  bad  all  the 
conaolationa  of  the  bleaacd,  the  glorioua  hope  of  eternal  life !  Nothioff 
elseoaa  fill  and.aatiafy  maa'a  capaeioua  aotil'>— hia  reatleaa  nature.  O 
brother,  yon  may  become  a  ChriBtia4-~God  ia  wiUing— Heaven  will  fu- 
give—mercy  lingera  arwind  you,  and  knodia  at  your  heart  for  admittanoe. 
Until  you  become  a  Chriatian,  you  can  never  ul  the  deaign  of  jroux  be- 
ing. Religion,  genuine  religion,  ia  as  much  the  natural  nod  of  tha  hu- 
man Boul,  aa  earthly  food  is  the  natural  food  for  the  body,  X  am  glad, 
my  dear  brother,  that  you  did  not  go  to  aea.  •  •  •  •  May  God 
help  you  to  be  contented,  and  give  you  a  good  hope  of  immortality. 
Farewell,  dear  brother.  If  you  can,  do  write  me  on*  looro  letter  before 
I  die.  Yoim:  affectionate  brother, 

Pi^vio  Makks." 

October  S9  or  30.  He  rcle  out  and  met  Prefeasor  Finney,  who  said 
he  thouffkt  he  should  leave  Oborlin  the  next  morning  to  ^end  the  win- 
ter. Mr.  Marks  expreaaed  his  regret,  and  added  that  he  widicd  him  to 
preaoh  hia  funeral  aermon.  President  Mahan  waa  already  ffone.  Pro- 
fessor Finney  smiled  and  said,  **  Brother  Marks,  you  canTt  die  now. 
Are  you  anbjeot  to  depreaaion  of  apirital"  He  replied,  *<  No,  I  was 
never  happier."* 

October  31,  Friday.  He  aaid  he  waa  otaly  confirmed  in  hia  views  that 
he  had  bat  a  few  dava  to  stay  with  me.  I  asked  him  why  he  felt  so. 
He  then  rehearsed  the  history  of  h»  sickness  fromtlM  time  of  hia  labmra 
to  eataUiah  the  Book  Concern,  where  hia  toils  and  expoeurea  subjected 
him  to  four  aueceeeive  fits  of  aidcness,  since  which  he  had  never  seen  a 
well  hour.  From  year  to  year  he  had  kept  running  down  lower  and 
lower.  He  had  tried  to  rest,  he  had  tried  to  be  quiet,  but  he  hod  such 
an  insatiable  thirst  to  do  sonaething  for  God  that  he  could  not.  If  his 
body  was  still,  hia  mind  was  like  a  steam  engine,  his  thoughts  flew  with 
the  speed  of  lightning,  and  it  was  a  vain  attempt  to  stay  them.  He 
knew  hia  constitution  eonid  not  long  endure.  God  had  trained  him  for 
the  work  of  the  spirit-land.  He  had  great&z  work  for  him,  nobler  buai- 
nesa  in  the  upper  world. 

November  1 .  Lli  ii  Julia  and  myaelf  rode  with  him  to  Pittsfield.  As 
we  passed  the  gtvic  yaad,  he  pointed  to  it  and  said,  "  My  dear  Julia, 
aoon  I  shall  lie  there.  This  is  the  last  time  yon  will  ever  ride  with 
your  papa,  whom  you  love  so  mudi.  I  am  going  to  live  with  angela  in 
heaven."  On  our  return  home,  we  met  Profeaaor  Finney,  who  aaked 
him  how  he  did  I  With  a  peculiR-  emphaaia  and  a  heavenly  smile,  ^e 
aaid, — 

"  There's  not  a  clov ''  t'  it  doth  arise,  ^  ' 

To  hide  my  Savio  tr  ji  my  eyes." 

November  9,  8aU)ath.  He  rode  out  <m  hevaebttek,  returned  -rcatly 
fatigued,  aaid  he  thought  he  should  oever  rr  out  of  Oberiin-^-'a;  he 
should  go  out  of  the  door  but  few  times  raon    <.->eke  again  of  T?A>!i.io  & 


■.<\1 


*  Professor  Thmey  was  detained  by  siduMes  ia  lus  hu^y, 
38 


446 


ItfeltOlttS  ot 


farewell  address  to  the  Free-will  Baptist  denominst^oit.  As  he  tiras  so 
feeble,  I  suggested  th«t  H(?teai1  >  f  ovriting  it  himself  he  should  employ  a 
stenographer.    He  tb:H>k<!;d  me  ic<  the  iti'^^gestion. 

November  3.  P:  tfoe^oir  Finney  oalled  to  see  him.  He  again  asked 
him  to  preach  his  ft  ;>)er)«l  ^»'i'mon.  Profe^tncr  Finney,  not  sapposinff  him 
80  ill,  smiled  and  said  :  "  .'  ;vill,  ii'you  iv?  ;  i-jree  to  preach  mine  if  I  die 
first."  Socr  he  exm^^in'sd  h't  im'.  -j,  p/-;!  ^•  i"  ed  artonished  and  said,  "  I 
did  not  thini;  /ou  yn.m  so  low."  lie  ti.*;:!.  prayed  with  him.  Mr.  Marks 
tcid  hjra  how  'much  h'.  had  loved  to  preach — said  he  wished  to  be  car- 
lied  vo  the  chu;  oh,  and  give  one  raore  testiaiony  for  God.  Professor 
Fintu  v  replied  :  »  I  would  love  to  have  you,  but  1  fear  you  are  too  weak. 
BrotJicv  Marks,"  he  coit^nned,  "yon  ba'^  done  the  work  of  eighty 
years  in  forty.  I  donH  know  1  lii  it  i  gocii  economy  to  do  our  work 
quick,  and  sa''.:,  th>°:  ;ime  for  heavan.  I  think  it  is.  Such  is  the  selfish- 
ness and  »iupiidity  af  the  vrorM,  that  unletts  a  man  makes  a  tremendous 
effort,  he  can  ».ocf<!npiish  but  lit-n:.  ' 

November  <h  A  physkian,  living  several  miles  from  Oberlin,  who 
had  been  sent  for,  called  and  stayea  the  night  with  him.  He  seemed 
very  confident  that  he  could 'help  him.  Mr.  Marks  told  him  he  would 
take  his  medicine,  but  added  :  "  It  will  do  no  good."  He  left  his  di- 
rections, and  promised  to  see  him  again  in  a  week. 

November  6.  He  dictated  several  hours  to  a  stenographer  his  dying 
message  to  his  beloved  brethren.  He  seemed  much  animated  and  to  en- 
joy it  exceedinffly.  When  he  wad  through,  expecting  he  would  be 
much  exhausted,  I  asked  him  how  he  felt.  "  Oh  !  well,  very  well ;  I 
have  had  a  feast  of  tu  things."  In  the  afternoon.  Elders  S.  C.  Parker 
and  A.  Curtis  with  some  others  came  to  see  him,  and  asked  him  how  he 
was.  He  replied,  "  }Iappy,  very  happy.  I  have  got  almost  well." 
The  next  day,  an  ihey  were  about  to  leave,  he  said  to  one  of  the  young 
brethren  with  them,  "Be  strong.  Let  sanetification  be  your. motto. 
Set  God  before  you  in  all  your  meat,  and  drink,  and  dress,  and  when 
you  enter  the  dark  valley  of  death,  God  will  send  kind  angels  to  minis- 
ter to  you.  I  look  back  upon  my  life,  and  have  a  sweet  consciousness 
ttliat  I  have  not  lived  to  please  myself,  but  have,  through  grace,  been 
able  to  bear  a  pointed  testimony  for  God,  and  that,  regardless  of  the 
frowns  or  praises  even  of  my  mends,  I  have  done  what  1  believed  my 
Lord  called  me  to  do,  and  now  while  I  approach  the  dA\\  "Uey,  God 
isends  angels  to  minister  unto  me.  They  hover  around  me ,  and  .nere  is 
not  a  cloud  between  me  and  my  Savior."  Taking  Elder  Parker  by  the 
hand,  he  said,  "Farewell.  We  have  f.-^ent  happy  hours  together; 
we  part  now,  but  shall  soon  meet  again.  I  am  going  to  mv  heav- 
enly home.  When  I  am  gone,  remember  my  poor  wife  and  the  poor 
slave." 

November  10.  Set  up  three  or  four  hours,  begged  for  sometbing  to 
do  that  vi'Ould  be  useful  to  his  family.  At  his  request,  soxi.e  p  ,  s  liir^<^ 
were  carried  into  his  roop  and  he  bu».ied  himself  while  he  sat  f  utting 
Ihem.  Towards  night  Prr-'e :.:!or  Finney  called,  and  sf '  1,  "Br  •^  -r  Marks, 
how  do  you  do?"  '  '  <>c  happv,  very  happy,  happy  .  I  can  be." 
Prof.  Finney  said,  "  V  ire  doing  well.  1  did  not  expsct  you  had 
made  so  much  DToafrc  iou  have  got  on  well  towards  heaven."  Mr. 
Marks  asked  hiux  •!  ^      ad  selected  a  text  for  his  funeral.    He  answer- 


'•,»k3K"v":.,i 


he  tiras  so 
I  employ  a 

rain  asked 
tosinjpf  him 
ine  if  I  die 
I  said,  "  I 
VIr.  Marks 
to  be  car- 
Professor 
too  weak, 
of  eii 


our  worn 
he  selflsh- 
'emendoos 

rlin,  who 
le  seemed 
he  would 
)ft  his  di- 

his  dying 
and  to  en- 
would  be 
well ;  I 
.  Parker 
how  he 
well." 
he  young 
motto, 
md  when 
to  minis- 
ciousness 
ice,  been 
of  the 
ieved  my 
ey,  God 
nere  is 
iT  by  the 
igether ; 
heav- 
be  poor 

t>>ing  to 
■I  ■;eiriis 
''utting 
Marks, 
an  be." 
ou  had 
"  Mr. 
swer- 


DA.TID  ICABKI. 


447 


ed  that  he  had  not.  He  then  said,  "  A  funeral  sermon  is  for  the  living 
and  not  for  the  dead.  I  have  been  thinking  of  several  passages,  but  my  . 
mind  does  not  settle  on  any.  I  have  thought  of  this :  '  Exercise  thy> 
self  rather  unto  godliness.'  O,  if  I  had  health,  ho#  I  would  delight  to 
run  through  the  churches,  and  again  hold  up  the  doctrine  of  holine&s  of 
hear^— of  entire  consecration  to  God."  Professor  Finney  replied  :  **  It 
is  well  that  it  is  in  thine  heart  to  build  a  house  unto  the  Lord."  In  the 
evening,  as  I  was  Boing  to  lie  down,  he  lutked  me  if  I  would  give  him 
up.  I  told  him  I  had  not,  for  I  was  not  convinced  that  it  was  the  will 
or  the  Lord  to  take  him  vet.  He  said,  "  you  will  have  to  give  me  up 
very  soon."  At  one  o'clock  I  got  up.  He  said,  *'  I^am  weaker — thank 
God  for  it.  O  I  am  happy,  very.happv  ;  I  am  going  to  my  Father,  to 
the  society  of  disemboaied  spirits,  to  tiio  sweet  labors  of  eternity.  The 
tomb  is  not  gloomy.  The  Savior  has  passed  through  it.  My  bloated 
limbs  look  beautiful  to  me^  a  sign  that  I  am  near  mv  home."  I  asked 
him  if  he  were  in  haste  to  leave  me.  ^'  O  no,"  said  he,  "  I  have  never 
said  with  Paul  I  prefer  to  depart,  could  I  have  health  to  preach  the  glo- 
rious gospel ;  but  if  unable  to  labor  for  God,  I  would  prefer  to  depart. 
This  18  a  dark,  wicked  world,  full  of  selfishness  and  unbelief,  and  there 
is  a  great  deal  to  be  done.  I  should  love  to  preach  and  labor  here,  but 
my  Father  sees  it  not  best.  There  is  nothing  to  be  accomplished  by 
my  staying  here.  I  have  nothing  to  do.  I  am  entirely  reconciled  and 
ready.  As  I  enter  the  dark  valley,  the  Savior  is  with  me — ancels  min- 
ister onto  me,  and  thev  seem  to  fan  me  with  their  wings.  ITou  have 
been  a  good  wife,  and  when  you  come  to  die,  the  same  grace  vcill  be, 
given  you.  I  have  been  sick  a  great  while,  and  I  rejoice  to  have  the 
question  settled.  I  have  been  anxious  about  the  result,  and  my  friends 
hare  been  anxious.  Either  alternative  would  be  joyful.  I  am  a  happy 
man;  were  I  to  live,  it  wonld  be  for  the  delightful  work  of  saving  souls, 
but  to  die  would  be  gain." 

November  11.  He  wrote  and  talked  all  day — expressed  great  anxiety 
to  be  carried  to  the  chapel  to  give  one  more  public  testimony.  I  tried 
to  dissuade  him,  pleading  that  rethaps  be  might  recover,  and  that  such 
a  step  might  turn  the  scale,  lie  did  not  think  so,  but  would  submit  the 
matter  to  me.  If  I  was  unwilling  he  would  not  go.  After  a  fit  of 
coughing  he  looked  at  me  and  said,  *'  0  how  much  I  would  prefer  (q 
spend  my  strength  in  publicly  testifying  for  God,  than  in  coughing  and 
struggling  for  breath.  Who  knows  but  that  God  by  his  Spirit,  through 
someuiing  I  might  say,  wuuid  touch  the  heart  of  some  one  of  the  sttt- 
dents  here,  who  would  do  much  iriore  for  hitn  than  I  could,  should  I  live 
to  be  old."  I  told  him  I  could  not  bear  such  responsibility,  I  would  op- 
pose his  desire  no  longer — I  was  willing  he  should  go.  He  laughed  and 
wept  for  joy,  and  thanking  me,  said  he  knew  it  was  afiTectionate  anxiety 
that  had  so  long  withholden  my  consent.  He  sent  for  Professors  Finney 
and  Dascomb  to  consult  them.  Prof.  Finney  said  he  would  love  to 
have  him  go,  but  he  thought  he  would  not  live  through  it.  Dr.  Das- 
comb  thought  the  same.  He  thought  differently,  but  he  said,  if  he  did 
not,  he  would  as  lief  die  in  the  chapel  as  at  home.  It  would  be  a  glo- 
rious death  to  die  in  the  field.  Prof.  Finney  said,  if  he  desired  it,  he 
should  1>e  giatified,  and  every  arrangement  should  be  made.  He  re- 
quested Dr.  Dascomb  to  make  a  post-mortem  examination  of  kis  body. 


\ 


448 


uuMOtMt  or 


OK 


Up  said  ha  nied  to  Iwr*  a  dread  of  death,  which  he  suppoaad  woa  oon- 
stitationali  aad  Ihat  h«  ahould  nev«r  oYereoife  it,  aad  uatil  lataly  it  had 
^ways  oaiued  a  shii4d«rmg  to  think  of  its  approach,  but  now  it  Memed 
a  friaad,  a  kiad  aoffalf^ittt  sting  was  taken  away.  Ha  eontinuad,  '*  If 
yea  take  a  baa,  and  axtraet  its  eting,  it  cannot  harm  you,  sTen  if  it  erawl 

irour  boson."    Baaing  us  weep  around  him,  ha  Drottld  sing  with  a 
•» 

**  Waap  not,  mj  frianda :  mr  firiandi,  weep  not  for  me, 
Allliw^ll" 

Said  Professor  Fimiey,  "  How  strange  it  must  seem  to  worldlings  to 
hear  a  man  givin|[  directions  wiA  such  cheerftilness,  about  his  own  post- 
mortem examination."  Miss  Curtis  called.  As  he  looked  up  and  saw 
llhe  sun  setting  in  the  wast,  he  said  to  her,  **  O  ^is  beautiful  world.  It 
looks  baaatiful,  beeansa  I  see  G«d  in  it.  How  beaktiAil  every  thing 
looks  about  the  house.  The  parfiNtt  adaptation  of  every  thing  in  nature 
to  all  its  parts  reveals  CM.  (  pould  sooner  believe,  that  if  the  letters  of 
a  newspaper  were  cut  in  pieces  and  scattered  to  the  four  vinds,  they 
would  mil  in  the  city  of  New  York  and  form  a  perfect  volume,  than  Hhii 
this  world  came  by  chance,  or  that  the  BiUa  is  not  the  book  of  Ood." 
He  spoke  of  going  to  his  sweet  home.    She  said  to  him,  *'  Yon  love 

{our  wife  so  mnon,  how  can  yoq  bear  to  leave  her  V  He  replied,  **  I 
now  with  whom  I  leave  her.  Oar  sepantion  will  be  short :  her  Heav- 
enly Fathe?  will  not  suflfer  her  to  shed  a  sincle  tear,  pr  endure  a  single 
pang,  which  he  win  not  overrule  for  her  good.  Not  a  hair  of  her  head 
can  tall  to  the  srocnd  without  Hia  notice/' 

November  19.  He  wrote :  "  Being  just  ready  to  depairt  out  of  this 
world  unto  the  Father,  my  dear  wife  tunes  me  to  write  in  ner  aJbum*  and 
diia  as  one  of  the  last  mementoes  that  I  can  leave  her.  J  comply  with 
Ike  greatest  pleasure,  though  probably  this  is  the  last  writing  that  I 
shall  ever  make— 4ny  heart  ^foff  nearly  drowned,  and  the  pulsations  of 
life  so  weak  as  often  to  stop.  1  am  now  waitinj^  hourly  in  expectation 
of  my  change,  bein|[  fnllv  prepared,  and  filled  with  indescribable  joy  at 
the  thongbt  of  entering  that  world  where  I  can  labor  without  sleep,  and 
irork  forever  without  fiitigue.  Sixteen  years  and  forty-ftve  days  Crod 
has  lent  ue  to  each  other  in  tlie  Lord.  Sweet  have  been  these  days  ; 
f  ud  the  onion  withotit  a  bitter  pang,  has  been  an  apprenticeship  to  pre- 
pare ua  for  the  union  of  spirits  in  the  next  world.  And  though  we  are 
BOW  called  to  part,  it  is  out  for  s  few  days,  and  then  to  meet  in  that 
land  where  *  Adieus*  and  *  Farewells'  are  sounds  unknown." 

He  selected  the  hymns  to  be  sung  at  his  funeral,  and  wrote  out  the 
iirst  lines,  in  the  following  order  : 

1st. Hymn.    "  I  woiild  not  live  alway,  I  ask  not  to  stay,"  dec. 

Sd    do.         "  Ah  !  lovelv  appearance  of  death,"  <&c. 

3d    do,         "  What  is  this  that  steals  upon  my  frame,"  &c. 


4th    do. 


To  be  9ung  Qt  my  grime. 
"  Unveil  thy  bosom,  ^thful  tomb,"  dee. 


He  requested,  if  it  ahould  be  convenient,  that  the  bearepis  shoiO(T  I,' 
ministers.  I  asked  him  why  he  wished  this.  "  O,"  said  be,  "  be.  '•; 
i  love  them  so."    After  a  few  minutes'  silence  he  exclaimed,  ^*  Wh  ( a 


DAYID  MABKS. 


44ft 


It  the 


•if 


reality  the  Christian's  hope  is !  Nothing  I  erer  experieneed  w«8  more  a 
reality.  Jesus  said,  '  Feel  of  roe,  a  spirit  hath  not  flesh  and  bonea,  as 
ye  see  me  have.*  "  Mrs.  Willard  and  some  othe^  friends  called  :  as 
they  entered,  he  sung  with  much  emotion, 

"  There  is  not  a  clond  that  doth  arite 

lAv  j«)«jiittte^  *,       '^^  hide  my  Savior  from  my  eye«. 

I  soon  shall  mount  the  upper  skieSt-^ 
AUisweU." 

Mrs.  Willard  said  his  oountenanoe  seemed  radiant  with  glory,  and  hie 
siek  room,  which  she  expected  would  seem  sad,  was  in  reality  bright 
and  joyful. 

Bfe  passed  a  very  siek  and  distressed  night,  and  it  was  not  thought  be 
would  survive  till  morninff.  He  said  he  had  hoped  to  speak  for  Ood 
oneie  more,  but  did  not  think  he  should  live  to  see  the  hour  of  his  ap> 
pointment.  *•  O  Father,  not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt.  Thou  know- 
est  I  have  not  been  idle  in  thy  vineyard."  During  the  night,  several 
times  when  he  was  thought  to  be  dying,  he  sung, —  .^ 

"  Vital  spark  of  heavenly  flame,  ^ 


■4ii''^%rij^'m' 


Cease  fond  nature,  cease  my  strifc, 
And  let  me  languish  into  life.'' 


(a 


His  new  physician  spent  th  night  with  him.  When  he  came,  he 
seemed  astonished  at  the  chang>.  he  saw,  and  wept  like  a  child  as  he  U>Id 
him  hr  must  die.    Mr.  Marks  uz'^xi  h'-^  with  ajoyful  smile. 

November  13.    He  sent  for  Mi  ney  to  take  a  measure  for  his 

coffin,  and  never  wrr  he  measured  iv.  >.  -.uitof  clothes  with  more  cheer- 
ful composure.  He  told  him  to  make  it  plain,  with  no  unkiecessary 
expense.  He  wished  to  have  his  shroud  made  without  delay.  After 
some  minutes'  silence  he  laughed  and  wept.  I  asked  why  these  eroo 
tions.  He  said,  "  Heaven !  bright  visions !  The  reality  of  the  Chria- 
tian's  hope  !    Never  was  anything  of  my  life  more  real." 

He  prayed  at  morning  family  worship  thus  :  "  O  holy  Father,  I  thank 
thee  that  thou  didst  forgive  my  sins  and  count  me  faithful  in  puttine  me 
into  the  ministry,  that  uese  unworthy  hands  have  hajidled  the  words  of 
eternal  life.  I  thank  thee  for  the  mercies  of  my  siokness,  that  I  have 
suffered  so  little  pain,  that  as  I  am  entering  the  dark  valley,  thou  art 
with  me,  that  thou  haet  sent !  .  els  to  minister  unto  me.    O  Jefos, 

I  thank  thee  for  thy  presence,  v .  iiat  should  I  do  while  heart  and  flesh 
fail,  without  thee !  Let  me  see  the  light  of  thy  blessed  countenance  to> 
the  end.  Bless  my  dear  wife  and  sister.  I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast 
prepared  them  to  part  with  me.  And  now,  Father,  if  it  please  thee  to 
keep  the  vital  spark  burning  till  the  hour  of  my  appointment,  that  I 
may  give  one  more  testimony  for  thee  I  would  rejoice ;  but,  Father,, 
thy  will  be  done." 

Having  talked  incessantly  for  a  time,  I  tried  to  persuade  him  to  rest. 

He  replied,  "  Talkine  excites  me  and  makes  me  easy.    My  soul  is  full,. 

like  a  cart  pressed  with  sheaves,  and  I  must  give  it  vent.    O  if  I  had  a 

voice  that  would  sound  around  the  globe  and  make  the  whole  earth  hear, 

88* 


«ii-'ViM.^*:*^-'.-ii*i 


«K) 


uwoing  Of 


every  king,  poteo^ate,  philosopher,  end  aoepUc,  how  I  would  love  to 
preeoh  en  hour !  0  the  Ohnetien's  hope  !  The  pbUosopker.  after  he 
bA8  fortified  hie  gitnt  iBtelleet  all  his  life,  the  utmost  he  o»n  do  is  to  die 
vrith  composure ;  while  the  Christian,  though  weak  »od  igoonnt,  not 
only  has  composure,  but  ecstatic  joy." 

£.  Hawley  called,  asked  him  now  he  was.  "  O  hsppy  •  hapoy,  hap< 
py.  Home,  home,  home,  sweet  home  ;  there  I  can  work  without  fa- 
tigue, and  labor  without  sleep." 

Anna  Mahan  oQ.led  ;  he  said  to  her,  '*  Mv  bloated  limbs,  distended 
stomach,  suffoeation,  palpitating  heart,  are  beautiful  pasejiorts  to  my 
long  home,  kind  angels  to  isleaseme  from  my  elav."  A  little  time  af- 
ter, he  BK*d,  with  great  emotion,  **  How  differently  I  die  from  my  Sev- 
i'tv  I  '  .  .'im  c-^  *iie  cross  I  Naiie  tiiroagh  his  hands  and  tkreagh  his 
liMt!  I  MS  surrowndaA  with  kind  friends,  ready  to  anticipate  erery 
want."  He  gave  his  cane  to  Profitssor  FinrtAy,  and  his  watoh  te  his 
sister. 

At  three  o'clock  to  his  great  joy  he  was  carried  to  the  ehapei,  reclin- 
ing on  pillows  in  a  large  easy  ohair,  and  set  down  on  the  stand.  Profes- 
sor Finney  announced  to  the  assembly  that  it  was  doubtful  whether  he 
would  survive  the  effort  to  spe^  to  themr— that  Pr.  Dascomb  was  una- 
ble to  find  any  pulse  in  one  wrist,  and  only  a  little  trembling  in  the  oth- 
er. He  hoped  if  he  should  die  in  the  attempt  the  (>c>ople  wouhi  remain 
in  their  seats,  as  his  firiende  near  him  would  take  care  of  him.  A  iiymn 
was  sung,  he  prayed,  and  then  addressed  thn  audience  about  half  an  hour. 
After  he  was  carried  homo,  he  continued  ia  great  distress  till  midnight, 
«nd  was  several  times  thought  to  be  dying-  Ht  frequently  sun^,  "vi- 
tal spark,"  4(Ci  At  onetime  ^e  said,  "I  ihii.  I  am  going-  h  ait  on 
my  Itmb^— fold  my  wrms  on  my  bosom'    U,  if  thi-    -)  dying,  u  ^  happy 


November  H>  He  e»id  he  was  disappointed  that  he  h»d  not  got 
heme,  but  not  unhappy,  be  trusted  not  unreconciled  i  '^  ssid. "  I  have 
been  very  happy,  happy*  Hallelujah  to  the  Lamb !  o  tiu  /  differently  I 
die  from  thoee  that  nre  not  Christians,  I  go  to  a  happy  hom^  .  where 
the  sun  will  never  go  down,  sorow  and  3in  will  never  •  e ;  but 
the/  to  eternal  darkness,  wliere  their  f^elfisbness  in  which  Uity  have 
trained  them3«^lves   will  torment    them   forever.      0,  poor  sinners ! 

goor  sinners!"  He  prayed  "  0  Jesus,  when  wilt  thou  come?  Give 
)e  ""^tienoe  to  wait.''  He  said  to  me,  with  a  look  of  inej^pressible 
tent'^rness,  "  If  I  am  permitted  to  come  on  errands  t»  this  \vorld,  I 
will  visit  you  frequently  and  give  you  good  suggestions."  He  wished 
|0  see  his  class  of  little  Ghildren,  ^ who  had  met  him  in  his  sick  room  for 
sever!  months  foi  prayer  and  religious  instruction,  some  of  whom  he 
thought  had  been  convertef'.)  They  came  into  his  room  two  or  three  at 
at  a  Ume.  Takint:  them  sepHrutely  by  the  band,  he  would  say,  •'  Mv 
little  (*  "  ,  I  pin  going  to  heaviua  where  the  Savior  and  angels  are.  Will 
y  y  he  good  child  and  try  to  meet  me  there  t  I  shall  not  be  nble  to 
oh  you  and  pray  with  you  any  more.  Remember  what  I  have  said  to 
y .  .."  Then  kissing  them,  and  frequently  they  kissing  him,  they  retir- 
ed, soL  ii^g  as  thougli  their  hearts  would  break- 

Hp  said,  "  If  the  worthless  tree  or  shrnb  which  has  boen  put  down, 
W  whps§  « pto«fe  hfH  died  in  the  ground,'  will  bud  an4  grow,  shall  not 


V 


DATIO  MASXi. 


4&1 


wkoM  aoble  powers 


Vfu, 

loot 


t  for  iwnort»Utyi  live  •gtin  ?  U«  will,  1 
.  the  f  kmoue  doctrine  of  the  reeanreotion ! 
It  not  only  disueie  the  derkoeae  of  the  tenib^tlie  f  Loom  of  the  gnve«<- 
bttt  it  even  gilde  itspetbwey  with  e  heeveply  redienee." 

Mr.  Bortlett  called  «t  eTening ,  ud  thoegh  in  great  dietieae  he  looked 
up  and  anuled.  "  You  ace  happy,"  said  Mr.  B.  "  Why  idiould  I  not 
be  1  The  greatest  monaich  that  ever  aecended  a  throne  wae  never  ee 
aere  of  the  reality  of  enjoying  wealth,  honor,  and  glory  ae  I  an.  Oed 
makes  it  a  reality  to  n>e.  It  w  euro.  I  know, it."  He  had  a  ainidng 
turn  during  the  nkht'^-watohera  thought  he  w'ae  going,  and  eaUed  ne 
to  see  him  die,  fie  soon  revived  and  aaid, "  Lora  Jeaua,  O,  how  long  Y 
When  wilt  thou  let  the  pilgrim  go  home  Y" 

Noverabe*  15.  He  looked  bright  and  happv.  Exhibited  the  aame 
care  and  exaetneaa  in  some  little  things  for  whieh  he  was  remarkable 
when  in  health*  I  wid  to  him,  h«  afmeared  so  natural  it  did  not  seem 
poeeible  that  he  was  goisff  to  die,  **  Why  should  I  ehanaet"  satd  he. 
"  I  expeot  to  die  Pavid  Marks.  I  have  Uved  for  God  and  heaven-^ibr 
the  judgment  and  eternity.  I  have  lived  with  death  ia  view,  and  now 
why  should  1  Change)"  He  inquired  if  his  ec^Qa  and  ahroud  were 
done,  then  sung-*-' 

"  Jerasalem,  m  j  happy  home, 
O,  how  I  Umg  for  thee,"  Ac. 

After  a  little  silenoe,  aa  if  in  tieep  meditation,  he  asked  me,  '*  What 
do  you  think  my  moUier  and  brother  Jeremiah  will  say  to  me  when  I 
meet  them  in  the  spirit-world  1  There  are  many  there  that  will  be  glad 
to  see  me." 

Sunday,  November  16.  Very  feeble,  unable  to  lie  down  without 
great  distress,  said  it  was  a  good  symptom,  a  symptom  that  he  could 
endure  but  a  little  while,  that  he  was  nearly  through.  He  talked  little, 
wait  very  patient  and  happy,  frequently  sung — 

"  "  I  am  thinkuig  all  the  while, 

when  will  my  summons  come," 
Also — 

'  *'>■;         "  Jemsalem,  my  happy  home,  ' 

O,  how  I  long  for  thee,"  Ac.  « 

He  said,  "  I  am  not  going  to  die,  I  am  only  going  to  sleep.  It  is  not 
death  but  life."     Passed  a  restless  night. 

N  uvember  17.  He  wished  he  had  a  stenographer,  to  whom  he  could 
dictate  a  few  dyin;(  iOC^sages  to  some  of  his  friends,  especially  to  some 
impenitent  relatives,  i  asked  him  to  whom  he  wished  to  write.  He 
mentioned  several,  saying,  "I  wish  you  to  say  to  them  individually, 
from  me,  that  it  vvili  be  a  dark  and  dreadful  hour,  if  they  come  to  the 
valley  of  death  without  Christ;  and  that  1  beseech  them  to  turn  to  God, 
and  never  rest  till  they  have  the  evidence  that  their  sins  are  forgiven." 
To  a  Christian  relative  whom  he  named,  he  wished  me  to  say,  "  I  be- 
seech her  always  to  bear  the  cross,  and  then  I  have  the  fullest  con- 
Adenee  I  shall  meet  her  in  heaven.  Tell  her  to  say  to  her  moth- 
er, (a  lady  nearly  ninety  years  of  age,)  that  I  have  never  in  all  my 
life  experienced  any  reality  that  was  more  positive  apd  cert^n  than  the 
Christian's  hope,  and  I  beseech  her  not  to  rest  until  she  has  obtjuned 
that  hope." 


iftt 


MLXoiBt  or 


H«  had  froquentlj  oonverMd  with  little  Julia  about  leaving  her,  and 
uAen  praved  with  her.    At  one  time,  he  eaid  to  her :  "  I  ihall  coon  be 

Ktne,  and  your  dear  mamma  will  be  very  lonely  and  feel  very  bad,  and 
e  will  eometimee  go  with  you  and  visit  my  grave.  1  want  you  to  he 
very  ffood  and  kind  to  her  and  eorofort  her  all  you  can.'*  He  gave  her 
a  Eiible  and  two  hymn  books,  and  wrote  in  them,  after  her  name,  '*  Pre- 
sented by  her  dyiug  father."  Prof.  Finney  called.  He  took  his  hand 
and  with  teara  saici,  **  Brother  Finney,  0  I  am  glad  that  never  for  the 
aake  of  interest  have  I  avoided  preaching  the  truth  and  standing  ud  in 
defence  of  great  principles.  What  comfort  it  gives  me."  He  often 
expressed  great  thankAilneas  for  havins  been  permitted  to  be  earried 
to  the  chapel  and  the  opportunity  he  there  ei^joyed  of  speaking  for 
Ood. 

Nov.  90.  His  voice  began  to  fail.  He  tried  to  sing,  but  finding  he 
could  not,  he  smiled  very  sweetly  and  said  :  "  Soon  I  shall  have  new 
lunn.'*  The  day  following  was  worse,  suffbred  much  tVom  suiToeation, 
saiohe  should  soon  ohoke  to  death,  or  rather  choke  into  life.  Was 
much  distressed  till  midnight. 

November  99.  He  was  more  comfortable.  He  longed  to  go  where 
he  could  do  something  for  God.  Prof.  Finney  said  to  him — **  Never  in 
jrour  life  were  you  doing  more  good  than  you  now  are.  You  are  preaoh- 
inff  all  the  time.  The  people  here  are  running  in  to  hear  what  you  say, 
others  are  inquiring  of  them,  and  you  ought  not  to  feel  that  you  are  do- 
ing nothing. ,  Are  you  not  willing  to  remain  where  you  are  a  hundred 
years,  if  it  should  be  the  will  of  Uod  f  After  a  moment's  pause,  he 
said,  "  I  never  thought  of  such  a  thing  before,  but  certainly  i  would." 
Afterwards  he  said, "  That  was  a  hard  question— I  answered  yes,  because 
for  many  years  I  have  been  resolved  to  have  no  will  but  the  will  of 
God." 

Mr.  Belden  from  Amherst  called  to  see  him.  He  wept,  and  as  he 
took  him  by  the  hand,  said,  *'  O  how  I  love  you.  O  that  you  had  this 
anchor  to  the  soul  that  I  have.  You  have  been  kind  to  me.  Your 
house  has  been  a  pleasant  home.  I  cannot  bear  the  thoufifht  that  we 
shall  not  meet  again.  My  coffin  and  shroud  are  ready  and  waiting  for 
me,  and  I  am  going  to  my  happy  home.  0,  will  you  try  to  meet  me  in 
heaven  1"    Mr.  B.  wept  profusely — said  he  would. 

November  23.  He  was  very  weak  and  hoarse.  Taking  Prof.  Fin- 
ney's hand,  he  said,  *'  0  how  I  love  you.  How  happv  we  shall  be 
when  we  meet  in  the  spirit-land,  where  the  watchman  shall  see  eye  to 
eye,  where  there  shall  be  no  more  pain."  "  And,"  said  Prof.  Finney, 
''  where  we  shall  run  to  see  each  other  die  no  more."  "  O,"  said  he, 
'*  this  has  been  a  sweet  life  to  me,  I  think  it  will  be  a  sv  jet  death,  and 
it  will  be  a  sweet  heaven."  He  was  anxious  for  a  spee^'y  release,  said 
that  never  did  any  one  more  intensely  long  to  lie  dow.7  and  sleep  than 
he  longed  to  go  to  his  long,  sweet  home. 

November  94.  Was  very  languid  and  greatly  exhausted — prayed 
that  he  might  depart — said  that  angels  were  waitin'^  at  the  portals  of 
heaven  to  receive  his  spirit.  Observing  him  looicing  very  earnestly 
round  the  room,  I  a^ked  him  what  he  was  looking  at.  "I  was  trying 
to  see  whether  I  could  see  angels."  Said  I,  "You  have  said  mudi 
about  angels  visiting  you.    What  do  you  mean  by  it  1    Have  you  actu- 


P 


DATID  MABBt. 


46$ 


My  Men  tkem  V    H«  rallied  n*t  with  my  ntrnnl  «yM,  kat  with  an 


I  know  th«y  arc  hera.     They  are  around  my  h%A  and  in 


eye  of  flUth. 
my  room." 

Mr.  Willard  ealM.  Taking  hia  hand,  he  aaid,  <•  I  hare  Wved  yen 
much.  Sweet  baa  been  oar  aoquaintanee.  O,  if  yoa  can  aee  it  daty, 
preach  the  aoapel.  Do  all  the  good  you  can.  I  have  been  thinking 
over  the  toilaome  Ubara  which  have  literally  worn  ate  out  at  the  age  of 
forty  ;  and  the  particular  eflbrta  I  have  made,  through  atorma  and  fatigue, 
to  preach  the  aoapel  to  poor  ainnera,  look  to  aae  mrw  aa  the  brighteat 
apota  ef  my  life.  Often  to  reach  my  appoint  menta,  I  have  wit  or 
walked  witnovt  a  dry  thread  about  me,  and  in  that  etate  gone  into  eon* 
greffationa  and  preaohed." 

ne  talked  aomctime  with  me  adviaing  me  what  to  de  for  the  Aitwre. 
Among  other  thinga,  he  aaid,  "  I  charge  yo«  d«n*t  let  year  affection  fer 
me  keep  any  of  my  olothee  that  yon  can  diapeae  of  in  any  manner  to 
be  vaefil  to  yeu,  or  to  otheia.  In  my  view  it  wonM  be  a  apeeiea  of  idol- 
atrt.*' 

After  a  few  momenta,  aeeing  me  weep,  he  repeated  ;  "  Oar 
aftiotiona  which  are  but  for  a  mement,  shall  work  out  for  «a  a 
mora— exceeding — and  eternal  tot^ht  of  gler^.  O  what  language! 
What  a  combination  ef  worda  t  How  expreaaive !  What  idaae  f  /er 
-more  'tmeeeJing^tMi  etemMl—-wmght — not  a  fuenft'/y  but  WEIGHT 
of  glcvT !  No  mere  ihelericiain,  no  aninaphed  man,  ever  wrapped  «p 
ao  mveii  meaning  in  ae  few  worda.  O I  watiHi  not  reb  jVO«  of  one  atav 
Ht  your  crown  by  wiahing  yonr  aufibrinaa  leaa,  C^ed  will  aaiMttfr  them 
an,  I  knew  he  will." 

PjolbaaQr  Finner  called  and  hiqmred  abeat  hia  piiiid.  He  aaid  it 
w«8  hard  work  nr  Inm  te  think  m««k.  Prof.  F.  remoirkcd  he  had 
been  expecting  hia  mind  ta  Ikil.    He  replied,  "  I  have  alwaye  feh  a 

but  now  I  Ibel  per- 

},  "ail  ia  a^o." 

sr,  luid  the  uae  of 

»■'  Mcd,  thanked 
h!"— sung 


1i«h^ 


nt  herror  of  beinc  deranced  in  my  laet  uj 
y  willing;  for,"  he  added    with  f     ^ 
Two  or  three  hoars  after  thia,  hia  mind      y  -  \   " 
hia  ftcuHiea  rapidly  failed.    Pasaed  a ^      \ji>»f. ew 'd 

November  96.     Weaker  than  ever,  '  i^n  gniuC. 
God  for  it,— aaid,  "  Home !  home  f  he  a 


\U\i': 


Oaaw,  fond  Qatar< 


He  Mniled  continually,  and  bore  hia  aufferinga  with  a  meekness  and 
patience  that  seemed  almoet  aublime. 

He  dictated  the  following  letters.  The  first  waa  addressed  to  a  min- 
later. 

'*  Dear  brother, — I  expect  some  to  get  home  to-day — to  my  oweet, 
long  home.  I  hope  yeu  will  yet  meet  me  Uiere,  but  as  I  had  not 
atrength  to  converse  with  yon  as  I  wished  when  you  cdled,  I  want  to 
dictate  to  my  wife  a  dying  message  for  yon.  I  have  for  the  twenty-five 
years  of  my  ministry  borne  a  pointed  rebuke  against  sin,  even  the  sinp 
of  my  dearest  frienda,  perfectly  regardless  or  personal  interest,  for  I 
have  feared  God  !  I  know  I  was  going  to  the  judgment.  This  has  caused 
ne  enemies  and  opposition,  but  now,  in  liy  dying  moments,  the  joy  it 
gives  me  is  inexpresaible.  I  have  often  been  personal  and  said  '  Thou 
art  the  man,'  and  O  tk^eaoe,  the  peace,  the  peace,  it  gives.    My  gar- 


•r^—f^r-  ■V/fi'V  "  ^ifcfW™ 


"■^jlWfl^V 


454 


HBKOIBS  OVah^ 


meats  are  clear  from  the  blood  of  soula.  I  want  to  say  to  you  in  the 
utmost  love :  •  •  *  Stand  up  in  defence  of  great  princi- 
ples. Do  right  and  ^e  God  of  peace  will  be  with  you.  May  God 
make  yon  a  holy  and  efficient  minister,  that  shall  have  many  souls 
in  your  crown.    Farewell  till  we  meet  above.  o 

David  Marks."    'f 

[To  the  December  term  of  the  Lorain  quarterly  meeting.]        '  ^'^ ' 

"  Dearly  beloved  brethren : 

-Before  this  reaches  yon,  I  shall  be  in  heaven  with  Christ  and 
glorified  spirits  around  God's  burning  throne.  I  go  rejoicing  with  joy 
unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.  The  valley  of  death  is  not  dark  but 
light  and  shining,  for  God  is  with  me.  Uis  everlasting  arms  are  under- 
neath me.  Dear  brethren,  T  want  you  to  meet  me  in  that  bright  world. 
I  thought  I  should  labor  and  suffer  a  little  more  with  you  when  I  met 
you  in  the  last  session  of  the  quarterly  meeting,  but  my  Heavenly  Fa- 
ther hath  need  of  me  for  the  work  of  the  spint-land,  for  which  he  has 
Serfectly  fitted  and  trained  me.  Suffer  a  word  of  exhortation  from  your 
ying  brother,  the  last  he  will  ever  say  to  you.  Be  fearless,  bold,  un- 
compromising in  the  defence  of  truth,  while  you  exhibit  all  the  meek- 
ness and  gentleness  of  Jurist.  Love  and  cherish  those  faithful  servants 
of  God,  who,  regardless  of  your  favors  or  frov/ns,  dare  to  tell  you  your, 
sins.  Don't  count  them  your  enemies,  for  they  are  your  best  friends. 
O  seek  for  hpliness  of  heavt,  entire  consecration  to  God,  for  sympathy 
with  Christ.  Tbie  is  a  dark  world,  full  of  selfishness  and  sin.  God 
has  need  of  you,  my  brethren,  to  aid  in  the  work  of  saving  souls.  O 
how  many  around  you,  even  some  in  your  own  families,  are  living  with- 
out God  !  and  O,  dreadful  thought !  how  many  are  at  ease  inZion,  their 
mirAfi  blinded  by  the  god  of  this  world,  stumbling-blocks  to  the 
irapenitent  around  them !  O  what  a  fearful  experience  awaits  such 
»ouls! ! 

But,  brethren,  you  cannot  labor  successfully  for  God  unless  your 
hafarts  are  right — unless  you  are  filled  with  the  Spirit.  O  will  you  seek 
for  a  revival  of  Grod's  work  throughout  your  borders,  first,  by  searching 
your  own  hearts  faithfully,  and  getting  ihem  filled  with  the  love  of  God, 
and  then  laboring  with  mighty  praycsr,  and  with  earnest,  faithful  warn- 
ings of  those  around  you  who  are  away  from  God. 

My  soul  mourns  over  the  trials  among  you,  but  it  affords  me  great 
joy  in  these  my  last  hours,  that  my  Heavenly  Father  permitted  me  to 
meet  you  at  your  last  session,  and  leave  with  you  my  testimony  to 
great  principles.     O  my  brethren,  never,  O  never,  let  satan  so  beguile 

Ca,  that  you  shall  attempt  to  muzsle  the  mouths  of  God's  ministers, 
t  tbem  do  the  preaching  God  bids  them.     They  are  His  ambassadors. 

0  how  oflen  have  brethren,  and  dear  brothren,  since  I  commenced  in  the 
ministry,  wanted  me  to  preach  smooth  things,  begged  me  not  to  say 
any  thing  about  masonry,  temperance,  missions,  slavery,  &c.  saying  if 

1  did,  I  would  offend  some  who  were  my  warm  friends  and  who  had 
contributed  to  my  necessities..  At  such  times,  how  has  my  spirit  burn- 
ed within  me,  and  I  have  felt  to  say,  "  Get  behind  me,  satan."  The 
judgment  and  eternity  would  rise  up  before  me, — my  awful  responsibil- 
ity to  God  and  undying  souls— ^and  the  truth  Mipon  those  points,  would 


DAVIJD  MARKS. 


455 


to 
Ue 
rs. 

'8. 

le 

I  if 


be  ]ik6  fire  shut  ap  in  my' bones,  so  that  my  spiiit  hacMnO  reit  iXilt  had  de- 
clared it  whether  men  would  hear  or  foroear,  whether  I  had  abun- 
dance or  lacked  the  necessities  of  life.  O  the  sweet  peace  I  now  enjoy. 
My  garments  are  pure  from  the  hlood  of  souls.  I  have  not  shunned  to 
declare  the  counsel  of  God.  There  is  not  a  cloud  between  me  and  my 
Savior.  The  light  of  his  blessed  countenance  constantly  shines  upon 
my  soul.  O  how  much  this  is  worth  in  such  an  hour  as  this.  Breth- 
ren, would  you  exchange  it  for  the  applause  of  all  the  mortal  worms  of 
earth  ?  If  you  would,  I  would  not.  My  aoul  is  fuU.  I  was  never 
before  so  happy.  O  the  peace,  the  joy,  the  ecstacy,  that  Grod  continu- 
ally gives  me.  Brethren,  be  faithful  to  God  and  truth,  and  this  rich  ex- 
perience will  be  yours  in  a  dying  hour.  Farewell  till  we  meet  above. 
- 7-*»»fv       ji?^  -rm^^  Yours  for  immortality, 

David  Marks.*' 

November  26.  He  appeared  to  have  his  senses,  but  his  mind  was 
extremely  weak,  no  that  it  was  difficult  for  him  to  remember  what  he 
wished  to  say,  after  he  commenced  a  sentence.  Still  he  was  inexpress- 
ibly happy.  He  said  to  Elder  Knight,  "  0,  Brother  Knight,  preach, 
preach  a  Holy  Ghost  religion." 

Seeing  me  weeping,  said  he,  *'  My  dear  Marilla,  I  shall  love  you  as 
well,  yes,  better,  when  I  am  gone,  than  I  ever  have  on  earth,  and  I  have 
no  doubt  but  that  my  spirit  will  oAen  visit  you  and  minister  to  you,  per- 
haps be  your  guardian  angel."  A  little  after  noon,  Prof.  Finney  call- 
ed. I  told  him  my  husband's  unsuccessful  attempt  the  day  previous  to 
write  his  name.  He  smiled  and  said,  "  I  think  I  can  write  it  to-day." 
A  pencil  and  paper  were  handed  him.  He  wrote  very  awkwardly,  "  pa- 
vidd.^'  On  being  told  of  it,  he  clapped  his  hands,  and  with  tears  cf  joy, 
shouted  as  loud  as  his  hoarse  voice  would  permit,  **  Bless  the  Lord, 
bless  the  Lord,  Hallelujah.  Am  I  so  near  my  home  ?  Can't  write  my 
name  !  O,  bless  the  Lord."  Seizing  Prof.  Finney's  hand,  he  continu- 
ed, "  O,  bless  the  Lord,  that  I  am  so  near  home,  home,  sweet  home." 
He  then  threw  his  arms  round  my  neck — "  O  my  dear  wife,  you  have 
been  a  faithful,  good  wife ;  we  shall  soon  meet.  You  have  been  a  faith- 
ful Christian — a  great  help  to  me  in  my  ministry,  Y^'-  aever  held  me 
back,  never  placed  the  least  hinderance  in  my  way.  C>/0  will  blessyou." 
Said  Frof.  Finney  to  the  by-standers — "  Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  be- 
hold the  upright,  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace." 

He  seemed  remaTKably  affectionate  and  child-like.  A  barber  shaved 
him.  (A  colored  ma>..)  He  kissed  him  very  affectionately,  and  looking 
up,  said  :  "  O,  how  I  love  you,  God  bless  you."  Several  friends  call- 
ed. It  seemed  as  if  his  heart  burned  with  affection.  He  would  kiss 
them,  and  as  they  were  going  out  would  say,  "I  hate  to  have  you 
go."  He  expressed  much  concern  about  my  health,  requested  some 
friends  to  watch  over  me,  and  frequently  said :  "  Poor  child !  Poor 
child!" 

November  27.    Seemed  very  easy  but  extremely  weak.    Spoke  in  a 

whisper.     Said  little.     Mrs.  rrofessor  Allen  called,  and  asked  for  my 

signature  to  a  petition,  remonstmting  against  the  annexation  of  Texas. 

.  Mr.  Marks  eagerly  inquired,  "  May  my  name  goonl"    He  vtas  told 

that  this  petition   was   exclusively  for  ladies,  but  that  there  was  a 


J 


416 


MBXOiBt  or 


rimilair  one  oiiviulatinf  in  the  Tillagfe  fox  ffentlemed,  and  if  he  wished, 
hifl  name  rfiould  gn  on  that.  He  said,  « 1  do  wieh  it."  One  of  his  at- 
tendants promised  him  that  '.■■  '.or to  be  ("one.  At  erery  arrival  of  his 
anti-slayery  papers,  he  tr-y,  at k  me  to  see  if  there  was  any  sood 
news  for  God's  afflicted  oy^  jsed  poor.  The  last  that  it  is  recolkei 
ed  that  he  read  was  in  an  anti-slavery  paper  a  day  or  two  previous  to 
this  date. 

Professors  Finney  and  Morgan  called.  Throwing  his  arms  around 
Professor  Morcan's  neok,  he  said,  ''  I  have  wanted  to  see  you  very 
much."  Pirorassor  Morgan  spoke  of  a  certain  Ghristiun  who  said  he 
would  rathor  ^e  and  have  his  body  laid  in  the  gtave,  than  be  translated 
as  Enoch  was,  because  his  Savior  died  and  was  buried.  I  asked  him  if 
he  felt  80.  He  said,  '*  O  yes,  if  it  be  the  Lord's  will."  The  two 
followioi;  days  he  said  little,  slept  most  of  the  time. 

November  30.  Failed  very  fast.  At  night  had  no  pulse.  Slept  mo»t 
of  the  nifl^ht. 

Deceimtetl.  Slept  vety  sweetV,  reclmingon  pillows  in  hid  easy 
chair.  About  eight  o'clocK,  A.  k.  Professor  Finney  called.  I  atons- 
«d  him,  bnt  as  he  took  no  notice  of  him,  I  inquired,  *'  Do  you  know 
who  that  is  1"  He  smiled  and  said,  *'  Yes,  I  do.  It  is  my  brother  Fin- 
ney," and  immediately  teil  asleep.  As  Professor  Finney  was  about  to 
leave,  I  tried  to  arouse  him  again ;  and  as  he  saw  him  going  out,  he 
whispfitedj''  Farewell,"  which  was  about  the  last  word  he  was  heard 
to  say.  When  spoken  to  afterwards,  sometimes  he  would  answer 
"  Yes,"  or  "  No,"  at  other  times  would  only  smile.  A  little  before 
noon,  he  made  a  signal  to  be  laid  on  his  coach.  His  attendants  attempt- 
ed to  remove  him,  but  it  distressed  him  so  much,  that  he  desired  to  oe 
set  back  in  his  chair,  when,  with  a  sweet  smile,  he  fell  asleep  almost 
instantly.  He  continued  to  sleep  as  quietly  as  an  infant  till  about  half 
past  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  he  made  another  signal  to  be  removed  to 
his  coach.  As  he  was  set  down  on  the  bed,  a  change  was  perceived. 
I  took  his  head  on  a  pillow,  he  placed  one  hand  under  his  head,  while 
little  Julia,  weepiAg  and  sobbing,  took  the  other.  His  eyes  rolled  back 
in  his  head,  he  breathed  hard  four  or  five  times,  and  then,  without  a 
struggle  or  a  groan,  or  even  one  gasp;  all  was  still.  He  was  gone ! 
His  sprrit  had  soared  on  angeUwings. 

Decejnber  3.  Professor  Dascomb,  assisted  by  Doctors  Steele  and 
Boyce,  made  a  post  mortem  examination,  which  they  reported  as  fol- 
lows : 

"  A  post  mortem  examination  of  Elder  Marks,  twenty-four  hours  after 
death,  exhibited  the  system  generally  in  a  dropsical  state. 

The  eaviti/  of  the  chest  contained  several  pints  of  water.  The  heart 
was  enlarged,  and  together  with  the  membrane  lining  the  cavity  of  the 
chest,  presented  indications  of  chronic  inflammation. 

The  caviti/  of  the  abdomen  contained  about  two  gallons  of  water. 
The  liver  and  spleen  were  both  much  haiJened  by  disease,  especially  the 
latter  organ.  The  disease  of  these  organs  was  undoubtedly  of  long 
standing.  Extensive  adhesions  were  found  about  the  kidneys,  and  in- 
deed the  orgttns  in  this  cavity  generally  bore  strong  marks  of  the  rav- 
ages ct(  chronic  inflammation.  The  inner  coat  of  Uie  stomach,  espec- 
ituly,  had  been  in  a  state  of  universal  inflammation. 


DAYIB    KABKB. 


457 


after 

heart 
jf  the 

i^ater. 
Jythe 

long 
»d  in- 

rav- 
iBpec- 


Wl 


' '  The  external  dropty,  or  the  effusion  of  waler  Into  tBe  oellvlar  tianie, 
wBs  QODfined  to  the  body  and  lower  limb«i«  Uie  b«ad  and  arias  being 
quite  free  from  it. 

The  Iwigs  had  a  more  healthy  rippearaoce  than  any  of  the  other  in- 
ternal organs." 

Decenu)or  3.  About  one  o'clock,  P.  M.,  his  corpse  was  removed  to 
tlie  new  briok  meeting  house,  which  was  the  first  ever  carried  within  its 
walls.  Several  brethren  and  sister*  followed  in  the  procession  as  mourn- 
ers. Professor  Finney  preaebed  from  the  text  Mr.  Marks  bad  sug- 
gested. Professor  Cowles,  editor  of  lite  Oberlin  Evangelist,  briefly  re- 
ported the  sermon  as  follows,  with  the  exception  oi  a  few  passages 
which  were  omitted,  and  which  have  since  been  supplied!  by  rrofessor 
Finney.*      ,  ,  ,,,, 

■\-'-=^'""     SEEMON.      "*^- ■•■::•'='-"«.. 

Text — 1  Tim.  4;7.  "  Mcereue  thyself  rather  tmto  go^linewp" 
In  di«cu9sing  Htm  subject  precepted  in  Ith^  text,  I  vhall  con- 
sider, .    ;;  .r 

I.    The  spirit  of  th?  ixjunction  it  qojrrAwis, 
.     JI.    The  gqnditiqks  ojf  opeying  it. 
III.    The  BBAeoNS  for  the  unjvvcxiojat 
I.  Taking  into  view  til>e  wjiole  of  the  verse  of  wbieh  tiw  text  is 
a  part,  it  is  obviotm  that  there  are  two  prime  ideas  involved  in  the 
spirit  qf  the  mjunctioui — naiaely* 

1 .  A  caution  against  giving  attention  to  thing?  that  are  idle  and 
profitless.  By  "prdiane  and  old  wives'  faWea,"  P»ttl  m»j  have  re- 
ferred to  the  doctrines  of  the  Rabbins,  thw  whieh  nothing  lean  well 
be  more  worthless  and  ill  befitUng  a  sensible  and  Christian  man 
who  has  the  gospel  to  preach  to  perishing  men.  Take  heed,  Paul 
would  say  to  his  stm  Timothy^^ake  heed  that  you  be  ncrt  ensnared 
by  any  reading,  or  any  I'^gends  of  tradiUon  which  can  only  amuse 
rt'ithout  instructing,  and  therefore  v  -Me  time  without  profit.  Let 
"  old  wives'  fables'*  alone.  A  man  of  God  to  be  thoroughlT  fur- 
nished must  store  his  mind  with  better  thl:igs  than  those.  If  Utou 
woulast  keep  thyself  pure,  take  care  to  avoid  such  thi»"T8.  Fa- 
bles and  stories  for  amusement,  fit  only  for  such  as  are  lu  the  first 
or  second  childhood,  will  pollute  your  mind,  wid  grieve  ^way  the 
Holy  Spirit  of  Truth.     From  all  such  things  turn  away, 

2.  Exercise  thys€>If  rather  unto  godliness.  This  is  the  more  ex- 
cellent way.  Practice  godliness  ^-^ot  only  ksani  what  it  is,  hot 
put  it  in  practice— 4)ring  it  into  your  daily  spirit  and  (bjly  hfe. 
Godliness  in  being  like  God.  Of  course  the  meaning  df  this  pre- 
cept is — become  Godlike-    Adopt  the  spirit  o(  J«iiu$  your  Master, 

*  It  ic  due  to  Professor  Finnoy  to  r^nark  Aat  most  reporters  hove  feimd  it 
difiictUt  to  do  lum  justice.    On  account  of  ias  ra|)id  dehvery,  they  have  gel- 
doin  been  able  to  preserve  hia  language,  and  present  his  Aoughts  in  bis  own 
peculiar,  bcid  and  lucid  manner. 
39 


m 


HEU0IB8  OF 


and  live  a  life  like  Hi«.    Exercise  yourself  in  this.    The  wcff'l 
exercise  seems  to  be  an  allusion  to  the  ancient  Elvsiai!  and  Olym- 

$ic  games,  in  which  various  exercises  were  carefiilly  practiced,  to 
isdpline  the  body  for  victory  in  the  hour  of  condict  The  next 
verse  sustains  this  allusion — "  Boj^ily  exercise  profiteth  little."  Yet 
those  candidates  for  contest  ip  the  games,  shrink  not  from  any  se- 
verity of  discipline — they  k  ^ep  their  body  under  and  are  temper- 
ate in  all  things,— only  to  r/btain  a  perishable  twig  of  laurel.  How 
much  more  should  you  ex<ircise  yourself  to  be  like  God,  since  the 
prize  is  an  immortal  crown  of  glory,  and  the  pro^t  is  beyond  meas- 
ure great,  both  in  this  life  and  the  next  ? 

These  two  points  then — (first  avoid  ttil  diverting  and  polluting  in- 
fluences, and,  secondly,  discipline  yourself  to  become  like  God,) 
constitute  the  spirit  of  the  injunction  of  our  text 
II.    We  pass  to  notice  some  of  the  conditions  of  obeying  it. 

1.  True  and  thorough  regeneration — a  new  birth  which  trans- 
forms the  moral  character,  causing  old  things  to  pass  away  and  all 
things  to  become  new.  This  is  a  change  not  merely  of  opinion,  or 
of  intellect,  but  of  the  heart.  There  is  no  beginning  to  exercise 
one's  self  unto  godliness  without  this  change.  This  chooiP^e  itself 
is  from  th«  im{^  of  satan  to  the  image  of  Grod. 

2.  7%0  baptism  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  This  is  perfectly  indispen- 
sable to  success  and  even  to  diligent  effort  The  being  like  God, 
which  is  required  and  implied  in  exercising  onj's  ^elf  unto  godli- 
ness, demands  a  deep  study  of  God  and  of  godliness.  But  none 
will  over  learn  God  except  as  taught  by  the  Spirit  And  none  will 
exercise  themselves  in  this  study  and  in  the  practice  of  living  like 
Gcd  mdess  the  Spirit  of  Grod  mightily  imbue  their  hearts. 

"S.  A  deep  and  abiding  sympamy  with  God.  There  is  substan- 
tial Mid  rich  meaning  in  this  language.  There  is  such  a  thing  as 
liaving  sympathy  with  God.  Nay,  every  real  Christian  must  and 
•does  have  such  sympathy — he  enters  into  the  feelings  of  the  Deity 
— ^adopts  the  same  greilr  end  of  life,— has  the  same  objects  of  si;- 
preme  affection,  so  that  heai**^  beats  in  unison  with  heart  This  is 
sympathy— sr.ch  as  man  mu.«  ^^ve  with  his  God.  This  is  plainly 
involved  in  exercising  one's  f  S  ai'x<x>  godliness. 

To  obe^  this  precept  effectually,  you  must  have  so  strowg  and 
deep  a  sympathy  with  God  as  shall, 

(1.)  Overcome  the  love  of  promiscuous  reading.  "  By  "  pro- 
fane" in  the  verse  of  our  text  is  mesnt  whatever  i<5  not  sacred ;  just 
as  we  call  all  history  profane  history  which  is  not  sacred  history. 
The  true  spirit  ok  J  3  requirement  therefore  enjoins  Christians  to 
forego  at  least  in  ge.^eral  all  profane  reading,  and  certainly  all  that 
in  the  least  interferes  with  exercising  themselves  unto  godliness. 
No  profane  works  are  to  be  read  or  studied  only  so  far  as  their 


DAVID  MARKS. 


469 


fro- 
tust 

FY- 

to 

lat 

2ir 


reading  and  study  wiH  make  you  more  like  GU)d,  and  thas  help 
you 'n  exerclsinf  /oi^r^elf  unto  godliness.  Yon  must  have  so  much 
sympauth/  with  God  as  shall  annihilate  all  relish  for  reading  that 
tends  not  Uf  make  you  like  God.  Nothing  can  be  more  certain 
than  this. 

(2.)  Again,  so  deep  must  be  your  sympathy  with  GU)d  that  it 
eball  quite  overcome  the  disposition  to  useless  speculation  and  vain 
philosophizing.  There  is  a  vast  amount  of  this  among  men  whose 
minds  are  more  intellectual  than  spiritual,  and  who  love  the  amuse- 
ment of  curious  speculation  more  than  the  luxury  of  stud,^ang  the 
depths  of  godliness.  This  state  of  mind  must  be  changed.  Those 
studies  which  furnish  neither  the  head  nor  the  heart  with  anythi'^g 
really  useful  to  God  or  man  must  be  put  away: — nay,  you  must 
have  so  vital  a  symrvathy  with  God,  that  it  shall  quiie  oramcate  that 
vile  taste  for  things  profitless,  and  implant  a  vigorous  thirsting  of 
soul  afler  the  better  things  of  God. 

(3.)  So  deep  must  be  your  sympathy  with  Gk>d  that  it  shall  de- 
stroy your  love  of  popularity  with  men.  Surely  you  must  have 
enough  of  God  to  effect  this,  or  you  cannot  in  spirit  obey  the  in- 
junction of  our  text.  You  never  can  exercise  yourself  to  be  like 
Grod  until  you  value  his  favor  incomparably  more  than  the  favor  of 
man.  Indeed,  according  to  the  Bible,  you  cannot  evera  believet  so 
long  as  you  "  seek  honor  one  of  another,  and  seek  not  the  honor 
that  Cometh  from  God  only."  Plainly,  you  must  have  so  much 
sympathy  with  God  as  shall  overcome  alike  the  love  of  applause 
and  the  fear  of  reproach — for  while  these  prevail,  yon  will  do  any 
thing  rather  than  exercise  yourself  unto  godliness. 

(4.)  Of  sympathy  with  God  you  must  have  enough  to  overcome 
the  thirst  for  worldly  gain.  So  long  as  this  thirst  bears  sway 
in  your  heart,  you  surely  cannot  exercise  yourself  to  be  like  God. 
You  must  be  satisfied  with  tht>  comforts  of  life,  and  content  with 
the  awards  of  divine  providence — content  moreover  to  live  by  faith 
in  Grod  for  future  good,  so  as  to  have  no  anxieties  except  for  the 
kingdom  of  God  and  his  righteousness.  Else  you  cannot  exer- 
cise yourself  for  the  Christian  strife. 

(5.)  Your  sympathy  with  God  must  be  so  strong  as  to  overcome 
your  love  of  ease.  Those  men  of  the  Olympic  games  had  to  cru- 
cify their  love  of  ease.  SoandmucHmore  must  you  if  you  would 
contend  with  principalit  ^s  and  powers,  with  the  rulers  of  the  dark- 
ness of  this  world,  wiia  wicked  spirits  in  high  places.  So  and 
murh  more  if  you  would  exercise  yourself  unto  godliness.  Did 
Christ  indulge  bis  love  of  ease,  or  did  Paul  ?  Have  any  of  those 
men  ever  done  so  who  have  achieved  much  for  God,  or  for  their 
gniicration according  to  the  will  of  God?  .  , 


>  i    IPT.1WWIIW  "' 


460 


MEM0IB8    OP. 


(6.)  You  0Mia1f  hkive  j^rinpatfay  with  G^d  ^t  su6h  a 'degree  as 
shall  suppreM  a  self-indulgent  ipirit.  Eren  Chriat  pleased  not 
hamself-'^iior  did  Paul,  not  have  dver  any  of  those  men  whose  life 
and  labors  have  blessed  the  wOrld,  ahd  hiive  secured  Ihe  iavor  of 
God.  No  man  can  live  for  the  end  of  self-indulgence,  and  ;fel  do. 
anything  great  and  good  for  God  or  for  his  race.  /.  ^1  i 

(7.)  Your  stmpathy  with  God  must  beget  a  self-sacrificing  spir- 
it. The  doctrine  of  the  gospel  on  this  point  i» — ".  Present  your 
bodies  a  living  Sacrifice  onto  God."  All  must  be  laid  cm  his  altar. 
JUt  demands  A  wholo  burnt-ofiTeffing* 

I  hiAve  been  Struck  with  the  exempli  ^cation,  of  this,  in  the  ex- 
i|mple  which  brother  Marks  has  left  us.  Indexed  if  Ulis  Were  the 
place)  1  could  show  nnder  each  of  these  heads^  how  i^positely  each 
pmnt  is  illustrated  in  his  life  and  ^irii.  Seldom  in  any  Inan  have 
I  seeoi  thd  love  of  ease  aitd  Of  reputation  bo  entirely  Subdned.  He 
has  often  told  me  that  he  grudged  the  hours  of  sleep.  He  oould 
not  beat  to  suspend  hid  Inboiti  for  God  long  enough  to  take  the  re- 
poae  which  lus  physiufd  and  nervous  system  demanded. 

Aman  neieds  to  have  his  heart  so  set  upon  his  work  as  to  beget 
a  thirst  allef  truth)  r.nd  an  intense  d*^6  to  know  what  he  shall  do 
to  honor  add  se^vo  God.  Unless  a  man  Las  tUa  spirit^  he  cannot 
do  much  fbr  his  generation,  tit  must  have  enough  of  it  to  set  his 
soul  all  gn  Jire  to  get  at  the  very  foundations  of.  those  great  prin- 
dples  which  81*6  involved  in  the  salvation  of  our  race.  The  men 
who  Would  move  the  minds  of  the  a|je  must  understand  these  things 
fundamentally.  I  f'  tii'  i'^f'iii  . 

Again,  a  man  must  have  great  lionesty,  and  a  child-like  spirit, 
if  he  would  attain  the  truth  and  avoid  all  error.  "  Except  ye  be 
converted  and  become  as  little  cliiidren,  ye  shall  not  enter  into  the 
kingdoni  oi  heaven."  This  was  a  most  remarkable  feature  in  the 
character  of  brother  Marks.  In  illustration  of  it  I  may  adduce 
one  fact  of  his  history.  He  once  fell  into  a  snare  in  consequence 
of  reading  a  book  in  defence  of  Unitarianism.  It  presented  argu- 
ments wMch  ha  did  not  then  see  hOW  to  answer,  and  his  honesty 
was  such  that  he  could  do  no  otherwise  than  to  hold  his  mind  ir 
suspense  and  humbly  seek  for  light.  There  stood  the  arguments 
which  he  knew  not  how  to  meet :  he  could  not  get  round  them  noir 
thrust  them  aside  out  of  his  way.  It  should  be  noted  here  that  he 
was  yet  very  young,  and  not  extensively  read  in  the  abstruse  things 
of  divinity.  He  began  to  preach  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  and  devoted 
So  much  time  to  preaching,  as  left  little  leisure  for  deep  study  in 
the  more  speculative  departments  of  polemic  theology.  To  return. 
As  his  honesty  and  simplicity  of  character  were  conspicuous  in  the 
way  of  his  getting  into  the  snare,  so  were  they  also  in  his  way  of 
getting  out.     He  shrank  not  away  from  his  ministerial  brethren, 


he 
Ings 
>ted 

in 
Jim. 
Ithe 

of 
ten, 


DATID  KABKS.  |||p 

afndd  of  their  censure,  and  sensitive  lest  his  orthodoxy  should  be 
questioned — ^No,  he  fVankly  laid  before  them  all  his  difSculties.  A 
father  in  the  ministry  asked  him  to  sit  down  with  himself  and  r6ad 
the  Bible.  They  began  with  the  first  chapter  of  Paol  to  the  He- 
brews, and  read  on  with  no  marked  results  till  they  came  to  the 
tenth  verse.  Here,  said  brother  Marks,  the  aged  father  paused, 
laid  his  finger  down  upon  it,  and  read  it  with  such  a  tone  of  rever- 
ence and  solemn  empharis,  as  made  its  truth  fiash  in  floods  of  light 
upon  my  mind.  ^  Thou,  Lord,  in  the  beginning  hast  laid  the  foun- 
dations of  the  earth,  and  the  heavens  are  the  works  of  thy  hands." 
I  now,  said  he,  saw  Jesus  to  be  the  supreme  Creator  in  so  strong 
and  dear  a  view  as  showed  me  at  once  that  I  could  no  longer  sup- 
pose him  to  have  made  the  worlds  by  any  delegated  power.  Thus 
bis  candor  and  honesty  brought  him  promptly  out  of  the  snare,  and 
are  not  less  beaut*  r  illy  illustrated  here  than  in  his  manner  of 
holding  up  his  mind  when  unanswerable  arguments  fell  in  his  way. 

Once  more,  let  me  observe,  you  must  have  so  much  sympathy 
with  God  9.  will  overcome  ungodly  ambition.  Else  you  can- 
not live  for  Grod,  for  this  ambition  can  never  be  blended  with  goct> 
liness. 

Again,  an  essential  condition  of  obeying  the  injunction  of  the  text 
is  great  love  for  spiritual  labor,  love  ibr  every  sort  of  labor  to  which 
the  Lord  calls  you.  This  has  a  most  remarkable  illustration  in  the 
case  o£qpr  deceased  brother.  You  know  he  has  preached  a  great 
deal — fnt^tnen  of  his  years,  if  any,  have  preached  so  much. 
And  he^m»  loved  this  work.  His  love  and  thirst  for  his  work 
have  beeb  all-consuming.  It  seemed  to  swallow  up  his  whole  soul.. 
His  eccMpmy  of  his  time  was  most  rigid.  No  man  perhaps  was 
ever  nf^  peculiar  for  this  than  he.  You  have  seen  him  riding 
these  streets  in  his  little  old  wagon,  or  on  horseback,  and  reading, 
all  along  as  he  went,  jealous  last  even  a  moment  should  slip  away- 
unimproved.  I  have  often  gaced  at  him  with  admiration,  as  I  have 
seen  him,  sometimes  drawing  lumber,  and  seated  upon  a  board  or 
upon  the  naked  reacU  of  his  little  wagon,  so  deeply  engaged  ia 
reading,  that,  but  for  the  fact  that  his  little  horse  was  so  aged  and 
gentle,  I  should  have  feared  for  his  safety  in  riding  with  no  atten- 
tion to  ^is  driving,  I  have  met  him  out  of  the  village,  riding  in 
the  same  manner,  so  lost  in  reading  as  not  to  appear  tx)  know  wheth- 
er he  was  going  or  standing  still.  You  would  be  surprised  to 
know  how  rigidly  his  manner  of  spending  his  time  was  noted  down 
— ^how  carefully  all  his  moments  were  measured  out,  and  how  scru- 
pulous he  was  to  see  to  it  that  every  moment  was  well  spent.^ 


*  For  many  yean,  Mr.  Marks  had  beeu  in  the  habit  of  keeping  a  most  rie- 
id  account  of  the  occupancy  of  his  time.    He  always  carried  with  him  a  lit- 
89* 


4oa 


jnCMOIRB   Ol* 


I  only  add  further,  tbat  any  man  to  comply  with  thig  r«quire'> 
ment  needs  a  moit  controUing  and  absorbing  love  for  souk.  Such 
a  love  for  soala  had  Paul,  and  such  had  his  great  Master. 

III.  I  must  next  adduce  some  of  th»  raeuont  for  this  require-' 
menL 

1.  This  #or]d  is  a  plaoe  of  training  for  the  next    Thi»  is  ltd 
chief  buflinesH.     The  characters  of  men  are  here  being  moulded 
either  to  be  like  God  or  like  the  devil.    AU  moral  agents  here  are 
either  prepiaring  finr  tiwee  higji  scenes  of  usefulness-  and  glory  that 
are  reserved  for  the  saints ;  or  fbr  the  wiUISings,  the  Uaaphemies, 
and  the  despair  of  the  damned.    Now  be  it  well  understood,  if  a 
man  is  not  exercising  himself  unto  godliness,  h*  is  not  training  for 
heaven.    "  Blessed  be  God,"  said  brother  Marks,  "  God  has  train- 
ed me  for  my  vrork.    I  doubt  not  that  when  I  get  into  eternity,  t 
shall  find  that  aU  my  labors  here,  and  all  my  love  for  my  work, 
have  been  fitting  me  for  a  more  glorious  sphere  of  labor  th^  'e.    Or 
it  will  be  so  blessed  to  work  liMr  Gk>d  to  all  eternity  !    Thett  I  shall 
never  tire,  never  wear  out ;    shall  not  need  to  stop  to  sleep  or 
to  eat— 'but  may  go  on  my  unwearied  and  unretarded  coarse  for- 
ever r* 

2.  The  apostle  subjoins  as  another  reason  for  exercising  one's  self 
tinto  godHnesB— For  bodily  exercise  prollteth  little.  It  is  of  small 
avail  to  chastise  the  body  and  to  discipline  it  as  the  ancient  ath- 
letflB  were  wont  to  do ;  and  all  the  usual  results  of  physical  labor 
now  are  of  small  account;  but  godliness  is  profitable  unto  ftU  things, 
having  promise  of  all  needed  good  here  and  of  all  ptJssible  good 
hereaAer. 

8.  It  is  indispensable  to  doing  much  in  this  world.  No  man 
will  ever  do  much  unless  he  accustoms  himself  to  work  with  all  his 
might,  and  sees  to  it  moreover  thi^  his  work  be  indeed  exercising 
himsdf  nnto  godlines),  laboring  to  become  and  be  like  God.  Then 
something  great  and  good  will  be  done. 

4.  This  is  indispensable  to  true  peace  of  mind.  A  mam  may 
have  an  Antinomian  peace  of  mind  without  it — a  peace  delusive 
and  baseless,  resting  on  that  stnmge  notion  that  Christ's  righteous- 
ness imputed  to  ns  while  we  live  in  sin,  avails  for  us,  instead  of 
Christ's  righteousness  wrought  in  ns.     How  many  such  there  are 

tie  book,  called  his  "  Time  economizer,"  in  whieh  ho  daily  charged  himself 
with  tlie  twenty-fonr  hours,  tuid  on  retiring  for  the  night,  account^  for  every 
moment  as  carefully  an  a  miser  would  reckon,  his  dollars  and  cents.  Several 
times  during  the  last  two  years  of  his  life,  he  attempted  to  lay  aside  this  prac- 
tice, thinking  it  had  injntied  bifl  heaJtb,  but  so  powerftil  had  the  habit  become, 
that  its  suspension  affiected  him  so  unpleasantly  that  he  would  soon  resume  it 
as  the  least  of  two  evils. 


4* 


may 
lusive 
leous- 

id  of 
aire 

Imsclf 
Bvery 
Iveral 
jprac- 
pome. 
le  it 


DAVID  HARKS. 


463 


-^#f 


now,  fllliog  the  churoh  wUh  numben,  with  ipiritoal  lethargrr,  and 
fatal  delusion  I  Ask  stich*^Axe  yotrpenonally  holy  ?  O  no,  Ilcnow  I 
am  not ;  but  I  trust  in  Christfs  imputed  righteonsneii.  Ate  yon 
indded  wallcing  with  God  and  living  for  Qod  dally  ?  O,  I  do  not 
expect  to  do  that  mynBlf**~I  belieTO  in  tm  imputed  Hgbteousness. 
Christ  has  obeyed  the  law  perfectly ;  his  obedience  answers  instead 
of  toine.  Thus  a  maa  may  cry,  peace,  peace,  and  his  coosoienoe 
be  quite  at  etUe  in  hia  sins ;  but  assuredly  unletii  he  exercise 
himself  unto  godliness,  he  can  have  no  solid  peace  here  nor  bere^ 
after. 

5.  It  is  indispensable  to  peace  with  Ood.  It  is  absurd  that  God 
should  be  at  peace  with  a  man  who  is  not  holy  ;'-**who  does  not  ex- 
ercise himself  uuto  godliness :  and  is  not  perfecting  holiness  in  the 
fear  of  God.  It  is  indeed  a  marvelloas  fact  that  men  should  thus 
pervert  the  gospel — should  thus  dream  of  being  in  such  a  covenant 
wliia  Christ  l^at  God  will  accept  them  while  they  are  living  in  sin. 
Is  Christ  the  nuniaber  of  siii  ?  Did  he  come  both  to  save  his  peo- 
ple ftxHu  their  sins,  and  also  to  quiet  their  consciences,  and  give 
them  peace  tfi  their  sins  by  his  imputed  righteousness  ?  What  can 
be  more  absurd  ?  It  would  not  hi  easy  to  name  a  sentiment  fWtnght 
with  more  mischief  to  the  souls  of  men  than  this. 

Again,  it  is  indispensable  to  salvation.  No  man  can  be  saved 
who  does  not  exercise  himself  unto  godliness.  It  is  the  only  con- 
sistent (iourse.  Every  Christian  professes  to  be  a  follower  of 
Christ.     Consistency  therefore  requires  that  he  should  be. 

It  is  indispensable  to  a  right  understanding  of  the  spirit  of  the 
gospel,  also  to  true  spirituality  of  mind.  Persons  may  talk  about 
beir^  Spiritually  minded  ;  but  it  is  all  a  dream  unless  they  exercise 
then*  jiv?s  unto  godliness.  Away  with  all  such  spirituality  1  Per- 
haps iu^j  would  immure  themselves  in  a  monastery,  or  resign 
ther',£jelves  to  mystic  dreaming,  but  unless  they  vigorously  seek  to 
live  for  God,  and  exercise  themselves  to  do  all  his  will,  it  can  avail 
them  nothing. 

Again,  this  is  the  only  comfortable  course  of  life.  There  will  in- 
deed be  many  trials,  but  those  who  meet  and  endure  them  in  the 
spirit  of  faith  and  patience  can  bear  a  full  and  gtomus  testimony 
that  r^is  is  the  only  way  of  comfort 

Let  me  add  that  this  is  the  only  course  that  is  honorable  to  God, 
also  that  this  is  the  only  course  of  usefulness.  I  have  known  more 
than  one  poor  woman,  an  invalid  too  perhaps,  and  unable  to  do  any 
thing  I  t  pray  and  converse,  and  pour  out  the  fullness  of  ^e  soul 
on  the  great  things  of  God's  kingdom— *«uch  I  have  known  who 
have  done  apparently  more  good  than  almost  any  minister  of  the 
gospel.  O,  it  is  a  luxury  to  hear  such  persons  recount  the  mercies 
of  God  towards  themselvcBi.    In  conversing  with  one  of  them  not 


t3r  ^  I 


yg» 


464 


MEMOIK8    OF 


long  since,  a  member  of  the  church  of  which  I  was  pastor  when  in 
the  city  of  New  York,  I  was  greatly  interested  in  the  story  of  the 
good  hand  of  God  Uf  v  her,  since  I  had  seen  her.  She  was  brought 
up  a  diave  until  (I  t\>''  '  /  forty  years  of  age.  When  a  child,  her- 
self and  two  little  brothers  were  sold  into  a  most  Christless  and 
cruel  family,  I  believe  in  the  northern  part  of  New  Jersey,  or  in 
southern  New  York.  She  has  informed  me  that  they  had  no  bed 
or  covering  whatever  provided  for  them  in  the  coldest  weather  in 
winter, — that  they  would  lie  down  together  upon  the  kitchen  floor, 
and  as  the  room  grew  cold,  would  get  upon  the  hnarth  close  togeth* 
er  as  possible,  and,  to  keep  fVom  ft«ezing,  would  get  more  and 
more  into  the  fire-place,  until  sometimes  they  were  severely  bum* 
ed  in  their  sleep.  This  is  a  specimen  of  her  treatment  when  young. 
But  God  finally  gave  her  liberty  and  converted  her  soul.  She  is 
a  cripple  and  an  invalid,  and  has  lived  these  many  years  by  futh. 
It  is  always  refreshing  to  meet  her  and  witness  her  confidence  in 
God.  She  does  much  for  the  cause  of  God  in  many  ways.  Al- 
though she  is  unable  to  work,  and  lives  wholly  on  the  fVee-will  of- 
ferings of  her  friends,  yet  she  nves  more  in  money  to  support  the 
gospel,  than  many  men  of  wealth.  She  knows  how  to  draw  upon 
the  "  Bank  of  Faith."  She  ca  tributes  regularly  twenty-five  cents 
every  Sabbath  for  the  support  of  public  worship.  This  amounts  to 
918.  a  year.  When  I  asked  her  how  she  obtained  it,  she  replied 
that  she  obtained  it  by  faith ;  that  whatever  she  may  need,  she  al- 
ways lays  by  the  first  money  that  is  given  her  from  week  to  week, 
to  give  the  next  Sabbath  to  the  support  of  the  gospel.  This  amount 
is  what  she  gives  where  she  worships.  To  the  mission,  and  to  ev- 
ery good  cause,  she  contributes ;  and  by  visiting,  conversation,  and 
prayer,  she  effects  much  for  the  cause  of  Christ,  There  is  another 
woman  in  New  York,  who,  although  entirely  destitute  of  earthly 
goods  of  her  own,  and  confined  these  many  years  to  her  room,  and 
most  of  the  time  to  her  bed,  is  a  living  example  of  the  power  of 
faith  and  prayer.  She  is  also  able,  through  faith,  to  contribute  to 
every  good  cause,  more  in  money,  than  is  given  by  many  wealthy 
professors  of  religion.  These  women,  and  other  men  and  women 
like  them,  are  full  of  faith  and  the  Holy  Ghost.  They  have  learn- 
ed to  live  by  faith  in  Jesus,  and  when  tbey  open  their  mouths  to 
speak  of  his  love,  you  see  that  their  souls  are  ravished,  and  that 
Jesus  is  indeed  to  them  the  chief  among  ten  thousands.  They  have 
thoroughly  exercised  themselves  unto  godliness,  and  now  they  are 
bringing  forth  fruit  unto  God. 

Finally,  all  such  and  such  only  shall  die  the  death  of  the  right- 
eous. If  any  of  you  have  never  known  what  this  is  by  seeing  a 
righteous  man  die,  I  would  to  God  you  might  have  witnessed  the 
death-bed  scenes  and  triumphs  of  brother  Mai^    There  was  a 


%,. 


DAVID  MAHlia. 


466 


are 


tim« 


liLuii 
H)  th 


gloriotts  illosiffttion  of  the  blcBsedneM  of  dyihg  the  death  of  Um 
righteous 

I  shall  II  ndude  with  Home  notices  of  the  life,  historjr  and 

death  ^ou  aepai-'ed  brother.  One  general  retnark  at  the  outset 
will  have  continual  illustration  as  we  proceed  ;— he  seemed  to  pos- 
se the  characteristic^  of  fulfilling  this  great  conimaDd-~"  Exercise 
th^  ^<'  untc  i^liuess."  Converted  from  sm  at  ** «  nr^  of  ten 
egau  to  preach  at  the  early  age  of  fliV;ix>,  »;.•  «  which 
>«r8  have  lieen  incessant.  At  the  agr  tt"  fit 'nit /-six,  he 
a  Narrative  of  himself,  at  th6  instiince  oi  itiis  flriends, 
Hieu^  from  his  own  diary.  From  this  I  shall  take  the 
iake  some  extracts.  It  appears  from  ihih  that  his  labors 
idination  of  Free-will  Baptists,  to  which  he  belonged, 
were  almostr  Unbounded^  Probiiblj  no  roan  li'Ving  hits  done  more 
for  tlutt  order  than  he.  When  his  labors  commenced,  twenty-five 
years  ago,  they  were  few--^heir  preachers  mostly  illiterate,  though 
distinguished  for  their  piety  and  zeal.  They  had  no  religious  pa- 
per of  their  own,  no  Book  Concern,  no  literary  institutions.  This 
accounts  for  the  course  brother  Marks  pursued  with  regard  to  his 
early  education.  He  travelled  and  preached  over  the  whole  coun- 
try from  the  Ohio  river  to  the  remote  parts  of  New  England'— at 
the  cost  of  immense  and  self-sacrificing  labor,  he^  at  kngthi  witk 
others^  got  up  a  Book  Concern^  «j;^k"  g^^'  l^|^-r- 

He  came  here  and  located  himself  and  family  three  years  ago^ 
mainly  for  the  sake  of  improving  his  own  education.  Having  com- 
menced his  labors  in  preaching  very  young  and  with  little  educa- 
tion, he  felt  the  need  of  it  greatly,  and  seized  the  iearliest  opportu- 
nity to  turn  aside  from  his  career  of  incessant  preaching  for  this 
purpose.  He  had  also  collateral  reasons.  His  health  was  already 
impaired,  and  he  greatly  needed  rest.  Moreover  his  acquaintance 
in  thit  great  western  vtdley  had  shown  him  its  immense  importance 
in  view  of  the  future  progress  of  Christ's  kingdom.  He  saw  that  a 
great  struggle  of  truth  with  error  must  take  place  on  this  field,  and 
it  would  seem  that  his  heart  was  set  upon  improving  his  education, 
that  he  might  bear  an  active  and  vigorous  part  in  its  achievement. 
From  some  circumstances,  I  have  supposed  that  his  Baptist  breth- 
ren have  not  fully  understood  his  reasons  for  coming  here.  They 
may  have  feared  that  it  was  some  ambitious  scheme ;  but  nothing 
can  be  farther  from  the  truth.  He  came  here  to  prepare  himself 
for  a  great  work  in  this  great  western  battle-field  of  Zion.  .  .h> 

His  diary  shows  that  he  was  at  one  time  greatly  exercised  on 
the  subject  of  sanctificati<m.  I  have  often  observed  that  God  seems 
to  move  on  many  mmds  independently  of  eadi  other,  at  the  same 
time.  So  it  often  happens  when  a  great  series  of  revivals  is  about 
to  ensue ;  you  will  find  Christians  nlovcd  in  various  paiTtd  of  the 


^, 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


'ks 


/. 


4^:<^ 


1.0 


1.1 


125 


■tt  liiii  12.2 


^  lift 


us 


110    12.0 


11.25  i  1.4 


1.6 


Photograjiiic 

Sdences 

Corporation 


•SJ 


\ 


iV 


;\ 


4 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEESTER.N.Y.  14580 

(716)  t72-4903 


4*^ 


im* 


HSMOIBB  or 


oottntTjr  simultaneously,  and  so  fiur  as  we  can  see  without  any  can" 
cert  or  communication  with  each  other.  So  the  Lord  led  brother 
lilarks  to  inquhfe  on  this  subject,  at  the  suae  Ume  tLat  odier  minds 
in  other  Christian  denominations  were  also  inquiring,  yet  without 
oonoert  with  each  other. 
In  his  diaxy  for  February  20, 1828,  he  writes  :— 
«  On  the  way  to  Middlesex  my  mind  was  impressed  with  the  ne- 
oessitjr  of  salvati<m  fkiom  all  sin.  The  commandment  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  Matt  5:43,  *Be  ye  therefoin  peifeot,  even  a$  your  Father^ 
wkufhis  in  heaven  is perfeetf*  oame  imh  power  into  my  souL  And, 
remembering  the  dedani^ion  of  the  AposUe,  1  Jolm  5»,  *  Hit  earn" 
nuutdmentt  are  noi  yriewnUf*  my  unbelief  fled  away,  and  faith  said* 

*  God's  ways  are  equal,  anid  ms  requirements  jurt.'  <  Whosoever 
therefore  shaU  break  one  of  these  least  commandments,  and  shall' 
teach  men  BOf  he  shall  be  called  the  least  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven/ 
Matt  &19.  Then  the  following  queries  arose:  *1£  he  shall  be 
least,  who  practices  and  teaches  contrary  to  the  leartci  Christ'f 
commandments,  what  will  be  the  fivte  of  faJm  who  not  only  vidUtes,^^ 
but  teaches  eontimry  to  the  greater  oomnumdmoEit?  And  what< 
commandment  is  geeeier  than  this,  to  be  perfect  even  aft  oar  Fath^- 
er  in  heaven  y  perfe(^?  How  then  dare  I,  a  vessel  of  the  Lord'» 
sanctuary,  that  oug^t  to  be  holy  in  body  and  in  sf^t,  live  in  sin  ^ 
— and,  like  satan,  bring  Scripture  to  justify  my  iniquity,  or  ecTeen; 
my  guilty  consdenoe ?    When  Ipreach  to  dnners  tiiat  they  should 

*  repent,*  do  they  not  quote  the  words  of  Christ  to  justify  thern^ 
selves,  <  Without  me,  ye  can  do  nothing?'  And  were  I  to  preach  to 
Christians  that  they  should  be  *  perfect,'  would  they  not  say,  *  There 
is  not  a  just  man  upon  earth,  that  doeth  good  and  sinneth  not? 
AAer  reflecting  on  Uie  above  queries,  the  ocmviction  settled  into  my 
soul,  as  if  from  heaven,  that  these  Scariptures  are  as  unjustly  misap* 
plied  as  that  quoted  by  the  tempter.  Matt  4:6,  *  Cast  thyself  down : 
for  it  is  written.  He  shall  pve  his  angels  charge  concerning  thee,' 
&C.  Now  it  is  certain  that  satan  did  act  himself  in  reciting  this 
text,  that  he  seemed  to  have  holy  Scripiure  directly  to  the  point  that 
he  wished  to  gain.  So,  alas  I  it  is  a  ract,^and  my  blood  chills  at  the 
reflection,  that  sinners,  and  even  saints,  often  quote  Scripture  as 
satan  did,  and  make  an  application  equally  erroneous,  to  justify  tiieir 
living  in  sin.  *■  And  thou,  my  soul,  be  humbled  exceedingly  before 
God ;  for,  alas  I  thou  altOf  since  Heaven  forgave  thee  all,  hast  re^ 
cited  and  applied  Scripture  to  justify  thyself;  as  though  tiioee  wha 
are  redeeawd  from  sin  could  not  help  living  in  sm  1  Hast  thou 
found  that  Uie  death  of  Christ  was  not  sufficient  to  enable  his  chil<« 
dren  to  become  like  Nathaniel,  '  An  JeraeHte  indeed,  in  whom  m  nd 
guile  f  O  be  thou  abased  exceedingly,  for  thou  hkst  applied  the 
word  of  God  like  unto  satan,  to  content  thyself  without  entire  vie* 


,i»^..-jui,fei.-i>. 


DAVID  iiijncs. 


467 


t  re- 
Iwho 
>u 

the 
Ivio- 


# 


Unry  of er  siii.  How  vam  was  thy  thoQght»  that  death,  the  oApring 
of  Bin,  should  in  any  way  save  thee,  or  fit  thee  toe  heaven.  U  the 
blood  of  Jeans  have  not  the  cleansing  power  to  jperfect  thee  for 
glory,  how  shall  death  fit  thee  for  the  better  woridr  From  these 
reflectimis,  I  sank  into  nothing  before  God,  and  taming  aside  hito 
a  wood,  I  fell  on  my  face  and  called  on  the  Lordt  MBd,  blessed  be 
his  name,  I  felt  resolved  in  his  strength  to  strive  to  live  without 
sin,  and  '  follow  the  Lamb  whithersoever  he  goeth.' " 

Those  of  you  who  were  acquainted  with  tlie  deceased,  know  that 
he  entered  most  heartily  into  all  the  great  Beforms  of  the  mo  as 
soon  as  their  req[»ective  subjects  came  fnlty  before  his  mind.  Li  re- 
spect to  those  reforms,  he  Ims  no  doubt  done  much  for  his  doKmdn* 
ation.  It  is  an  interestmg  foct,  that  they  are  now  remarkably  bar* 
monioos  on  all  these  points,  more  so  than  almost  any  other  denom- 
ination in  the  land. 

This  demmunataon  has  enjoyed  a  rapid  growth  and  a  very  nn- 
osual  degree  of  prosperity,  no  inconaiderable  share  ot  which  it  is 
believed  those  who  best  uiow  w91  ascribe  to  Ins  influraoe  and  la- 
bors. }t  has  indeed  had  many  other  idile  and  iaithftil  ministers, 
yet  his  labors  have  been  immense,  and  in  tibe  main  very  sucoessftd. 
The  body  <rf  Free-will  Biqitiste,  which  numbered  about  ten  tbous- 
and  when  he  entered  the  ministxy,  is  now  said  to  nnndber  nixty 
thousand,  and  to  have  not  far  finun  one  thousand  ministers  in  its 
connexion. 

»  He  was  a  man  of  great  uprightness  of  character,  as  all  know 
who  have  had  any  trasiness  with  him.  He  was  most  scrupu- 
lously accurate  in  all  his  dealings,  careful  to  pay  every  cent 
which  was  righteously  due,  and  expecting  a  sin^arly  equitable 
oolirse  from  those  with  whom  he  dealt  Yet  obviously  the  spring 
of  this  was  not  in  his  case  avarice,  but  genuine  uprightness  of 
character. 

^j  As  another  instance,  I  wiU  mention  that  he  called  on  me  once 
this  foil,  and  wanted  me  to  attend  to  a  little  matter  between  him 
and  another  individual.  But  he  would  not  tell  me  any  part  of  the 
st<ny  leet  he  should  prejudice  my  mind.  He  wished  me  to  hear 
both  sides  at  once,  and  hear  his  own  statonent  in  presence  of  the 
other  party  concerned. 

I  have  already  alluded  to  the  foct  that  for  many  years  he  count- 
ed sleep  a  burd^,  and  grudged  even  the  moments  which  he  must 
lose  from  his  Idbster's  work  in  this  repose  of  nature.  When  I  first 
became  acquainted  with  his  state,  I  said  to  him—You  must  sleep. 
It  is  your  duty  to  your  God  and  to  your  generatioa.  Yoa  are  id- 
most  worn  out,  but  you  are  too  young  to  close  up  your  labors  yet 
Sleep  enough  may  restore  your  system,  and  you  may  yet  live  to 
do  mudi  more  for  your  Master.    I  foced  him  down  in  it,  and  was 


Mineai  aad  deeUbd  wHh  biia.  J  inid,  it  is  impMsiUe  fer  yvu  lo 
Ute  ao,  and  irhat «  pitjr  tktit  70a  should  die  ao  old  man  wiint  jtt 
voong;  His  veoeived  it  kindly,  and  tried  to  deep  ft  (|i«at  deal  taore ; 
boty  ai  aometimes  happena,  tried  io  hAtd  that  he  ooald  not  deep. 
It  was  in  his  heart  to  do  all  known  daty.  The  spirit  was  willii^ 
-—the  flesh  weak*  The  fiust  was,  his  whole  sj^stem  was  upon  the 
■Strain.  'Ifisttund  and  whole  nervous  sjrstem  were  in  a  state  of  the 
utmost  tension.  The  ardor  of  his  spirit,  glowing  threvgh  his  kind- 
ling .^na,  and  every  tiling  aboot  faiiq,  spt&e  a  sonl  in  most  solemn 
earnest  His  aool  indeed  was  grown  too  gnat  and  too  adghty  Ibr 
Us  poor  broken  body.  Jadmirad  and  wrered  his  most  devout  aeal 
fiw  Qod  and  souts,  and  seldom,  if  ever,  have  I  been  Mesled  with 
the  aeqnaintanee  of  one  whose  ptiesonee  and  sphrit  were  at  all  tiases 
so  xd&reiAiag  to  my  sesd,  as  were  brother  Ifariui',  and  yet  so  lend 
a  rebuke  to  my  comparative  want  of  self-denying  seal  during  nradi 
c^inij  ninistsrial  Hfe.  I  always  found  myaekbeiieflted  by  ms  so- 
eiety.  I  feel  that  it  would  haive  been  a  ,^«at  ftvor  iiad  my  Heaiv- 
enly  Father  sofbired  him  to  abide  at  OberUn  aa  long  ais  he  ftntM- 
patod.  Bnt  brother  Maxksj  thoagl^  7<"inS>  eoiapanitively,  in  years, 
Miiqf  orily  ,f»ty,  had  fived  long  an  the  aetaid  naults  of  his  labors. 
He  had  perlbrmed  more  than  the  asua)  woik  of  a  hundred  years. 
It  waoi  iiuMSsible  without  a  copslant  miracle,  thai  he  Aouid  Kite 
under  watk  «  wei^of  ezoiting  and  exhanstfng-  IdborSr  His  ssind, 
since  I  have  known  him,  has  been  like  a  powerful  steam  engine  in 
9a  ftail  and  broken  v&u^  erowdsd  with  terrible  and  ndftdestruc- 
tim  speed  throng  an  ocean  of  stormy  waves.  This  flgure  has  re- 
peatedly presmted  itself  to  nnr  adnd,  when  I  have  W"*  m  thought 
of  him.  I  have  thoa^  bratner  Muks  witt  soon  f^  pfeoes,  un- 
less he  abates  his  speed.  It  was  pkin  as  nooiwd^r!  . ;.  «>  hb  anient 
sold  was  iet^ring  its  fwl  tenonent  all  hi  pieeJes.  But  inst  wat  out 
of  the  question  with  him.  As  I  said,  when  I  faced  him  down,  I  in- 
eisted  that  he  should  rest;  iMrt  so  gveat  and  inp^pvessible  was  the 
ardor  of  his  smiI,  tiiat  the  effort  he  mr/le  to  keep  stffi,  -eoA  hitn 
more  timn  to  let  his  zeal  for  <3od  have  all  the  vent  tibat  his  frail 
:^dbody  oonld  from  day  to  day  sustain.  I  have  regarded  mj^self  as 
pecnliariy  blessed  in  that  providence  whsch  made  m^  more  paMxe- 
ularly  acquainted  with  brother  Marks,  than  many  of  ogr  bretikren 
have,  who,  since  his  death,  have  expressed  their  grltif  tluit  they  had 
not  sought  more  iatiraa^  with  faim.  Mai^  h«re  can  attest  the 
truth  o£  my  testimony  in  regard  to  what  he  was,  and  many  ttme 
mig^t  hsEVse  done  so,  W  for  the  fad;,  that  we  are  a&  so  |HriS8sed  widi 
latmv  and  brother  IfJariis  was  so  truly  «  modest  aiid  unobtnisi^ 
man,  that  those  who  knew  him  weU,  most  iMve  been  prevideiMiiiify 
brongfaA  into  eontaet  with  faki.  TUs  was  my  let,  and  I  ca:^  trufy 
say,  that  to  me  his  memory  is  Inost  sacred  wi^  b^lovoi.  '  Ail  ny 


r  ywi  to 
rlim  j«t 
•Itaore; 
iotfl«ef. 
I  willing 
ipoa  the 
leofihe 
hit  kind- 
it  solemn 
ightjrfor 
voutveal 
iedwith 
all  daias 
tfolood 
ngBMidi 

jr  Ml  80- 

ie«nlkl- 
Inyearo, 
hubovB. 
id  yMtfs. 
NwMH«>e 
li»  miai, 
mginein 
Mestruc- 
eh»  re- 
>  tliooght 
eoesjim- 
ftrdent 
Wai  out 
n,  I  la- 
the 
faifti 
frail 
If  as 
pails«- 
stimn 
B/had 
■t  the 

r 

move 

Biie 
ftiMlaify 
:k  trnfy 

«y 


DAVID  ILUIXB. 


469 


acqnaintance  wiUi  him  was  sweet  and  hallowed.  He  was  at  all 
times  the  Christian,  and  he  is  one  of  the  few  men  with  whom  I 
have  been  at  all  intimate,  of  whom  I  can  saj,  that  I  never  saw  anv 
thing  in  his  qmit  and  temper,  and  never  heard  adyi  thing  from  his 
lips,  or  saw  any  thing  in  his  life  to  deplore.  **  The  memory  of  the 
righteous  is  blessed."  I  love  to  think  of  him,  for  it  does  me  good. 
It  makes  me  feel  my  littleness.  His  countenance,  all  radiant  with 
love,  seems  even  now  to  smile  and  take  on  that  affectionate  and 
most  earnest  look,  with  which  he  used  to  meet  and  greet  me.  But 
my  brother  is  gone  t  My  heart  is  sadly  joyfiil  when  I  remember 
that  his  work  on  earth  is  done,  his  conflicts  are  over,  and  espedallv 
that  his  dying  strife  has  ceased.  Death  has  no  more  to  do  with 
him.  He  lives  forever.  Do  not  let  us  conceive  of  him  as  to  be 
^carried  aud  left  in  yonder  gravej^ard.  0  no,  he  is  b^ond  the 
reach  of  death  and  the  grave.  We  may  carry  the  frail  tabemade 
in  which  he  lived,  as  we  might  carrf  the  dothes  he  wore,  and  leave 
them  in  ths  grave.  But  brother  Marks  will  not  be  there.  No, 
there  is  no  dark,  cold,  damp  grave  to  him,  but,  bathed  in  the  sun- 
light of  heaven,  he  walks  the  golden  streeto,  and  oaaes  upon  the  in- 

-  effiible  and  unsullied  glories  that  surround  him  rorever.  "Whalb  a 
contrast  I  A  few  days  ago,  we  saw  him  dragging  about,  with  a 
body  crushed  and  broken,  ncked  with  pam,  and  limbs  swollm  and 

-  heavy  with  dropt^,  but  with  a  soul  all  fresh  and  energicing  almost 
to  a  mirade  in  so  poor  a  body.  But  now,  could  we  draw  aside  the 
veil,  and  behold  him  lost  in  wonder  and  admiration,  staadine  in  the 
effulgeno3  of  heaven's  glories,  and  surveying  the  unntteraUe  won- 

.ders  of  his  SaVior,<and  of  his  palace  with  its  myriads  cf  mansions 
for  his  saints,  we  should  rejoice  to  leave  him  were^  and  have  no 
wish  to  bring  him  back  again  to  earth. 
It  may  have  been  supposed  by  his  people  at  a  distance  from  us, 

i  that  since  he  came  here  he  has  relinquished  his  pr^uihingtoomu^ 
and  given  himself  up  too  much  to  study ;  but  m  this,  u  such  has 
been  their  view,  they  are  mistaken.    He  has  by  no  means  relin- 

-  quished  his  labors  among  the  dinrches  faster  than  he  was  compell- 
.  ed  to  by  his  waning  strength.  His  labors  abroad  a  part  of  the 
■  tame,  have  been  veiy  great,  particularly  in  asnsting  in  gettmg  into 
:  operation  alugh  sc1kk>1  at  Chester,  Geauga  Co.  Ohio.  It  seemed  to 

be  his  meat  a^  drink  to  labor  in  the  gospel.    Few  men  can  say 
with  more  truth  than  he,  *^  The  zeal  of  thine  house  hath  eaten 
^me  up."  .  It  had  eaten  up  the  very  ener^es  of  life  from  his  sys- 
tem. 


■  -*»» 


[Professor  Finney  here  read  much  of  the  memoranda  of  his 
ponversation  during  the  last  days  of  his  life.] 


iJ'4»'!*|l^-'l**S>-*i' i«*^Wi-5*ii' -# -ji*igJ^4s»»«^:, ■>'ii»»-M^ff»iff:-K'rf^  ^\-^^^^ 


s. 


;iiait«dw  d# 

\  Brotiher  Marki  said  to  me  durinff  his  sioknefli,  thai  he  wanted 
tbe  miidBters  in  his  oonnexion  to  h(ud  up  b^actification,  and  to  lite 
it|  to  live  it  farU&  in  aU  their  dai^  Kfe.  I  long^  said  he*  to  go 
'among  them,  and  urge  upon  them  this  great  duty  and  respensihS- 
^,  bat  if  I  may  not  have  strength  to  do  it,  I  hope  jon  wiU  do  it 
bj  TOUT  prnachmg  in  my  stcAd. , 

Aa  %  visited  him  ev«ry  day,  I  continually  observed  that  he  seem- 
V9d  to.T^ioe  in  evoy  inah  symptom  <^  approaching  death.  Es- 
pedaiUy  was  this  manifest  when  his  stomach  foiled  so  that  he  oonld 
not  reoeive  and  digest  food.  Tb<s  was  a  prions  rignal  that  the 
•.time  draw  near  whm  he  mi^t  go  bomek  B3s  wife  al  one  time  re- 
i^inaAt4  to  I^dq — **  Yon  appear  so  little  dbanged  in  your  ^stato  of 
.mind  from  what  I  have  usually  seen  you,  that  I  eannot  realize  that 
^^,you  are  so  near  your  end."  He  reiplied-->Why  should  I  i^pear 
,  johaoged  befi»e  ^i^F  Ever  shice  you  have  known  mey  I  have 
rjUved  in  the  near  TkiV  of  death,  rea^  eaeh  day  to  defiait  and  be 
,,with  Qalst.  :>m- 

'  When  he  found  tibat  he  could  no  more  write  hife  o*wn  name,  his 
^rspul  seemed  to  be  in  eestae^*  Not  one  of  hb  friends  arotmd  him 
,  oooH  refrain  from  tears*  but  his  soul  seemed  to  bis  radiant  with  the 
^^l^ories  d  heaven.  He  felt  the  CSusstimi^s  hspe  to  be  the  most  sob- 
I  stantiil  reality  that  oan  be  kubwii  on  earth.  O,  it  htobeen  alox- 
;^.wey  for  me  and  many  otlwr  frirads  to  see  him  dqr  after  day  tri- 
..pMnphing  over  death,  and  showing  how  easy  a  man  may  diey  if  he 
.^1^  (Mdy  lived  ri^^  Then  he  htm  nothing  to  do  but  to  wait  in  pa- 
..  Heat  hsfe  tiU  Ae  hour  fii  r^ease  shall  come.  So  died  our  depart- 
rfd  Im^er.  **  Madk  the^  perfect  man  and  bdwld  the  upright :  for 
r  the  and  of  that  man  is  peaoe*** 

IVofessor  Finney,  at  the  dose  of  hife  sermon,  said,-*- 
**1  wish  to  commend  siatw  Marks  to  your  symtpathies.    Few 
women  ever  mrt  wi&  such  a  loss^  ftn*  fen^  women  ever  had  such  a 
i^jhusbaad  to  kse." 

.  Thb  coffin  wasopened  beneath  the  pul]^  and  while  the  oongre- 
aj^ation  was  paasiag  around  to  tidee  the  last  look  of  his  countenance, 
^joyftil  even  in  det^  it  was  said  that  Professor  Fmn^  ga^ed  al- 
,  most  constantly  upon  it,  and  remarked  to  those  rtattcBng  near  Irim : 
«, -*<IHd.voiiev«r  see  such  a  corpse  f  What  a  ooaateaancel  How 
.lovely I  How  smUli^!  How  eady  it  is  to  die  right,  if  we  live 
.right"    The  cdflhi  waii  dosec^  and  his  bo^  was  then  borae  to  its 

last  quiet  resting  place. 

,  Notiiing  could  ex<»ed  the  kindness  and  attention  of  the  poofAe  of 
-  Oberiin  during  his  last  illness.    It  seemed  as  if  every  individual  in 

the  village,  from  the  meuAers  of  the  college  ftcdty  to  the  poor 

«ol(Hred  man,  delighted  to  show  him  kindness.  For  about  four  weeks 


iM,i£tiiaii. 


Divn'ieiBxJi. 


Of 


Few 
ich  a 


previoaa  to  his  death,  he  had  tbm  men  as  watchers  hv  night  and 
two  by  daj,  besides  oMislderable  fbmale  assistaiice.  A  oommittee 
was  appointed  to  prooare  these  attendants,  so  as  to  have  no  ikilnre, 
and  to  relieve  his  family  iW>m  care  on  this  point  '  frofiBSSor  Fin- 
ney called  almost  invanaUy  twice,  and  sometimes  three  times,  a 
day.  Mr.  Marks  Was  gready  affected  by  his  kindness,  and  in  thq 
full  gushings  of  his  heart,  woald  say,  **  O  how  much  more  Uian  a 
cup  of  cold  water  is  this."  The  notice  of  his  death,  accompanied 
by  the  fVineral  senmm  and  extracts  tmm  the  memoranda  of  nil  liUt 
conversations,  was  irst  thus  announced  in  the  Oberlin  Evangelisti 
in  Ml  article  prefiiktory  to  the  sermon : 

**  Elder  David  Marks,  whose  recent  death  among  us  gave  occa- 
sion to  the  following  sermon,  had  greatly  endeared  himself  Uf  W 
bv  his  unassuming  and  great  piety— by  his  beantaful  supapUoito^  qf 
character,  and  by  his  mtense  industiy  and  devotion  in  nis  Blair 
tar's  cause.  His  last  days  were  a  most  glorious  trium|>h.  of  Ghxife 
tiao  ftdth.* 

Subse^oenilT}  his  death  was  announced  in  the  Morning  StMV 
which  was  dad  in  mooming.  The  article  in  the  Stair  oo^ainedthA 
foUowing:  .; 

"  Brother  Marks  had  long  oocnpied  a  prominent  position  in  om^ 
denomination,  and  exerted  an  extensive  and  sahiitfiy  inftienoe,  and 
in  his  death  we  have  suffered  a  great  loss.  He  had  been  «ie  ef 
the  asustant  editors  of  the  Star  for  nearly  twelve  years^  and  his 
contributions  have  added  much  to  its  usefulness  and  inter«it»  Who 
win  fill  the  vacancy  which  his  removal  has  left  in  our  Zion  ?  *  Help, 
Lord ;  for  the  godly  man  ceaseth ;  for  the  faithful  fail  Gnm  among 
U^e  children  of  men.' " 

.  The  funeral  sermon,  memoranda  of  his  conversation,  his  fare- 
well address  to  his  brethren,  and  his  last  address  in  Oberlin  ohapeV 
were  also  published  in  the  same  number  of  the  Star,  and  were  reaA 
with  the  greatest  avidity.    The  addresses  were  as  follows : 


ELDER  DAVID  MARKS' 


Farewell  Address  to  the  Free^wiU  Baptists  cmd  0te  wortdy  tmUsn 
from  his  mouth  in  short  hand,  OberUn,  Ohio,  No».  6^        f 

BT  CBARLIS  PKHflELD,  STKITOORAPHKR.  "f^ 

Believing  my  work  to  be  about  done  on  earth,  and  being  aboilt 
ready  to  depart  and  be  wkh  Christ,  I  denre  to  say  a  few  words  to 
my  brethren,  old  friends,  and  the  world,  and  being  nnable  to 
write,  I  have  sent  for  a  stenographer  to  report  from  my  month. 

In  times  past  I  have  looked  upon  death  with  a  great  natural 
dread ;  and  although  I  then  knew  that  I  had  not  iMed  of  dying 
grace,  I  could  not  understand  how  I  should  be  able  to  meet  it  witn 


47B 


%inmgsm»Qw 


oompomm ;  but,  m  I  approach  the  dark  TaUeyt  Olorf  to  Qod  I  I 
o«n  laj  with  the  Psalmist,  **Though  I  walk  throngh  the  riUej  and 
shadow  <rf' death,  I  will  fear  no  eril,  for  thou  art  with  me.**  The 
hope  of  the  Christian,  instead  of  being  deceptive  or  fhiling  as  the 
trying  hour  approaches,  I  find  becomes  stronger  and  stronger,  like 
an  anchor  to  the  soul  sure  \dA  steadfast ;  and  the  evidences  of 
the  truth  of  the  Christian  religion,  instead  of  growing  dim,  bright- 
en as  the  ourtain  begins  to  drop.  Unlike  the  hope  of  the  infidel 
that  deserts  hfan,  and  is  like  a  spider's  web  in  the  giving  up  of  the 

ghost,  every  oironmstanoe,  as  this  world  recedes  and  the  next  heaves 
1  view,  serves  but  to  confirm  the  blessed  truth,  that  man  was  made 
to  be  rdigions.  It  is  with  the  sweetest  delight  now  when  I  expect 
to  preach  no  more  that  I  review  the  evidences  of  the  Christian  relig- 
ion, uid  to  me  it  seems  strange,  how  a  sane  mind  can  examine  even 
the  external  evidences  of  Christianity,  and  not  yield  afssent  to  their 
truth ;  and  I  would  seriouslv  put  the  question  to  the  infidel  philos- 
opher, how  it  was  possible  ror  sixty  and  six  such  books  as  compose 
the  Bible  to  have  been  written  in  different  ages  and  .by  sometldng 
like  fOTty  ^ffisrent  authors  of  every  variety  of  rank,  from  the  phi- 
losopher to  the  shepherd,  fimn  the  man  of  wealth  to  the  peasant, 
from  the  king  on  his  throne  to  individuals  in  the  humblest  sphere 
of  Ufe,  with  no  possible  combination  with  each  other,  or  concert  at 
decepdon,  and  yet  the  material  fkcts  in  these  books  being  such  as 
they  are,  be  a  rorgerv  or  untrue  ?  For  example,  who  can  believe 
that  it  was  possible  for  any  impostor  to  make  the  whole  nation  of 
Iitrael  believe,  without  the  exception  of  an  individual,  that  the  re- 
volting and  mysterious  rite  of  curcnmcision  was  divinely  instituted, 
unless  the  remarkable  facts  connected  with  the  origin  of  that  rite 
were  absolutely  undeniable  ?  What  sane  mind,  free  from  the  bias 
d  prejudice,  can  seriously  believe  that  a  whole  nation  was  per^ 
suaded  without  a  dissenting  voice  to  believe  that  fihey  passed  through 
the  Bed  Sea  miraculously,  and  to  yield  obedience  to  a  burdensome 
system  of  taxation  and  religion,  had  not  this  miracle  been  most 
clearly  undeniable  ?  Nor  are  the  facts  recorded  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment less  conclusive  in  their  authority  as  to  its  divine  authenticity. 
For  example,  such  was  the  inimical  feeling  of  the  whole  nation  of 
the  Jews  against  Jesus  Christ,  so  jealous  wero  they  of  the  intro- 
duction of  any  new  religion  in  oircumstanceH  at  all  plausible  for  its 
success,  that  no  pains  could  have  been  spared  to  expose  every  pos- 
sible imposture.  The  Christian  churoh  at  its  very  ccnnmencement 
was  based  on  the  testimony  of  the  evangelists,  wad  <^  course  the 
great  facts  of  their  testimony  were  familiar  to  every  professed  Chris- 
tian, and  equally  open  to  the  investigation  of  their  enemies,  both 
Jews  and  Pagans.  How,  then,  is  it  possible,  that  it  could  then 
have  been  published  that  five  thousand  were  fed  by  Christ  miracu- 


OATZD  MABXS. 


47S 


>th 

then 


louslj  In  a  w^dern«M  place,  where  leveral  torn  of  prorfatooi  mut 
have  been  used—and  the  fanpostare)  if  it  wai  one,  not  have  been 
detected  ?  Afifai,  if  the  facts  related  in  the  case  of  Lasams  being 
raised  from  the  dead  were  not  troe,  how  is  it  possible  that  there 
shoold  not  have  been  some  one  in  the  two  millions  of  the  nation  that 
assembled  at  the  yearly  feast,  to  disprove  the  history  in  the  ease, 
and  thus  arrest  the  preaching  of  GhristianitT?  Again,  if  the  vafl 
of  the  temple  was  not  rent,  and  darkness  did  not  cover  the  ftee  of 
the  whole  earth  from  twelve  to  three  in  the  sAemoon,  how  it  H 
possible  that  the  Christian  chnroh  should  make  myriads  <^  converts, 
including  many  of  the  most  philosophic  minds,  in  the  very  vicinity 
where  every  person  must  have  known  that  these  principal  Acts  on 
wfaidk  Christmnity  was  based  were  absolutely  false?  Again,  yrloA 
possible  motive  could  the  twelve  apostles  hftre  had  to  sacrifice  6V« 
ery  worldly  prospect,  and  every  possiUe  selfish  aggrandisement, 
to  testify  tibat  th^  had  seen  Jesus  Christ  raised  from  the  dead;  and 
had  witnessed  the  prints  of  the  naUs  in  his  hands  and  in  Ibin  fiset? 
What  eouM  possibfy  have  haduced  them  in  defence  of  this  testimo- 
ny to  suffiBr  me  loss  of  all  things  and  cruciflzkni  at  last,  unless  they 
had  known  these  fiusts  to  be  true,  and  by  them  have  been  supported 
in  the  fblt  assurance  of  eternal  liife  ? 

Nor  are  the  internal  evidences  of  the  divinity  of  the  Christian's 
hope  less  conclusive.  An  intimate  acquaintance  with  man  shows 
elearlv  that  such  is  the  structure  of  his  mind,  that  no  earthly  or 
scientific  acquirements  can  satisfy  it  or  fill  its  capacities.  Thoujdl 
it  grasp  weidth,  learning,  power,  beyond  all  limits,  it  is  still  luce 
the  troubled  sea  that  cannot  rest,  and  the  soul  instinctively  inqnirei^ 
"Who  will  show  us  any  good?^  But  Christianity  is  as  realfy 
adapted  to  the  wants  of  man's  intellect,  to  satisfy  his  mctttnl  capac^ 
ities,  as  natural  food  and  drink  are  adapted  to  the  natv  v^  -  necessi- 
ties  of  the  body.  But  to  the  soul  that  does  not  know  Go  1  by  ex- 
perience, the  nature  and  strength  of  the  internal  evidences  of 
Christianity  are  unknown.  The  natural  man  receiveth  not  th« 
things  of  the  Spirit  of  Grod,  neither  can  he  know  them,  because 
they  are  spirituidly  discerned."  And  here  is  the  glorv  and  beauty 
of  Christianify.  It  does  not  require  the  mnltitu^  of  its  disciples 
to  become  scholars  and  philosophers,  in  order  to  understand  and 
appreciate  the  weight  of  its  evidences.  The  nttle  child,  the  ilHter^ 
ate,  aged  peasant  that  never  learned  to  read,  can  have  the  holy 
anointing  that  teaches  them  all  things— how  to  live  and  how  to  Se, 
with  far  more  consistenfy,  composure  and  joy,  than  is  obtained  by 
the  wise  men  of  this  wo^ 

Now,  when  the  strength  of  my  nervous  system  is  exhausted,  and 
by  physidans  and  frienl^  I  am  admonished  sot  to  study  or  think 
laboriously  on  any  subject,  O  how  sweet  it  is  to  feel  tLo  divine  w5t- 
40* 


474 


MiMOiBi  or 


neas  withia  mj  aoul  that  Qod  dwells  within  mO)  and  to  feel  that 
there  is  not  a  dimming  veil  between  me  and  heaven.    As  I  ap- 
proach the  darii  valley,  vaj  hope  grows  sweeter  and  sweeter,  my 
Ooofldenoe  still  more  firm,  and  there  is  a  divine  reality  that  is  the 
fiurUiest  possible  renooved  from  the  effect  of  imagination,  exdtement, 
or  fimaticism.    It  scarcely  seems  to  me  like  a  mere  hope.    There 
is  an  assurance—*  philosophical,  a  rational,  a  soul-felt,  a  divine  as- 
surance, that  I  am  but  about  to  ezcluuige  the  numerous  and  dearly 
beloved  friends  with  whom  I  have  formed  an  acquaintance  within 
twenty-five  years,  for  other  friends  in  a  happier  oUme,  and  that 
firom  these  loved  ones  here,  I  shall  be  separated  but  for  a  little 
while,  only  to  renew  Ute  union  in  circumstances  where  our  Joy  will 
never  be  damped.     When  I  commenced  my  ministry,  1  had  a 
constitution  of  the  strongest  and  firmest  kind.    Often  have  I  rode 
thirty  or  forty  miles  vol  the  sleet  rains  of  winter,  without  an  over- 
coat, without  a  dry  thread  upon  me,  and  without  taking  a  morsiel  of 
food,  and  felt  not  the  slightest  inconvenience.    As  I  commenced 
preaching  at  the'  age  of  fifteen,  the  novelty  of  my  boyhood  often 
attracted  laige  assemblies,  which  no  house  in  their  vidnity  could 
apcommodate ;  consequently,  from  the  age  of  fifteen  to  twenty-one, 
while  my  lungs  were  girowing^  I  was  constantly  accustomed  to 
speaking  in  the  open  air  in  the  wind  and  sometimes  in  the  rain,  so 
that  my  lungs  obtained  a  firmness  probably  exceeding  that  of 
most  men  that  have  ever  lived.    ConsequenUy,  as  my  voice  was 
strong  and  rarely  ever  was  fatigued  by  use,  the  demand  for  its  use 
was  very  great ;  and  often  times  I  spoke  from  three  to  seven  hours  a 
day  for  weeks  and  months  in  succession.    This  circumstance,  (the 
unnatural  developement  or  strength  of  my  lungs,)  has  probably 
been,  the  cause  of  my  overlooking  the  fact  that  my  nervous  system 
had  not  equal  strength.    Thus  I  have  used  my  voice  almost  inces- 
santly, until  the  nervous  system  has  become  wrecked,  the  vital  en- 
ergies expended,  and  at  the  age  of  forty,  I  have  the  infirmities  of 
one  of  ninety.. 

During  the  first  ten  years  of  my  labors  in  the  ministry,  my  prin- 
dples  did  not  allow  me  to  preach  on  contracts,  or  receive  any  thing 
tlmt  could  bear  any  semblance  to  a  salary,  and  rarely  ever  did  I 
receive  a  public  collection.  In  this  time,  my  travels  were  extend- 
ed from  the  Ohio  river  to  the  Penobscot,  amounting  to  42,853 
miles,  and  during  the  same  time  I  attended  8489  meetings,  and 
most  of  these  labors  were  in  new  sections  of  the  country  and 
among  destitute  churches.  I  supported  myself  mainly  by  extra  la- 
bor and  exertion,  such  as  teaching  school,  and  publbhing  and  s^^ 
ing  books. 

One  I'esnlt  of  the  acquaintance  thus  formed  with  my  beloved 
connexion  in  these  labors,  was,  the  conviction  that  unless  some 


so 


prill- 
thing 
did  I 
tend- 
2,853 
and 
and 
Ei  la- 
sell- 

oved 
some 


DAYIO  MASKS. 


in 


powerful  instrumentalities  should  be  introduoed  to  perpetuate  the 
ardent  pietv  and  intelligence  of  the  earlj  ministers  ana  fathers  of 
our  demnnuiation,  a  horrible  backsliding  would  ensue,  and  the  salt 
would  lose  its  savor.    The  little  value  that  the  fathers  of  the  de- 
nomination had  attached  td  mert  )iuman  learning,  or  to  an  utuane- 
tified  education,  had  been  misunderstood  by  many  of  our  members, 
and  emboldened  them  to  despise  all  human  learning.    Yet  I  ob- 
served that  often  their  children  would  read  and  study  and  keep 
pace  with  the  intelligence  of  the  age,  consequently,  their  parents, 
with  their  views  of  learning,  ceased  to  exert  much  religious  influ- 
ence over  the  rising  generation.    A  largo  number  of  our  young 
people  were  accustomed  fb  a  course  of  reading  and  educational  in- 
fluences, which,  in  my  judgment,  only  tended  on  many  points  to 
turn  them  away  fh>m  important  truths.    Indeed,  I  was  pained  to 
observe,  that  very  considerable  numbers  of  them  were  indined  to 
be  sceptical,  if  not  absolute  infidels.    These  facts  weighed  like  a 
mountain's  weight  oh  my  soul,  and  I  felt  that  to  perpetuate  the  ex- 
cellent influences  commenced  by  Randall  and  his  successors,  some- 
thing must  be  done.    At  length,  I  became  satisfied  that  no  one 
measure  could  be  introduced  to  our  denomination  to  remedy  the 
evil  with  more  prospect  of  success  than  the  establishment  of  a 
Book  Concern,  as  the  property  of  tiie  denomination,  to  be  under  the 
control  of  its  best  men.  -  Thus  might  the  press  speak  out  evangeli- 
cal truth  with  a  voice  long,  loud,  and  ft«e,  unshackled  by  personal 
interest,  and  unawed  by  popular  favor  or  frown,  and  God  so  bap- 
tized my  soul  into  the  spirit  of  the  freedom  of  an  evangelical  press, 
that  I  felt  as  though,  if  it  were  necessary,  I  would  lay  down 
even  my  life  to  establish  such  a  press.     Gonsequentiy,  under 
the  appointment  of  our  General  Conference,  I  consent^  to  take 
the  responsibility  of  General  Agent  for  four  years,  in  which  time 
I  became  responsible  for  expenses  and  debts  contracted  in  rais- 
ing  tiie  Establishment  to  the  amount  of  twenty  thousand  dol- 
lars. 

Several  thousand  dollars  of  these  debts  were  in  the  form  of 
bai^  notes  in  the  Boston  banks,  which  became  due  during  the  fear- 
ful times  which  followed  the  general  bank  suspension.  The  estab- 
lishment being  in  its  infan<y,  and  the  borrowing  of  adequate  sums 
being  impossible,  but  two  alternatives  were  presented— a  failure, 
the  dashing  of  the  whole  establishment,  the  bankruptcy  of  myself 
and  sever^  undersigners— or  a  desperate  personal  effort  on  my 
part  to  raise  the  funds  by  the  sale  of  books.  In  these  circumstan- 
ces, with  the  most  intense  interest,  I  sat  down  with  my  dear  com- 
panion to  count  the  cost  If  I  exerted  my  strength  day  and  night 
to  the  utmost  of  my  power  with  her  aid,  in  the  course  of  a  row 
years  we  might  possibly  succeed  in  meeting  the  necessary  pay- 


m 


iiraoaif  or 


BMiitf.  Bat  the  wemity  of  lh«  New  Bngkmd  winiefi,  elpeoialljr 
in  Vennonl,  New  HamfMhire^  mmI  Maine,  miglit  render  the  flllinf 
of  •ueeesflire  i^tpointrnmle,  (nMide  in  the  oloMst  omuieetion  with- 
out reference  to  tiwTellinc  or  weather,)  to  rapply  oar  dbofehet  with 
booki,  reodring  caah  fan  hand — a  meet  feanul  taah  1  The  reeult 
of  theee  anpointmenta  was  the  ooUection  of  thoosandt  of  dollam 
which  could  not  hare  heen  railed  otherwise.  Bat  lometlniea  I 
wai  compelled  to  trarel  nearly  whole  nights  in  the  severeet  weath- 
er, and  oilen  to  allow  myself  bat  two  or  three  hours'  sleep  in  twen* 
^fbar,  Ibr  days  in  sncoession,  and  the  result  -was  ftiir  serere 
flhi  of  sickness,  which  hnke  down  mj^ieonstitation  and  I  ha?e 
not  seen  a  well  daj  sinee.  The  vital  pnncii^  has  seemed  to  be 
disi^ipearing  in  equal  ratio,  for  the  ten  years  that  have  since 
tfapseo* 

In  speaking  of  these  things,  I  am  obliged  to  saj  like  Paul,  **  I 
speak  as  a  fooL"  My  ob^ct,  howerer,  is  to  bear  testimony  that 
the  satisfhetion  I  have  engoyed  since  I  hare  been  laid  aside,  and 
still  ei^joy  fai  the  unoompromisfasg  testimony  of  that  Bock  Estab- 
lishment MMtinst  intemperance,  licentioasness,  and  slarery,  and  in 
fiiTor  of  afi  the  beneT<»ent  institutions  which  God  in  his  providence 
has  appolnted^to  be  the  noraeries  of  the  choreh,  infinitely  exceeds 
the  {Measure  I  ooold  derive  from  the  firmest  health  imd  the  pros- 
pect of  yet  preaching  many  years.  And  thou|^  I  am  now  poor, 
and  living  on  the  kindness  of  friends,  and  my  foeble  wifo,  after 
sacrificing  all  selfish  interests,  and  bending  lul  her  energies  for 
these  sixteen  years  to  aid  me  in  the  services  of  the  mimstnr,  is 
about  to  be  Im  destitute,  still  there  is  a  sweetness  of  hope,  and  sat- 
isfaction in  reviewing  the  post,  which  I  am  confident,  that  no  mi- 
wr  nor  person  that  has  laid  up  money  for  himself  in  thb  world, 
can  eiyoy  in  view  of  approaching  death.  And,  although  we  have 
experienced  some  inconveniences  from  poverty,  yet  it  has  been 
nothing  compared  to  the  povwty  endured  by  prophets,  apostles,  and 
Jesus  Christ.  GU>d  has  usually  judged  it  best  to  give  the  things  of 
this  lifo  to  his  children  with  a  sparing  hand.  Nor  is  there  blame 
to  be  attached  to  my  brethren  for  our  wants  not  having  been  more 
frilly  supplied,  since  had  we  judged  it  best  to  inform  our  friends  of 
the  extent  of  our  necessities,  they  would  undoubtedly  have  .eliev- 
ed  us. 

There  is,  I  am  confident,  a  very  serious  danger  attending  our 
Book  Establishment,  against  which  I  wish  to  raise  my  efyinjff  warn- 
ing voice.  It  is  an  inclination  on  the  part  of  brethren  and  minis- 
ters to  feel  that  the  Bo(A:  Establishment  is  well  off  and  safe.  I 
have  watched  this  danger  for  years,  and  am  convinced  that  it  is 
serious  and  not  easy  to  be  removed.  The  disposition  to  delay  pay- 
ments for  the  Star,  to  take  books  on  commission,  and  use  the  money 


DATIO  KABXC 


477 


proi- 
poor, 
after 
B  for 

,is 

sat- 

mi- 

|orid, 

are 

en 

nd 

of 

le 


ey 


In  case  of  ezlgenoj,  b  iwelling  the  debUof  the  Eatabliahment  to  an 
alarming  extent,  and  unlen  brethren  eeaae  to  take  the  lenltj  they 
have,  unleM  the  agents  generally  are  more  prompt  and  thorough  In 
their  colleotions,  I  oonidder  the  fliilnre  i^  the  Eetabllthment  as  almost 
certain.  But,  my  dear  brethren,  I  beieeoh  yoo  to  do  all  you  can 
to  avert  luch  a  calamity. 

As  to  my  lentiments,  they  have  undergone  no.  material  chaiwe. 
I  die  a  Free-will  Baptist,  bat  I  trust  free  from  sectarianism.  The 
freedom  of  the  human  will,  a  distinctiTe  sentiment  of  our  connexion, 
I  am  more  than  ever  oonvinced  is  the  true  doctrine  of  sound  philos- 
ophy and  of  the  Bible.  Nor  is  a  littl«  importance  to  be  attaimed  to 
this  distinctive  sentiment  It  lies  at  the  foundation  not  only  of  all 
evangelical  Christianity,  but  is  the  only  sure  basis  of  religion  itself. 
If  Ooid  is  a  self-determining  being,  and  inade  man  in  bis  own  image, 
man  is  a  selMetermining  being,  and,  as  snob,  is  responsible,  and 
the  subject  of  moral  government 

Another  distinctive  sentiment  of  our  denomination,  which  aa 
doubly  dear  to  my  heart,'as  I  am  iJlxHit  to  depart  to  the  8pirit>laiHl, 
is,  that  gmuint  wtmifeliceU  faith  in  Christ  is  the  onW  bond  of 
Christian  fellowship— in  other  words,  that  Christians  of  whatever 
sect  are  one,  and  that  we  cannot  carry  out  the  principles  of  our  re- 
ligion, as  Free-will  Baptists,  without  seeking  to  promote  the  inter- 
ests of  all  evangelical  churches. 

As  to  another  distinctive  sentiment  of  Free-will  Baptists,  bap- 
tism, or  the  immersion  of  believers,  I  think  it  duty  to  say,  that  I 
fear  that  Baptists,  as  well  as  Pedo-Baptists,  have  overlooked  or 
lost  sight  of  the  true  meaning  of  baptism.  As  in  case  of  pouring 
or  sprinkling,  the  true  idea  designed  by  the  Holy  Ohost  is  lost  sight 
of,  so  those  Baptists  thai  deny  the  doctrine  of  entire  sanctification 
and  salvation  from  all  sin,  have  equally  lost  the  meaning  of  the 
rite.  For,  as  in  the  primitive  baptism  there  was  a  death  and  a 
resurrection,  it  is  evident  to  me  that  by  the  rite  God  designed  the 
convert  to  say  to  the  world,  that  he  is  dead  to  all  his  former  sel- 
fishness, and  alive  to  every  obligation  of  Christianity.  Hence  it 
seems  to  me  that  the  rite  of  baptism,  as  practiced  by  Baptists  or 
Pedo-Baptists,  is  of  little  use,  unless  the  original  design  signified 
alone  by  the  manner  (which  was  an  immersion  and  emersion)  is 
kept  in  view.  Hence  the  original  rite,  in  its  manner,  should  be 
meekly  contended  for  and  practiced  with  sole  reference  to  the  bless- 
ed and  holy  doctrine  of  death  to  all  selfishness  and  life  to  all  right- 
eousness. 

Another  distinctive  sentiment  of  Free-will  Baptists,  contended 
eamestiy  for  by  our  fathers, .  is,  that  all  religion  without  the  bap- 
tism of  the  Spirit,  the  holy  anointing,  is  vain.  From  this  senti- 
ment, I  feel  there  has  been  a  practical  and  horrible  backsliding. 


K 


-^■' 


478 


MSiioiBti  or 


Ai  a  tree  soon  beoomea  old  and  die4|  therci  geems  to  be  a  ^Aarful 
propensity  in  all  ojrganizatiims  to  lose  the  innocence  and  parity  of 
thek  infancy.  O  my  brethren,  I  beseech  you  carefully  and  pray- 
erfully to  aToid  the  spirit  of  backsliding  in  this  respect  Some  of 
our  good  aged  men  have  had  serious  fears  that  the  introduction  of 
seminaries  to  the  patronage  of  our  denomination,  would  kad  to  a 
departure  firom  dependence  on  the  influences  of  the  Spirit ;  and  in- 
cline our  ministers  and  members  to  trust  in  the  wisdom  of  this 
world.  This  fear  should  not  be  treated  with  contempt ;  but,  on 
the  other  hand,  the  fitot  must  not  be  overlooked  that  men  will  be 
educated,  that  the  seienoes  will  be  studied,  and  that  they  will  exert 
a  vast  ii^nence ;  and  the  only  question  to  be  setUed  by  intelligent 
CStristiana  is,  shall  the  schools  be  under  a  selfish  inihience,  or  a  di- 
vine infiuence  ?  Shall  the  truths  of  science  be  taught  for  €tod,  and 
subservient  to  a  Holy  Gliost  religion,  and  an  humble  Christianity, 
or  shall  they  be  taught  by  selfish  men  in  sudi  a  manner  as  to  de- 
velope  and  cultivate  all  the  selfishness  of  fidlen  nature  ?  In  other 
words,  shall  the  trutha  of  soi^Mte  be  made  snbeervient  to  make  the 
scholar  like  Go^  ihe  auAor  of  all  truth,  or  Uke  the  devil,  who  is  a 
prodigy  of  intdket,  withoat  moral  prineiple  ?  In  my  opinion,  were 
Scripture  vieivs  held  b^  the  church  nniversally,  and  carried  out 
with  relati<m  to  the  sntyect  ot  education,  the  whole  world  would  be 
converted  in  less  than  ten  years.  Literary  ariatocnu^  would  be 
unknown,  academies  and  ooUeges  would  be  ^Ids  of  perpetoal  revi- 
vals, and  from  these  purified  rountinns  a  wave  of  salvation  would 
sweep  awkj  every  strong^hold  of  the  devil,  and  fill  the  whole  earth 
with  righteousness. 

For  twenty  years  past,  I  have  kept  debt  and  credit  as  to  my 
time,  and  accustomed  myself  to  such  diligence  thai  rest  has  for 
years  been  a  burden  tome,  except  when  exhausted  nature  has  ciied 
out  for  it.  In  thus  closely  taxing  myself,  I  have  lived  out  life  while 
yet  in  my  prime.  Yet  even  from  this  I  have  learned  one  blessed 
truth,  namely,  that  the  soul  when  fully  trained  for  the  great  work 
of  the  spirit-land,  where  sleep  will  not  be  needed,  will  have  a  lovb 
for  labor  that  language  can  scarcely  describe.  Since  I  have  been 
confined  by  sickness,  my  thoughts  have  glanced  like  lightning  over 
the  immense  fields  for  Christian  labor,  and  I  have  viewed  with 
ecstacy  the  facilities  which  God  has  introduced  to  concentrate  and 
make  effective  the  labors  of  the  church.  Why  did  GU>d  confound 
human  language  at  Babel,  and  by  more  than  one  hundred  dialects 
split  the  human  family  asunder?  Why  did  he,  by  seas  and  moun- 
tains, lakes  and  rivers,  eut  up  the  whote  face  of  the  earth  by  barri- 
ers to  separate  the  human  family  ?  .  Surely,  because  he  saw  the 
selfishness  of  man  would  only  use  language  and  unbroken  inter- 
course to  form  monopolies,  which  would   effect  their  own  ruin. 


,-,,>.T-.j-, 


DAYIP  IUBX8. 


479 


jm- 
the 

iter- 
lin. 


WI^  for  ttiore  than  4000  yean  was  the  gift  of  tongues  wi(lihold«i 
from  the  church  ?    Why  for  5500  years  was  the  use  of  the  compass 
and  the  art  of  printing  withholden  from  the  world,  and  America, 
the  most  fruitfbl  soil  on  the  ^obe,  unknown  to  ih^  world  ?    Why 
was  the  implication  of  stewn,  as  now  used  in  steam-boats,  and  on 
rail-roads,  and  in  numerous  other  ways,  kept  back  for  5§00  years  ? 
Surely,  because  God  saw  that  the  principles  of  his  kingdom  had  not 
become  sufficiently  established  to  make  tiiese  inventions  and  dis- 
coveries turn  on  the  whole  to  the  production  of  a  greater  amount 
of  good  than  of  evil.     But  as  soon  as  he  saw  principle,  activity, 
and  self-denial  enough  in  the  church,  to  make  these  disooveries  on 
the  whole  subservi^t  to  his  kingdmn,  in  Ins  providence  they  were 
introduced,  and  now  the  battle  is  coming  between  the  two  kingdoms. 
The  time  for  the  shaking  of  the  hcwvens  and  earth  has  oome. 
The  whitening  fields  invit«>  the  attention  of  every  lover  of  man, 
and  every  angel  looks  on  r^i^h  the  deepest  interest    The  nurse- 
ries of  the  church  are  to  be  cidtivated,  such  as  Sabbotli  scfaodi,  Bi- 
ble classes.  Temperance,  Mission,  Moral  Reform,  the  T^ract,  Bible, 
and  Anti'«lavery  societies;  and  while  idolatry  trembles  on  its 
thnme,  and  the  merchant-men  of  Babylon  stand  itghast,  a  mif^ty 
host  of  SMictified  hitellects  are  to  go  fotth  into  aU  parts  of  the  ftdd, 
and  labor  untH  righteousness  covers  the  whole  eardi.    Jn  the  ac- 
oompllshm^t  of  ^s  work,  no  Christian  has  a  r%ht  to  feel  liitle  re- 
sponsibility.   Every  man,  woman,  and  child,  that  induces  hope  of 
heaven,  is  under  the  most  solemn  obUgatioa  to  make  tiie  reknovai  of 
every  curse  tliat  sin  has  entailed  on  the  world,  and  the  extension 
of  universal  righteousnoM,  the  marai,  yes,  the  wh<^  business  of 
their  lives.    Every  Christian  should  form  the  habit  of  having  no 
work,  wish,  or  will,  except  for  God.    Habits,  lis  tb  food,  c^nk, 
dress,  and  amus^nents,  should  only  be  formed,  with  express  refer- 
ence to  glorifying  God.    The  education  of  children,  the  purchase 
of  furniture,  the  size  and  expense  of  bnil^ngs,  th6  arrangement  of 
grounds  and  yards,  the  size  o(  farms,  all  the  investments  of  proper- 
ty, should  be  made  without  any  reference  to  one's  individual  choice, 
taste,  or  inclination,  except  so  far  as  the  judgment  directs  that  the 
will  of  God  requires  conftntnity  to  this.    In  other  words,  the  Chris- 
tian has  no  rig^  to  live  to  hiniselfl    The  one  and  soul-absorbing 
object  of  his  whc^  life  should  be  to  know  in  what  manner  he  can 
best  glorify  God,  by  removing  the  great^t  amount  of  evil  from  the 
earth,  and  introducing  the  greatest  possilde  amount  of  righteousness 
in  its  place. 

And,  finally,  my  brethren,  in  conclusion,  I  entreat  you,  in  the 
name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  view  of  the  glory  that  is  to  be 
revealed  at  his  appearing,  to  concentrate  all  the  energies  of  your 


7:7^:^ 


480 


MXMOIBB  or 


being,  to  introduce,  spread,  and  perpetuate  pure  primitive  Chri8ti> 
anitj. 

I  My  dear  brethren  in  the  ministry,  remember  that  your  calling 
is  not  only  the  most  important,  but  tibe  most  honorable.  To  be  em- 
bassadors for  the  great  God,  and  to  negotiate  for  immortal  interests, 
is  truly  the  highest  work  to  which  mortals  can  aspire.  Let  no  dif- 
ficulties, poverty,  or  reproaches,  dishearten  yon ;  but  save  all  the 
souls  you  can.  Let  your  testimony  be  a  pure  one,  unawed  by  any 
and  every  selfish  combination  that  can  arise  against  you,  and  a  ridi 
reward  will  lie  before  you. 

Remember  the  poor,  down-trodden,  suffering  slave,  to  whom  the 
lamp  of  life  is  denied---4hat  lamp  which  so  gloriously  gilds  tey  path- 
way to  the  tomb.  Bear  an  uncompromising  testimony  against  that 
horrid  system  that  chattelizes  the  image  of  God.  O  my  brethren, 
**  Remember  those  that  are  in  bonds  as  bocind  with  them.**  What  a 
command  is  this?    Will  you  obey  it  ?      *v'^*' 

My  testimony  against  secret  sodeties,  suc^  as  Masonry,  Odd  Fel- 
lowship, Rechabites,  &c.,  you  have  alroady  had ;  but,  dear  breth- 
ren, I  cannot  forbear  repeatmg,  in  this  my  dying  hour,  "  Beware  of 
teeret  societtet.**  Let  not  your  honor  be  united  to  ihem.  Remem- 
ber that  to  ;^ou,  in  a  great  measure,  is  committed  the  purity  of  our 
churdies.  Ministers  of  Jesus  Christ  have  nothing  to  do  with  such 
sodeties,  except  to  expose  their  hollow  pretensions,  and  guard  the 
sheep  from  their  devouring  jaws. 

To  those  who  have  ministered  to  my  necessities,  and  of  whose 
hospitality  I  have  been  partaker  within  the  twenty-five  years  past, 
I  give  thanks,  hoping  you  will  find  mercy  in  the  day  of  the  Lord 
Jesus. 

<And  finally,  brethren.  Farewell!  be  perfect,  be  of  good  com- 
fort, be  of  one  mind,  live  in  peace,  and  the  God  of  love  and  peace 
shall  be  with  you.'  The  whole  family  of  God  will  soon  be 
gathered  together.  There  I  trust  we  shall  meet,  complete  in 
Christ,  where  separations  will  be  unknown,  and  where  our  joy  will 
be  full 

To  the  unbeliever,  the  Christless  sinner,  without  God  and  with- 
out hope  in  the  world,  I  wish  to  say — ^A  fearful  experience  is  be- 
fore you.  To  you  it  will  be  a  doleful  day  when  every  earthly  tie 
is  broken,  and  every  earthly  hope  has  vanished,  and  you  look  across 
the  dark  valley  witbout  God  and  without  hope.  O,  let  me  entreat 
you,  while  in  health,  to  haste  to  Jesus  Christ  for  refhge,  and  lay  up 
a  treasure  in  heaven.  David  Marks. 


;;■>., 


DJLYID  MAltKB. 


481 


whose 
past, 
Lord 

corn- 
peace 
>n  be 
ite  in 
\j  will 


ELDER  DAVID  MASKS' 
t  Addret$  in  Oberlm  Chapdy  Thursdojff  November  18. 

UBFOKTID  BT  TBOV.  OOWLBS,  BDITOB  0»  OBUliW  BTAlTOBUra. 

"  Professor  Finney  announced  to  the  assembly  that  it  was  uncer- 
teun  whether  brother  Marks  would  survive  his  effort  to  address 
them,  that  he  had  been  apprised  of  this,  but  notwithstanding  was 
anxious  to  speak  to  them.  He  said  Dr.  Dasoomb,  [Professor  of 
Physiology  m  Oberlin  Ck>llegiate  Institnte,]  had  just  examined,  and 
could  find  no  pulse  in  one  wrist,  and  only  a  little  tremulous  motion 
in  the  other.  If  he  should  die  in  the  attempt,  he  wished  the  con- 
gregation to  be  calm,  and  not  leave  their  seats.  His  iUends  aroond 
him  would  taike  care  of  him. 

Brother  Marks  said,  in  a  brief  introductory  address,  substan- 
tially as  follows : 

'  '  xLj  dear  friends,  I  feel  to  thank  God  that  I  have  the  prospect 
of  addressing  you  once  more,  and  for  the  last  time.  This  hasbeen 
the  desire  of  my  heart  Itie  lamp  of  life  has  for  some  time  been 
flickering  in  its  socket ;  and  in  the  opinion  of  friends,  I  have  but 
a  few  hours  to  live.  I  think  I  should  have  gone  home  to  my  Heav- 
enly Father  last  night,  if  He  had  not  wididl  me  to  bear  testimony 
for  Him  once  more  on  the  shores  of  time.  I  bless  his  name  that  1 
am  spared  and  strengthened  to  render  this  last  public  testimtmy.  I 
suppose  my  coffin  is  being  made,  and  my  gravenclothes  are  in  a  state 
of  preparation.  I  wish  the  choir  to  sing  a  hymn  that  has  been  very 
pleasant  to  me  for  many  years — a  working  hymn.  [1000  Hymn, 
Christian  Melody.] 

'  Why  sleep  we,  my  brethren,  come  let  n>  arise,*  &c. 

After  onging,  brother  Mariu  prayed,  and  then  addressed  the  au- 
dience as  follows : 

<My  extreme  weakness,  and  the  distress  of  suffocation  in  conse- 
quence of  the  dropsical  difficulty  in  my  chest,  and  which  is  proba- 
bly drowning  my  heart,  has  not  allowed  me  to  spend  a  moment  in 
'preparation  for  this  meeting.  Indeed,  it  has  been  extremely  doubt- 
M  whether  I  should  be  able  to  meet  you  at  all,  so  that  I  have  not 
had  much  anxiety  about  preparation.  Hence  my  remarks  must  be 
made  *  off  hand.' 

The  first  and  leading  thought  on  which  I  wish  to  dwell,  is  this, 

that  God  has  not  designed  this  place,  and  this  state  of  existence,  as 

,  our  final  home.    I  have  neither  time  nor  strength  to  enter  into  the 

evidence  now.    I  can  only  throw  out  the  idea  for  your  r^eotion. 

As  the  prophet  said,  <  Arise  and  depart,  for  this  is  not  your  rest, 

-  because  it  is  polluted ;  it  shall  destroy  you  even  with  a  Bote  de- 

.  struction.'    Micah  2:10«    God  has  designedly  fixed  ia  our  consii- 

41 


SSP^ 


X 


4SS 


«iincoiM  Of 


tndon  and  state,  certain  ooanteraoting  influences  to  wean  us  firom 
the  love  of  life,  tfhett  ire  ste  out  fHends  fo  the  agonies  of  dis- 
solving natote,  when  we  see  the  palHd  coontenanee,  the  shaking 
fraoM,  the  qniveriag  pnUwr  the  gaspmg  breathy  the  glas^  qre,  we 
are  a(imoni8hed  of  our  own  mortality ;  we  seO}  as  it  were  m  a  glass, 
par  ftitnre  selves  passii^  tLWvr  from  earth  and  earthly  things. 
£ven  (he  sorrows  and  tnals  of  ufe  admonish  us  diat  tlus  is  not  our 
r^it.  iSow  matin,  if  this  b  not  our  real  home,  how  little  interest 
should  we  Uke  in  the  thinjp^  of  tiiis  life  ?  Snpppae  yeu  were  on  a 
t^jage  to  tndia  to  spend  your  life  there^  and  should  stop  on  some 
istand  &k  a  single  hour«  bow  Uttle  intwest  yon  would  take  in  the 
ot^eobB  you  might  chance  to  see  there,  comjMred  with  the  interest 
you  would  feel  in  every  thing  that  related  to  your  destiaed  home  ? 
ifow,  if  we  should  live  to  ube  »g&  of  Me^usekdi,  tliis  would  be 
nolbhag  compared  to  eternity.  Place  the  two  in  contrast,  and  how 
fon^bly  we  must  realise  that  eternity  is  every  thing,  and  time  in 
dtKwdn  is  nothing. 

Afid  yet,  on  this  Vttle  point  of  txme»  eveiy  tlung  in  eternity  is 
tnndej.to  hfuig.  AH  your  plans  and  purposes^  aU  your  motives  and 
ivc^iitaa,  are  giving  shape  and  charaoter  to  your  etertial  state. 
"With  what  awful  inter^  then,  oiu^t  we  to  look  upon  tlie  motives 
that  govern  us  here— u|K>n  ihe  cwuracter  we  are  here  forming  I 
'With  irhaA  solemn  and  watchAil  soUdtude  should  we  search  our 
lietjurto,  and  ascertain  the  n4ii^  object  of  our  ^,  whether  it  be  (of 
God  OT  for  this  world.  t 

1*0  the  IwDor  of  Ck)d  I  wish  to  say  it,  I  have  lived  in  view  of 
eierntty.  !l^rty  years  since,  my  existence  b^gan.  Then  mj  moth- 
er, now  a  saint  in  glory,  consecrated  me  to  Goi.  'With  earnest 
prayer  she  hesonglht  the  Xord  fliat  I  m%ht  he  converted  early  in 
life,  9P!i  <^»a  have  I  heard  her  e|»Bak  of  the  place,  and  the  time, 
when  she  first  obtained  the  witness  of  the  Spirit  that  her  prayers 
wesre  aQswered.  Often  weald  she  take  me  to  the  bed-dumiber — 
the  wana  teaie  would  fidl  on  my  thtsk*^^bio  would  tell  me  of  that 
promise  «tf  God,  on  which  h»  faith  took  hold,  and  wouM  plead 
with  ma  to  give  my  heart  at  once  to  my  Savior.  At  the  age  of 
tap  year%  %  was  converted,  and  at  fiftem  I  felt  that  I  was  cslled  to 
preadi  tte  govg^  ai  Christ.  Necessity  seemed  laid  upon  me.  I 
felt  that  I  must  go.  Tet  my  parents  were  unwffling,  ibr  they 
i^Ki^^t  m«  too  young,  and  Uiey  did  not  bear  that  voiee  ef  God 
widoh  I  had  sewied  to  hear,  ealling  me  to  ge  forth  at  mioe  and 
fmmh  the  gospeK  My  stang^s  at  this  time  wete  very  great. 
Oa«d«y  I  weU  remetther,  I  was dtqiping ah»e  In  the  woods:  tlie 
whole  w^eeft  came  up  before  my  mind  with  great  freshness  and 
poiMir;  Z  Mt  down  ami  wept.  I  ^  not  then  knew  that  my  par- 
O^  wen)  wftt^ting  me.  Ifyfotber  called  me  to  the  brase,  and  said: 


^^Beietted^IwanlbtalkirithjroaafewmhititeB.*'  Inotfeedtaiy 
mother's  eyes  were  red  with  weeping.  «  M7  aoOf**  said  my  htkut, 
<<  what  h*ve  yea  be«n  weeing  about?*  Itdldhitnallmyheatt,! 
wanted  to  pteach  the  fgoipeH  I  felt  thai  God  c«4)ed  me,  and  I 
kngsd  to  go.  "My  Aon/'  said  lie,  "f/ou  mag  got  "wd  have  fot 
lome  time  felt  that  we  wefe  like  Pharaoh  of  old  who  would  not  let 
the  people  go  to  serve  their  God ;  ir«  ihaQ  hold  joa  babk  no  toii- 
ger ;  yott  may  go>^  My  fitther  gaT«  ma  my  lime,  my  mothar  wre^ 
paredmy  ddthes,  andmeneattttornhiglitaftedOT.  Iwainsol 
a  few  daya  oif^  ffileui  years  old.  Prom  that  thne  I  have  heem  •&• 
gaaed  ill  pteadbing  the  g^riobs  goDpeL 

My  etim  eeatetir  ad  a  praacher,  was  in  sdf&e  tespeds  peculiar. 
The  fiovewydf  my  boylMod  often  drew  out  immense  oougn^a^ 
tikMM,  and  of  neeessily,  I  firequ^iily  preached  in  the  opea  idr. 
These  ^freamstaikees,dottbthBSS,  odutiibuiedto  giveme  great  sti^eAgth 
of  voice,  and  an  unusual  developement  of  Ifce  laAgS)  so  that  I  tti* 
doas  hemM  weavy  ib  the  eSbrt  of  puMie  speaking.  The  eiU  for 
labor  irai  SO  grtat  that  I  oftea  sp6ke  six  honts  a  &y.  In  tiiis  Wtty 
^  I  w*s  dttiwii  into  a  eotttte  irhich  entirely  lyveftazed  my  iiemmft 
/  ttstett,  imd  ef«  I  was  awwe  of  m^  danger,  I  fimad  mya^Uokea 
.dowa. 

,  But  I  eaaaei  rt/peiA  of  luy  eootse.  God  has  ^wa  me  a  wM 
deal  of  his  gloty,  so  that  though  luy  ^  has  been  short,  t  tms^ 
throu£^  grace,  it  has  been,  a  blessing  to  my  geuetailoifk.  Thrtngh 
graee  I  hate  been  enabled  to  won  fkk,  an^  I  tras^  aeeomtoUsh 
something  ttit  (jkxL  OftM  fef  months  and  even  years,  I  have  done 
whai  good  ju^^eslttite  said  Was  labor  enough  for  four  mea.  j9o 
tetensehf  has  my  ^^tem  been  excited,  (hat  1  oould  not  find  &ne  to 
tAeep,  ioid  exc^  When  I  hare  been  completely  exhausted,  sleep 
loA  been  a  burden  to  me.  The  limguage  of  the  hymn  first  sung 
by  the  cboirj  **  Why  slee^  we,  my  brethren,"  has  been  very  sweet 
tomysooL 

One  of  Ay  best  evidenees  HM  Qod  has  tratned  mo  for  the  work 
to  be  done  in  that  ^soirit-Wd'*  whither  I  am  going,  is,  that  I  liave 
such  an  intense  )oye  for  His  Work,  as  perhaps  no  Imman  i^msjtitu- 
tion  can  long  endure.  My  physical  ftame  has  sunk  under  it ;  but 
t  h\eii  Ood,  that  my  spititual  strength  has  been  renewed  day  1l>y 
day.  Since  the  symptoms  of  death  have  been  dear  and  deouive, 
no  language  oSn  deso^ibe  my  intenselonsnngfor  diat  "  spirit-WOrfd,'* 
Where  I  shall  never  tire  hi  the  woi^  of  QoA.  My  s^  exults  in 
God,  and  seems  ready  to  leap  up  and  soar  away,  as  soon  as  it  shafl 
be  released  fiOm  this  frail  clay. 

This  confidence  in  6od  seems  to  me  the  more  Wondo^ 
and  seems  tlie  more  to  exalt  tbe  rich  grace  of  God,  betamM  it 


id: 


.  .A^i^i^^iii'^ii^Ar^lllidLSI. 


^w 


1IX1I0XH4 


is  -nhaXf  in  riew  of  my  mental  oonstituUoo,  I  had  no  reason  to  ex<« 

My  phrenological  deyelopements  are  such  that  it  was  always  ex- 
tr^ely  difficoll  for  me  to  believe  in  a  mirade.  The  <Mrgan  m  mar> 
vc^OQsness  is  ahnost  entirely  wanting.  Hence  I  bavej,  oaturallyi  a 
strong  tendeiunr  to  scepticism,  and  I  have  espeoiaUy  been  often 
tronlmd  with  the  apprehension  that  I  should  be  tempted  to  scepti- 
cism in  the  near  approach  of  death.  This  hour  has  now  come,  and  ^ 
I  rejoice  to  testify  to  the  glorjr  of  God,  that  his  grace  triumphs.' 
My  state  of  mind  is  entirely  dnferent  firoxa  what  I  had  feared.  No 
doubts  cast  even  their  shadows  afCross  the  broad  8nn-li|;ht  of  my 
soal*--«U  nature  seems  to  cry  out,  "  Mem  shall  live  agmn.** ,  The 
%ht  of  a  blessed  immortality  dawns  beyond  the  tomb.  It  the 
worthless  insect  re-«ppears  in  fresh  beauty,  and  soars  on  new  wingp  i 
of  fdory,  emei^ng  from  its  grave,  how  much  more  shall  man  live 
again  in  unfackng  gbry, 

O^  it  cannot  be,  even  if  there  were  no  Gtod,  that  nature  should 
have  implanted  such  a  lon^^ng  in  the  soul  for  immortality,  if  it  is 
a  boon  rorever  to  be  withholden.    The  external  evidences  of  Chri»* 
taanity  have  brightened  around  me  most  surprisingly  since  disease^^' 
has  been  gathering  strength  and  pushing  its  assaults  towards  thi;i 
citadel  of  life.    As  I  saw  my  limbs  b^;in  to  swell,  and  my  strength 
to  wane  away,  O,  there  was  a  sweetness  mexpresnble  in  the  ooii<*~ 
fidence  my  soul  felt  in  the  Lord.  "^  r 

This  confidence,  is  not  the  philosophic  composure  of  a  Hume. 
No  I  infinitely  unlike  it  I  I  bless  God  that  the  <<  CSiristian's  hope" 
is  adapted  not  only  to  the  philosopher,  but  to  the  peasant — to  the.' 
chUd— to  the  unlearned  and  the  most  despised  of  earth.  None  so 
low^-none  so  far  from  philosophic  science,  but  may  feel  Christ  in 
the  soul.  Blessed  be  God,  for  this  experience  in  my  own  case. 
Blessed  be  God,  that  I  know  the  indwelling  presence  of  Christ, 
my  own  glorious  Savior."  Now,  although  the  outward  evid^mces 
of  Christianity  have  an  obvious  reality  timt  satisfies  mv  intelligence, 
yet  tiiere  is  a  sweetness  in  the  personal  knowledge  <»  Christ  in  the 
soul,  that  is  sweeter,  better,  clearer,  and  nobler. 

And  now  I  long  for  my  time  to  come.  Christ  is  so  near  and  so 
precious  that  I  cannot  fear  death,  and  cannot  apprehend  any  evil 
to  me.  O,  my  brethren,  no  reality  is  so  sure,  none  so  sweet,  none 
so  glorious,  as  the  Christian's  hope.  I  am  waiting  now  for  my 
Lori  to  come ;  surely  he  cannot  tarry  long.  I  have  not  a  Knger^ 
ing  dauht  but  that  I  shall  soon  join  that  blessed  company  in  the  up- 
per world.  I  as  much  expect  it  as  I  expected  to  meet  this  con- 
gregaHon  in  this  house  of  worship  to-day.  O,  I  shall  soon  see 
that  great  company — ^parents,  I  slmll  see  your  children-— and  chil- 
dren, I  shall  see  your  parents  too,  who  have  gone  up ;  and  that 


Dl^iTtfiltia. 


4SA 


gMlii  tlirbtig  ctt  ihttrtyn  who  ''<Attte  tt|»  oat  of  tffeat  tribikUtion, 
wnshied  their  robes  and  made  thein  white  in  the  bJbbd  dt  the 
laMb.** 

Soon  shtill  itiy  eyes  o^n  on  that  iiind  Wheir^  the  ittti  shiill  i^o  ^o#e 
go  don^,  not  their  ftuxni  withdmw  itself— Wheire  ho  storms  stuti 
rage,  nor  heat,  nor  Stth  shall  s£dt6  hs,— and,  Ahdl^e  ^  wher«  aih 
shall  hever  enter  nor  Ailliet  the  sons  and  diughters  of  the  toxd  Al- 
mighty. O,  my  bitethr«n  of  the  gSMpel  mUHiti^,  hoW  dWieei  to  M 
ther^  whet«  the  Wht^hilien  shall  iiu  see  6ye  t6  eye,  theira  too,  whera 
oui*  ^jpiritttal  childtett  Shall  all  be  ^thered  to  phiise,  with  iis,  ilbe 
tidfa  grace  df  tmt  LoM.  Th«te  I  shall  meet  many  whom  I  have 
seen  here  below,  and  with  whom  I  have  taken  sweet  ojtm^erse  as  we 
have  fidoved  alotig  out  pilgrim  i)Athw&y  together.  0  there  Ib  noth- 
ing like  it  Every  thing  else  dwindles  into  ihSig^cance  eompitred 
with  that  «  exceeding  i^iigtit  dt  glot^." 

And  tio#,  I  besee^  you^  ttudte  it  the  greit  ol^eet  of  yoiir  life 
to  be  in  sympathy  with  God.  Then  you  will  love  tb  labor  hi  Wi 
cause,  and  God  will  take  d^gfat  in  owning  your  labors  and 
erown^g  tbeiAk  with  his  blessing;  0  h6w  liaS  sleep  dfepaited  flx>m 
riiy  eyes,  as  t  hhve  looked  ot^  the  gteat  WesL  lihd  thbiig^  df 
the  mij^y  ooiQ^<it  thAt  is  going  on  heroj  and  is  decided  to  gb  di^ 
tiU  the  kingdoms  m  tl^  woild  shall  beooine  the  kIhgAoni  3t  ^ 
Lordi 

What  a seene  lies  outspread  beftfre  ust  Whist  Mt  age  of  iitl- 
provement  is  that  on  whidk  We  hmve  fhlleii  1  The  power  of  thb 
press,  ttid  the  wooers  of  ^eam,  6od  has  ludd^  ftcm  other  lUttb 
skice  the  world  began,  and  resei^ved  theM  fyt  thiih^-^tibtlesS  wit 
they  might  just  get  under  Way,  when  he  would  take  them  iiito  his 
service,  and  use  them  to  wai^  die  gospel  *o^tiA  the  glbb^. 

O  ye  young  meh  and  women,  who  lure  edngregated  hett^^^v^ 
yourselves  up  to  this  Wi^k.  O,  consider  Wha^t  a  wotk  ydu  mtve^ 
before  you — ^to  win  souls  to  Christ — ^to  save  a  soul  fOJC  ettiAi^->^^ 
one  soul  for  whom  Cbtiet  cBed^-niiarely  to  save  one  such  soul  were 
honor  enough  to  stimulate  your  utmost  efforts.  There  is  no  post  so 
honorable,  as  to  be  a  miniSlw  of  tlie  ghNrioiis  gospel,  to  be  an  km- 
assador  for  God-^to  negotiate  for  Soids.  O  what  a  work  I  Let 
these  thou^ts  wek  down  infto  your  hearts.  O  KVe  for  God  and  youlr 
generation^  Yoa  enter  Hfe  ih  a  i^orions  tune  to  live'<^''^ere  is  so- 
mu«h  to  do  foi*  God. 

To  all  the  unconverted  let  me  sqr— 4ny  heart  is  full ;  I  feel  fbr 
you.  Time's  ri^id  tide  is  bearing  yOu  aieng^  and  a  few  days  niBrc, 
or  years^  will  bmg  yofei  before  the  JSno/  dor.  All  the  sernums  yuu 
have  heafd  frombnMber  FinWsy,  broths  Mldian^  and  brother  IfoT' 
gan,aBd  frbm  other  bretbaea  of  the  ^Facul^,"  Ivb  iJifcaKdiiti  ii 
heaten^^-'ill  ate  r^toted  tbere  affa&lst  irou«  Yon  ibnt  meft^ini 
41»  . 


f$i  MMHXUMM  .or 

att  ih«ra.  O  whftt  ah  aooount  joa  most  render  on  thai  dre«d  day ! 
What  agonj  of  spul  you  most  endure,  if  yon  will  rejeet  t)iii  mi1t«- 
tion,  hoaAt  with  blood  I  I  beseech  you,  yield  your  hearts  to  Qod. 
'Its  infimte  folly  and  madneas  to  delay-~*ti8  death  to  refose  1  O,  all 
of  yon,  who  are  unconverted,  rest  not,  till  you  have  given  your 
hewrts  to  God  and  found  a  Savior  m  Jesus  Qunst. 

Finally,  Brethren,  FarewelL  Brother  Finney,  I  want  to  give 
you  my  hand.    All  of  you  who  love  Qod,  FarewelL 

Dear  sinner,  1  wish  I  could  aav  farewell  to  you — but  I  cannot 
I  cannot  wish  you  well  in  rebellion  against  God.  I  cannot  say  it 
will  be  well  with  you,  for  I  know  it  never  can  be,  till  you  give  your 
hearts  to  God. 

I  want  one  more  hymn  sung^  and  then  my  friends  may  take  me 
away.    Sing  the  hymn, 

*  Tltal  spaik  of  hearenly  flame,'  Ac.  .*, 

With  this  hjrmn  and  a  short  j^yer  by  Professor  Finney,  the 
meeting  dosed.** 

The  unexpected  tidings  of  Mr.  Marks'  dangerous  illness  and 
death  prodooed  an  unusually  deep  impression  upon  his  large  drcle 
of  fnends,  and  drew  forth  from  many  of  them  letters  of  condo- 
lence to  fa&s  widow,  interspersed  with  expresrions  of  the  esteem 
with  which  they  regarded  him.  Some  of  these  letters  contained 
pecaniary  assistance,  which,  from  the  consequent  expenses  of  his 
protracted  sickness,  was  kindness  indeed.  Several  ^butes  of  re- 
spect to  his  mmnory  appeared  In  the  Morning  Star.  It  was  intend- 
ed to  make  copious  extracts  from  these,  and  the  letters  referred  to, 
but  the  limits  of  the  work  forbid.  A  few  are  given  as  specimens 
of  others,  and  as  illustrative  of  the  impre8si<Mis  the  tidings  of  his 
departure  generally  produced.  The  letters  containing  the  first  two 
extracts,  were  received  three  days  previous  to  his  death,  and  at  his 
request  were  read  to  him. 

[From  the  Editor  of  the  Morning  Star.]  v> 

«  Dover,  Nov.  21, 1846.  ' 

Dear  brother  and  sister   Marks : — ^Yonr  letters  of  November 
11th  tiame  duly  to  hand,  and  their  contents  deeply  affected  my 
heart    Previous  letters  from  you  had  encouraged  the  hope  that 
brother  Marks  would  yet  recover.    But  now,  like  a  thunder-dap, 
the  news  falls  upon  my  ear,  that  all  hope  has  expired,  that  he  is 
just  on  the  verge  of  eternity,  ready  to  Itmnch  away,  and  that  ar- 
,fangements  have  been  made  for  funeral  obseqtnes !    In  a  moment, 
all  die  happy  interviews  and  pleasant  assodations  of  the  past  rush- 
ed iipon  my  mind.    Can  it  be  possible,  thought  I,  Uiat  I  shall  see 
,  brother  Marks'  face  no  more— no  more  hear  his  kind  words,  nor 
< jfoeive  firom  him  the  finendly  epistle  I    It  seemed  indeed  like  a 


DAYIO  KABXt. 


m 


give 


15.  ' 

iber 
my 
lat 
»p, 

le  is 
ar- 

lent, 
ish- 
see 
or 
a 


Armm.  I  thought  of  the  pleasant  awoeiationfl  of  gooe-bj  days— ^f 
a  brother  and  sitter  Beede,  now  in  hearen,  I  trnst— <£  a  brother 
iBurbaok,  too,  with  whom  I  was  long  associated  in  the  Star  oAoe. 
He  too,  is  gcme.  And  it  really  seemed  that  I  wad  kibout  to  be  left 
akme.  Well,  if  it  must  be  so,  *  The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.'  It 
will  not  be  l<H»g  before  I  shall  follow }  and  may  God  grant  that  we 
all  may  meet  iSboye.  Sister  Mariks,  you  have  my  prayers,  and  the 
prayers  of  many  friends  here.  The  Itord,  I  hare  no  doubt,  affi»rds 
and  will  continue  to  a^Mrd  you  his  sustaiidng  grace  in  your  great 

affliction.       ♦•• 

I  remain  truly  and  affectionately  yours,  d 

Wk,  Bubr."  s 

[From  the  pastor  of  th«)Free«ifdUBi.ptiiitclraKsh  in  Boston,  N.  T.] 

«  Nov.  21,1845. 
Dear  brother  Marks : — *        *        *        I  cannot  believe  that 
you  are  positively  nearing  the  cold  valley,  lean  but  hope  it  is  only 
a  temporary  prostration,  from  which  you  will  soon  recover.    Fqf 
this,  he  assured,  you  have  my  earnest  petitions.    Please  allow  m^ 
to  say,  that  there  is  no  man  uving  to  whom  I  owe  so  much  as  your- 
self.   Tour  kmd  admonitions  were  an  excellent  oil,  which  trften 
soothed  and  encouraged  my  disconsolate  and  desponding  spirits. 
Where  I  should  have  been  by  this  time,  without  your  timely  aid, 
the  Lord  only  knows.    I  never  think  of  it,  without  a  sensation  of 
ffratitude  arising  in  my  heart.    I  was  happy  to  hear  of  your  joy- 
^il  state  of  mind.    God's  grace  is  sufficient,  bless  his  name. 
.^      *        *        *        *        *        Yours  truly.  j(^ 

t  r.  W.  Bblkkap/7^ 

?  [From  the  Clerk  of  the  Ashtabtila  quarterly  meeting,  Ohio.]  ^ 

--  «  CoNNEAUT,  Nov.  29, 184S. * 

'^  Dear  sister  Marks : — ^I  received  your  letter  yesterday  and  haste 
to  reply.  I  felt  melancholy  at  the  intelligence  that  brother  Murks 
is  apparently  on  the  borders  of  the  grave,  (and  perhaps  at  this 
moment  is  praising  God  in  heaven,)  and  still  a  thrill  of  joy  sprang 
up  in  my  soul^  on  the  reflection,  that  if  his  work  on  earth  is  done,  it 
is  well  done,  tuid  he  can  say  with  Paul,  that  he  has  'finished  his 
course  and  i^  the  faith.'  O  how  consoling;  but  sure  it  is, 
'  God's  ways  are  past  finding  out*     The  providence  of  God  in 

J  withholding  the  labors  of  brother  Marks,  and  taking  him  to  him- 
self, at  so  early  a  period,  to  us  is  mysterious,  when  so  many  live  to 
a  great  age,  that  are  mere  ciphers  and  worse  than  naught  in  the 

\;  moral  world.    But  may  QoA  give  us  grace  to  guard  against  mur- 
muring at  His  defldmgs  with  us  in  this  trying  hour.    I  think,  of 
late,  I  have  reflected  on  the  situation  of  that  portion  of  the  Zion  of 
>  God  with  which  we  stand  particularly  connected,  something  as  I 


48S 


iMMonis  o» 


a 


ihoaM.  We  tete  nolMiig  of  irMeU  to  InMt,  but  we  luive  had,  iiid 
•till  have, «  good  native  taleoi  m  aoy  of  our  ftiMOf  denoiiiliifttiotifl } 
and  to  lee  iomo  of  oitr  itrantf  ffieo  teave  the  Aeld,  I  hat6  b«M 
M  to  iaqulrot  *  By  #liOii  bkul  Jtedb  ariM  ?*  Onej  ott  one  hand) 
has  ftdkn  by  hit  own  iiapfoprietlos,  and  no#  anothet*,  lo  #hoAi  we 
havO  lookcNl  as  one  of  our  *  PkMnoM'  Hod  ohMispionJAi  it  bitntght 
neAr  the  gmte,  (If  not  ilMndy  interred,)  one  who  has  long  stood 
high  in  the  OoonoilB  of  oar  dOnominalloni  and  wKo^  by  prirationi» 
perseveraace^  and  petional  Morilkie)  wai  initirdmentti  In  aldfatg  to 
secure,  as  the  property  of  the  oonnexiori,  the  Morning  StaT^  by  thO 
light  of  which  tfielHluMils  hairo  been  bteaied.  The  Influence  he  has 
exertOd  in  in  Jlivor,  the  unwearied  effort  he  has  made  to  extend  its 
heavenly  n^  by  extending  its  ciroulatioiH  ail  these  thinpp)  in  ad- 
dition to  '  preadiing  the  word,'  have  occupied  my  mind  smce  I  re- 
ceived your  deeply  affecting  letter.  Bnt  what  can  I  si^  to  yon  in 
this  hour  of  aflUction?  To  si^  that  I  fully  mnpathtse  with  you 
would  be  an  Idle  phrase,  for  as  deeply  as  I  feel  the  affliction  fc^ 
2ion's  sake,  t  cannot  feel  what  a  companion  feels  in  such  a  trying 
hour.  0  *  *  «  «  3lvy  Qod's  grace  support 
yott  Is  my  pr||iyer.  SiLAa  A.  Dayib." 

{Vnm  Hn  psMoT  of  the  S'rsi^wlU  &apttot  dmroh  in  hnvhOLt  lis. 

"  1)0«.  8i  184*.  '  ^ 
'  Doar  brother  Ifaj^a  i-^  received  yours  of  the  lOth  nit  n  few 
days  tince,  and  was  Very  eorry  to  learn  that  yon  were  so  low  and 
feeble.  I  siSll  hope  and  pray^  if  it  can  be  consistent  With  the  Will 
of  our  Heavenhr  Flither,  ^aI  you  may  yet  be  nused  up  to  health. 
Can  it  be  that  I  shall  never  again  see  your  face  in  the  flesh  ?  Shall 
I  never  ngnin  ait  with  you  an  Gtonend  Conference  to  ddiberate  up- 
on the  interests  of  Zion  ?  I  hope  I  may :  but  if  God  should  other- 
wise order,  We  must  Subihit.  We  have  spent  many  happy  hours 
together  in  past  years  in  different  places  in  studying  and  laboring 
for  the  interests  of  our  beloved  denomination.  »  «  «  « 
I  am  glad,  dear  brother,  to  learn  that  you  enjoy  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  and  feel  resigned  to  his  wilL  His  grace  Will  be  sufiicient  for 
you.  I  trust  we  shall  yet  live  eteitially,  where  pleasures  never  die 
and  sorrows  never  come.        Tours  very  affectionately. 

Silas  Curtis.'* 

.^,  Subsequently  he  Wrote  ^^ 

"  Dear  sistw  Maries  .•-^Never  shall  I  forget  the  sensations  Whidi 
were  produced  in  my  mind  when  I  opened  your  letter,  and  learned 
the  solemn  intelligence  that  brother  Marks  was  no  more  on  earth. 
Thought  I,  can  it  be  that  he  is  dead  ?  Sliall  I  seO  him  no  mere  m 
this  World  ?  Has  he  radeed  done  with  toilSf  tears,  cares,  and  la- 
bors, and  gone  to  his  gl<mous  reward  oh  high  ?    ThO  recoUection 


DA^  ilARiU. 


of  many  past  icenea  iDitanUr  rushed  into  my  mbd.  The  flnt  time 
that  I  jaw  liim  was  at  the  Oeneral  Conference  in  Spafibrd,  N.  T., 
more  than  sixteen  yean  ago.  Since  that  time»  I  hare  had  an  inti- 
mate and  happx  acquaintance  with  him,  and  oar  hearts  were  ever 
closely  united  in  Oktristian  ties,  which  death  itself  cannot  dissolTe. 
We  have  oAen  -journeyed,  preached,  and  prayed  together.  We 
have  wept  and  i^joieed  together.  We  hava  spent  many  days  and 
weeks,  and  a  great  part  of  manj  nights,  in  company  wiUi  our  asso> 
elates  of  the  Publishing  Committee,  in  preparins  ror  the  press  the 
<  Treatise  on  the  Faith  of  the  Free-will  Baptists,^  in  devising  means 
for  the  success  of  our  Book  Concern,  and  in  laboring  to  promote  the 
general  interests  of  the  cause  of  Christ.  I  was  luso  reminded  of 
my  htl  parting  with  him  at  tl}e  General  Conference  in  PlainfleU, 
N.  T.  in  1844.  In  his  last  speech  in  that  Conference,  he  told  us 
that  he  should  never  meet  with  us  in  Oeneral  Ccmference  agMhi ; 
yet  little  did  I  then  think  that  I  should  never  more  see  him  tul  we 
meet  on  immortal  shores.  It  is  indeed  true  that  he  is  grae.  His 
work  is  done—his  sufferings  are  ended-- he  has  joined  the  admir- 
ing host  around  the  throne  above.  My  flnt  and  last  interviews 
with  him  were  at  General  Conferences,  both  of  which  were  in  the 
state  of  New  York. 

When  I  think  of  my  dear  brother  Marks*  peacefbl,  happy,  vio> ' 
torious  death,  I  oan  but  wish  that  I  could  have  been  with  Um  to 
witness  that  glorious  hour,  when  angels  waited  around  his  bed  to 
bear  his  spirit  to  the  skies ;  but  I  look  forward  to  fiitnre  scenes. 
When  a  few  more  griefii  are  aided,  when  a  few  more  storms  have 
beat  upon  me,  when  I  shall  have  blown  the  gospel  trumpet  a  few 
times  more,  I  hc^  to  have  the  same  grace  to  sustain  me  while 
pasnng  through  the  gloomy  vale,  and  then  I  shall  meet  the  ^orified 
spirit  of  brother  Maiks,  with  all  my  dear  brethren  in  the  ministry, 
and  all  the  faithful  who  have  gone  before,  on  the  plains  of  immor- 
tal glory,  where  we  shall  gaze,  and  wonder,  and  admire— where  our 
spirits  will  never  faint — and  our  joys  will  never  end. 

'  0  glorious  daj  I  O  blessed  hope  I 
Mr  heart  leaps  forward  at  the  thonght, 
When  in  that  happy,  happy  land, 
We'll  no  more  take  the  parting  hand.' 

With  such  hopes  and  prospects  as  these,  my  dear  sister,  let  us 
submissively  bow  to  that  Divine  Providence,  which  has  removed 
from  you,  for  a  short  time,  an  affectionate  husband,  from  Zion's 
walls,  a  bold,  fearless,  and  faithful  watchman,  and  say,  '  Father,  let 
thy  will  be  done.'        I  am  truly  youra  in  Christ, 

Silas  Curtis." 


^'S^S^^sf^^^f*^  ^jf^' •*?SS-^%e'?? /^:y<^''m-i^'f>^^-:.^~--^^-'^^ 


1 1 


'-0, 


XBMOUt  Of  ^,j 

^he  pMtor  of  tfi>^  Froo-wiU  BapUat  ohuroh  at  Great  ¥§SU,  N.  H.] 

»D0o«mb«rl7»19iff. 

M/  dear  liator  MmIu  :— Tke  aad  inteUifMM  of  Um  4«|ii^tl«Nr« 
of  your  d««r  hosbMd  1mm  jatt  boM  rMsiTtd,  and  altbovgli  H  m  m* 
poMiUe  for  me  to  give  «b  tefkreMion  of  Um  ■yaplby  m4  aorrow 
1  feel,  yet  it  Menu  a  privUege  to  oonunimlotlt  mnetlilng.  *  * 
*  *  Tom  have  our  ttrongeat  tympathUM  and  allMlioM,  wkd 
ovur  ihe  loit  of  the  rerjr  maaj  aniiible  and  even  holy  quallfloa- 
tiODB  of  your  dear  oompanion,  I  mourn  aa  I  have  never  moemed 
over  the  loM  of  ai^  odier  minbtav.  I  hope  the  remahider  ef  hii 
Life  will  be  given  to  the  pahlie  aa  aoon  oa  poeaible.  I  read  hia 
**  Nanrative'  with  deep  intereat  aoon  after  my  ooavenioM,  and  it 
Ihea  produoed  aa  aaxkiua  deaire  in  py  mind  ftv  mora  holiaeaa  of 
heart,  and  ler  higher  attabmeou  ia  the  Ohirfatla&  life.  After  I  be- 
lieved that  God  had  oaUad  me  to  the  miBlalry,  I  read  il  again,  and 
Ihe  effeel  prodneed  ww  aliU  Atepetf.  lideed,  m«ah  of  my  oae^iU 
■tola,  (if  any  vmM  •mM  are  to  be  aeeo  in  my  altotet  uhoImi 
iilb,)  ia  to  be  aMvibMtbd  to  thai  peoiUar  ayiaaaihy  for  atimers,  and 
aazietj  far  their  «Blv«tion,ivhiohwMwi«aglktift  my  hiaif,  toOM^ 
ptrbapa,  bj  teMkig  Mb « NamUve,'  tfaaa  way  ««]tor  owft  book  ex^ 
cept  the  Bible.  Aa  Mra.  Dunn  wishea  to  writo  I  muat  bloae  i  bat 
my  aool  ia  AiU^  and  I  fbel  like  ^UMping  «Riaalaady,  ivbtto  ftom  my 
Iwari  the  anziotta  iaquirr  ia  ariMfig^  O  Qod,  M  WhiMi  ifaali  tiM 
mantle  efthia  good  flaan^r  Daar  aiatnr,  yea  at*  UM  iJoito  111 
your  afHiotieM.  Yen  arv  bat  ofto  ef  mor«  than  afoM  tk$uHmi 
oaeameral  I  know  yoa  feail  it  m  othen  «aanatt  bot  I  tmal  yoti 
art  prepared,  a*  bithia  lew  time  ot^efwaMnou  But  we  will  ftraat 
ia  the  Lord,  *  wiwae  mermr  endureth  foreviar.'  IImI  thai  Ihegmte* 
ful  thaaka  of  the  denotoinatioB  are  due  to  thoae  whoae  effleietit 
kindneaa  waa  aa  flreely  maniftatod  in  yoor  recent  triala.  The  Lord 
(award  thenL  In  Cfariat,  youn  affeetionatoly, 

RAKSOIt  DVMK." 

"  My  beloved  aister  in  Christ:— -I  ait  for  a  moment  to  express  in 
<i  word  something  of  the  deep  feelings  of  my  heart,  in  consequence 
of  our  bereavement  as  a  denominatton,  and  the  oatts^  ^  tVe  bolov- 
ed  Zion  of  God  genettetty.  I  feel  that  we  arebereaveu.  r^^!haa 
been  dealing  with  usr  he  baa  detJi,  sternly,  but  it  Ikw  Wmi  ;•«  itl^. 
Can  it  be  that  our  beloved  brother  Marks  ia  laid  9A^o  i  Mt  hhi 
labors  at  an  end  ?  Are  Moamra  no  more  to  hear  that  voice  that  hat 
eo  faithfully  and  affectionately  Warned  them  to  m(k  (he  Ood  of 
their  salvation  ?  Yes,  hia  labora  are  done,  and  he  baa  gene  to  hia 
rew«.  '  Many  «ill  rise  in  the  great  day  of  accounts  to  call  him 
ble««8Ci)'  ^  cannot  refrain  my  tears  while  I  write.  Being  much 
bslorv^.,!, .' '    dies  ^luuch  lamented.    I  would  not  say  a  word  to  probe 


DAVm  MAMS. 


491 


has 
.ly. 
his 
faal 
of 
hU 
I  him 
ittch 
obe 


Ui«  wound  M  daeplj  miuK  <Mr  canaa  a  bl««iliBff  hmH  to  Mood 
afrMh  I  biH  w«i«  it  ia  oi  ^'  power,  w.  .Id  fain  ■poM  a  word  of  oo«»> 
Mlatlon.  In  Um  •bMOoe  Jf  your  departed  hmribaiid,  von  have  the 
praeeoeo  of  liim  who  can  feieal  all  yowr  eomwe.  I  ou,  my  dear 
lister,  have  now  beeomo  heir  to  more  ptomlied,  thaa  yoa  coald  have 
bean  ia  any  other  sitnaldon,  and  may  they  bo  yoiir  support, 
iibminiiaia^y,  yoMS  fai  qrmp«thy> 

Mabt  E.  J)fn<nf.'* 

[H  'om  s  •todent  of  Oberlin  Oonege,  now  Prindpal  of  the  Preparatory  De- 
partment of  that  Inititatfon.] 

'"*  «  Nbwbvbob,  Ohio,  Doc  20, 1845. 

Dear  sister  Marks : — ^You  havo  had  a  right  to  expect  a  letter 
from  me  bofcre  this,  and  it  has  been  in  my  heart  to  write  \  bat  I 
have  felt,  In  view  of  the  circumstaooes,  suoh  a  poverty  of  lannac^e 
that  it  seemed  jJfflost  a  mockery  to  pen  a  woroL  *»  •  *  How 
soon  has  the  prediction  of  brother  Marks,  in  his  last  words  to  nsei, 
*  Ton  win  see  my  face  no  moro  till  we  meet  in  heaven,'  m^  i  its  {y» 
Ailment!  Tes,  ttiat  event  that  we  all,  except  himself,  fer\dly  ea* 
deavored  to  persuade  ourselves  was  far  in  tbo  Aitwre,  has  come  up* 
on  UB  as  it  were  in  a  moment.  Thus  has  Ood  taught  us  as  with  a 
lightning  flash,  how  strangely  insecure  are  aU  our  craiture  qorr^orts. 
I  fbel  awed  and  rebuked  before  mj  Heavenly  Father. 

I  strongly  desired  that  brother  Marks  sboiud  Uve.  There  seem- 
ed to  me  many  reasons  why  It  was  imixMrtant  that  bis  days  should 
be  prolonged.  1.  Its  influence  on  myself.  I  anticipated  mtich 
benefit  mm  his  counsels,  which  his  lai^  experience  so  eminently 
qualified  him  to  give.  His  uniform  kindness,  and  the  deep  intf  r- 
est  which  he  constantly  manifested  in  my  welfare,  made  it  entirely 
safe  for  me  to  indulge  high  expectations  of  much  that  would  be 
exceedingly  valuable  in  prepannff  me  for  the  ministry.  2.  The 
fewness  of  ministeib  among  us,  wnose  hearts  are  so  thoroughly  im- 
bued with  the  spirit  of  reform,  and  who  have  such  clear  views  of 
the  doctrine  of  perfect  love,  as  bevond  ail  question  was  true  of  him> 
8.  I  knew  if  he  lived,  he  would  do  mudi  to  strengthen  that  sweet 
union  which  has  sprung  up  between  the  Free-will  Baptists  and  the 
dear  Oberlin  brethren.  I  consider  it  matter  of  devout  thanksgiv- 
ing to  God,  that  he  came  to  Obertin,  and  eince  his  appointed  hovr 
hi^  come,  that  he  was  permitted  to  die  there.  I  would  rather  he 
should  lay  down  his  life  there  than  anjr  where  else  in  the  world. 
7%e  hand  of  the  Lord  was  in  his  coming  to  ObtrUn.    Let  it  be 

EroclMmed  to  aQ  our  brethren,  that  one  of  their  most  faithful  min- 
Iters  went  shouting  home  to  his  liOrd  from  Oberlin-^that  Mr.  Fin- 
ney preached  at  his  funeral,  and  that  bis  remuns  repose  in  glm- 
ous  hope  in  the  Oberlin  burying  ^round^  and  let  the  brethren  of 


f  I 


■■■,'rf';?r';\7-?:" 


492 


MBMOIBS  or 


M 


both  denominations  know,  that  as  the  Lord  gave  brother  Marks)to  the 
Oberlin  brethren  to  die  with  them,  and  with  them  to  be  buried,  so 
should  they  give  themselves  to  each  other,  to  be  one  in  the  Lord, 
and  that,  although  they  may  preserve  their  denominational  distinc- 
tion, yet  in  their  hearts  they  should  know  no  difference. 

You  need  not,  sister,  that  I  write  words  of  consolation  to  you. 
You  have  in- the  example  of  your  departed  husbandr— in  his  perfect 
resignation  to  the  will  of  God — in  his  triumphant  confidence,  an  in- 
finitely clearer  light  to  the  fountain  of  all  consolation,  than  any 
thing  that  I  can  say." 

Subsequently  he  wrote  as  follows:  "It  is  my  decided  opinion 
that  a  memoir  of  brother  Marks  should  be  published  as  soon  as 
may  be.  All  classes  need  it.  To  young  ministers,  especially,  will 
it  be  of  immense  value  in  forming  in  them  that  apostolic  earus^stness 
for  which  brother  Marks  was  most  remarkable,  and  which  is  all 
important  in  a  servant  of  Jesus.  •  *  •  •  I  need  not  say 
that  I  have  been  deeply  affected  by  reading  the  funeral  sermon, 
the  addresses,  &c.  Being  separated  from  brother  Marks  during 
the  last  days  of  his  stay  upon  earth,  an«3  my  attention  constant- 
ly engrossed  With  a  lai^e  school,  I  had  ha<  ^.ly  aroused  to  the  fact, 
that  he  wib  dead,  until  I  obtained  the  funeral  sermon  in  the  Evan- 
gelbt  Then  it  was  the  sad  truth  seemed  a  reality :  then  I  began  to 
feel  that  pressure  of  sorrow — ^that  aching  of  heart  which  tells  me 
I  have  lost  more  than  a  brother.  I  can  say,  in  all  sincerity,  I  great- 
ly loved  brother  Marks.  During  the  whole  time  I  was  permitted 
to  enjoy  his  acquaintance,  he  manifested  the  strongest  sympathy 
with  me  in  my  efforts  to  obtidn  an  education, entering  as  really  into 
my  triids  and  difilculties  as  though  they  were  his  own.  And  now 
that  he  is  gone,  the  remembrance  of  those  seasons  that  I  have 
spent  with  him,  although  it  unseals  the  fountains  of  my  soul,  is  still 
among  the  sweetest  of  my  recollections.  How  I  rejoice  that  I  con- 
sented, at  his  request,  to  leave  my  books  and  attend  those  meetings 
which  we  attended  together  the  past  autumn.  I  wish  I  could  re- 
cord every  word  he  said  in  our  pleasant  rides.  Never  can  I  forget 
the  profitable  time  we  had  returning  from  quarterly  meeting  last 
September.  He  was  much  animated  the  whole  evening.  He 
spoke  of  the  danger  of  ministers  from  pride,  from  ambition,  from 
love  of  praise,  £3pom  jealousy  of  their  ministering  brethren.  I  re- 
member how  tenderly  and  affectionately  he  spoke  of  his  minister- 
ing brethren,  especially  of  those  from  whom  he  had  been  compell- 
ed to  differ.  I  am  sure  he  possessed  a  Christ-like  spirit  toward  all 
his  brethren.  i?^' m* 

Soon  after  this,  while  yet  we  were  all  encouraged  by  the  favora- 
ble indications  of  returning  health,  conversing  with  him  one  day 
upon  the  moral  wants  of  the  <  West,'  he  said,  with  much  emotion, 


DAVm  MABKB. 


:J). 


mitted 
npathy 
It  into 
id  now 
have 
is  still 
Icon- 
etings 
Id  re- 
forget 
s  last 
^He 
from 
I  re- 
ister- 
mpell- 
rdaU 

1 

ivora- 

day 

kotion, 


^  .  ^  ^  _   .  jigth  travelling 

througlTthe  'West,'  preaching  Christ  to  p«ii^ing  sinners.'  It 
was  not  long,  however,  before  he  gave  up  all  idea  of  preaching  any 
more,  being  convinced  that  his  work  upon  earth  was  almost  done. 

October  28.  I  called  upon  brother  Marks,  and  found  sister 
Marks  in  tears  by  his  bed-side.  He  welcomed  me  with  his  usual 
affectionate  manner.  He  said, '  I  have  just  been  telling  my  wife 
that  she  must  prepare  for  a  separation,  for  I  am  well  satisfied  that 
my  stay  upon  earth  will  be  short.  I  feel  that  it  would  be  mistiJcen 
kindness  to  withhold  this  conviction  from  her.  How  common  for 
families  to  put  far  from  them,  as  a  topic  of  conversation,  this'  sub- 
ject What  can  be  more  unwise !  C5ften  many  things  that  ought 
to  be  done  and  said,  are  neglected  until  the  last  agony  comes  on, 
and  then  there  is  no  time.  My  wife  will  scon  be  a  widow,  and  I 
wish  to  say  all  to  her  that  I  can,  that  will  be  of  any  use  to  her 
when  I  am  gone.  I  leave  a  kind  and  pleasant  family.  I  bless 
God  the  review  of  our  matrimpnial  life  has  in  it  no  bitterness.  I 
have  nothing  to  bequeath  to  my  dear  companion  except  my  dying 
counsel,  but  the  Lord  toill  provide.*  October  81.  Expecting  to 
leave  on  the  morrow,  I  called  to  take  my  leave  of  brother  Marks. 
Said  he,  *  Farewell,  brother  Whipple,  you  will  see  me  no  more  in 
the  flesh.  Before  the  winter  shall  have  half  passed  away,  I  shall 
ent3r  upon  higher  duties  in  heaven.  I  hiave,'  continued  he,  with 
tears, '  exceedingly  loved  the  work  of  Christ  I  have  been  a  poor 
fallible  instrument,  but  in  all  my  efforts,  I  have  honestly  sought 
the  good  of  Zion.  If  the  Lord  will,  I  want  to  preach  once  more, 
and  write  a  farewell  address  to  the  Free-will  Baptist  denomination, 
and  then  go  home.  Our  acquaintance  has  been  very  pleasant,  our 
next  meeting  will  be  unspeakably  glorious.' 

Thus,  my  dear  sister,  I  have  given  you,  in  much  anguish  of  spir- 
it, and  with  many  tears,  a  very  imperfect  sketch  of  two  or  three 
conversations  I  had  with  your  departed  husband.  I  can  hardly  be 
reconciled  to  the  sad,  sad  truth,  that  I  shall  see  his  face  no  more  in 
this  life.  I  am  aware  this  strain  of  remark  will  have  little  tenden- 
cy to  console  you ;  but  it  seems  to  me  you  have  an  element  of  con- 
solation of  which  I  am  deprived.  Shut  away  as  I  was  from  his 
dying  couch,  I  have  not  the  preparation  for  the  bereavement,  which 
witnessing  his  most  triumphant  departure,  would  have  ^ven.  Ah, 
it  would  have  been  a  great  privilege,  could  I  have  watched  beside 
him  the  last  few  days  in  which  he  was  crossing  the  river.  But  I 
will  not  murmur ;  nay,  I  would  be  unfeignecUy  thankful  to  my 
Heavenly  Father,  that  I  have  been  permitted  to  enjoy  his  society 
so  lone,  and  I  trust  this  most  wise  stroke  wili  not  be  lost  upon  me. 
"     42 


n 


I  ftet  caReq  tm<m  16  ctecBcate  mjnelf  anew  to  the  Loirtf,  Am  do 
,  irluit  I  can  to  fm  xxp  tfte  breach  made  in  the  sacramental  host  by 
'  the  removid  of  that  valiant  solder.    *    •    • 

FarewelL    Toons  in  the  bonds  of  our  holy  religion, 

nENBT  E.  WmpptE." 

At  a  recent  date  he,  wrote :  "  Wotild  that  I  could  have  seen  the 
pale  cold  fhce  of  the  sainted  Torrev  I  Would  that  I  could  have 
<^t>ed  the  point  of  mv  sword  in  his  blood,  and  over  his  murdered 
bo^,  renewed  mj-  oath  against  slavety  I  But  his  d^ath  will  not 
he  met  upon  me.  It  wiU  unite  its  influence  with  the  death  of  your 
dear,  husband,  to  call  toe  to  nervous  action  in  the  cause  of  Crod. 
Theif  bo^es  fauve  been  laid  in  the  grave ;  but  their  spirits  have 
nme  up  on  hig^  to  receive  their  reward.  I  have  no  doubt  but 
9^7  vml  be  intfaiaate  friends  hi  heaveiK  '  Thej^  were  lovely  and 
|>tQtt8ant  in  their  fives,  and  in  thefr  death  they  W6re  not  mudi  *  di- 
vided.' With  pecufiar  emphasis,  I  can  go  on  and  say, '  I  am  dis- 
tressed for  thee,  toy  dear  brother  Marks:  very  pleasant  hast  thou 
been  unto  me :  thy  love  to  me  was  won^rful,  passing  the  love  of 
women.'^  t  *  J  cannot  myself  write  idxrat  your  dear  departed 
hudbaod,  without  pain  of  soul,  such  as  no  other  affliction  ever  occa- 
sbnoS.  My  heart  cries  out  with  unutterable  longbgs  for  my 
torother,  whose  hce  X  may  see  namore.  Q,  had  I  known  last  sum- 
Oter,  that  he  was  so  soon  to  be  taken  away,  how  I  would  have  treas- 
ured up  hifit  wordfl^  and  how  careful  I  should  have  been  to  spend  all 
1|te  lime  possible  to  his  society.  O,  those  were  precious  ties  of 
CSbristian  love,  that  had  just  begun  to  bind  strongly  your  dear  fhm- 
fly  to  me  and  mine.  I  had  begun  to  promise  myself  much  profit 
and  happiness  in  the  connection,  when,  alas  f  the  strongest  link  was 
snappM  fbrever.  I  cannot  but  feel,  and  most  keenly  feel,  that 
when  the  grave  closed  over  the  body  of  yotrr  dear  husband,  it  con- 
<!ealBd  ttom  me,  as  far  as  this  world  is  concerned,  some  of  my 
ti^ost  cherished  anticipations ;  but  they  shall  be  restored  again. 
Fakh  points  to  a  brighter  shore.  It  will  not  be  long,  and  we  shall 
all  go.  Blessed  prospect  I  Those  ties,  although  sundered  for  time, 
yet  reach  heyond  the  grave,  and  draw  us  more  strongly  towards 
oeaven.  Where  the  treasure  is  there  will  the  heart  be  also."  ♦ 
,,♦        ♦        •        ♦  H.  E.  W. 

[Bx9m  Mm.  Profesaor  FimMj.] 

«  My  dear  afflicted  Friend :— 'The  lonely  feeHng,  no  doubt,  often 
eottws  over  you  wilfc  unutterable  anguish,  *  My  bosom  companion 
if  fgtmef  I  am  soUCary  and  alone,  as  it  were»  in  the  midst  of  the 
wttrWI*  I  feel,  dear  Mrs.  Marks,  that  you  need  consolat^n,  since 
Hte  at  that  so  bn^boiudyou  to  your  dear  husband  has  been  dis- 


DATIOlUJnU* 


m 


»» •  * 


solr«d.  The  Lord,  I  tnut,  svstfuns  and  oomfwrte  you.  How  g^oii- 
<nu  the  idea  that  Mr.  Harks  will  never  die.  Hia  poor  body  i«  lidd 
aside,  but  his  sfHrit  ia  bow  released,  disentihralled,  no  longer  chaja- 
ed  down  to  earth,  unaUe  to  rise  and  seiae  the  pdl^  bis  a^eot  mA 
panted  for.  Although  there  are  rauof  t^gs  tiua  side  eternity  «fd- 
culated  to  bear  us  onward  and  u^ara,  stiU  the  unifonn  tendency 
is  downward.  We  are  by  the  very  oonstitutioa  wad  the  neceasitlea 
of  our  nature  coaaqpeUed  to  descend,  and  become  conversant  with  af- 
fairs little  in  acoordaooe  with  those  high  hopea,  which  life  and  im- 
mortality have  broi^ht  to  light.  Let  us  then  rejoice  thttt  (he  heaV'^ 
en-horn  spirits  oi  our  friends  are  no  longer  boaod  down  as  ours  ara 
while  in  this  frail  tabemaele  of  flesh.  I  felt  it  to  be  a  nutter  «f 
thanks^viog  that  your  Heavenly  Father  mdnlged  you  in  the  pre- 
elous  pnvtliege  of  attending  your  sick  and  ^ing  husband,  to  mhiia* 
t«r  ta  hia  vai^s.  Wat  It  not  an  unipeakable  consolation,  when  hie 
stven^b  was  departing,  and  yon  fek  that  the  dear  Saviw  had  M«t^ 
a  message  &r  him,  to  sea  him  aofc  only,  not  diatuibed  or  agitated^* 
because  <  flesh  and  spirit  w«re  aboni  to  f^'  but  exeeetibis^y  joyM 
in  hopQ  of  soon  ae^og  Jesns  ? 

Dear  Mrs.  Marim,  Iceep  your  eye  of  faith  steadily  fixed  abeve^ 
and  your  h(^e  anchored  within  the  vaiL  Hiat  the  presence  of  God 
may  pervade  your  sonl  fVom  day  to  day,  is  the  prayer  of  your  ajm* 
pttdiiaiig  friend,  L.  B.  Fvsmvt,* 

[From  the  FeiBeipal  of  BmitlrriUe  Scmlitary,  B.  I.] 

*  North  Sowuatb,  R.  I.  Dec.  24,  184§. 

^ster  Marks  t— -It  was  with  deep  enotiims  that  your  last  came 
to  hand,  announcing  the  exit  of  your  husband.  I  could  but  loole 
back  to  my  first  meeting  with  him,  and  the  happy  seasons  we  hare 
since  enjoyed  at  varioos  times.  Such  reeoUeetions  mre  sweet  Bnt 
when  I  t^ink  tiiat  one  of  their  participants  is  no  more  on  earth,  it 
strikes  a  gloom,  and  pieroes  my  heart  with  a  pang  of  sorrow.  Bnt 
we  must  submit.  We- must  all  die.  We  must  soon  fe^ow  the  do- 
parted.  Then  bow  it  behooves  ns  to  live  in  a  state  of  preparatioB 
for  the  otherwise  gloomy  change.  Though  it  is  painfiil  to  take  Hie 
finally  parting  hand  with  the  dear  people  of  God,  yet  it  is  blissful 
to  reflect  upon  their  triumphant  departure,  and  their  ^orious  state 
among  the  beatific  above.  Doub^ess  these  subjects  of  reflection 
soothe  your  sorrowing  heart,  and  alleviate  your  distress  of  spirit. 
*  *  *  Hoping  to  meet  you  in  the  world  of  bfiss,  together  wif3» 
your  departed  husband,  I  subserH>e  myself  yours  truly, 

HOSEA  QUINBT." 

[From  an  S^iscopalian  lady  In  Vermont.]  '' 

"Arlington,  Vt  Dec  2$,  1845. 
My  Dear  Niece : —     »     •     »     •     Xhe  Oberlm  Evangelist, 
cAntoining  iiitclligence  of  the  death  of  your  beloved  husband  came 


496 


icmonts  or 


two  days  ago.  I  cannot  reaUee  that  he  has  dosed  up  his  earthly 
labors,  that  he  is  no  more  to  go  out  and  oome  in  among  us,  or  speak 
to  OS  of  the  blessed  Savior.  But  it  is — ^it  must  be  so.  Were  not 
the  promise  sure  that  the  Lord  is  a  present  help  in  time  of  trouble, 
and  did  you  not  realise  this  promise,  your  heart  would  be  utteriy 
desolate :  but  I  trust  that  He  is  your  refuge  in  this  your  severe  af- 
fliction— that  your  heart  is  fixed — that  you  can  say,  Though  he 
slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust  in  him.  My  dear  afflicted  neice,  how  do  I 
long  to  see  you — ^to  do  all  in  my  power  to  pour  in  the  healing  balm 
of  consolation  into  your  stricken  bosom,  but  you  have  a  Friend 
whose  sympathy  is  all-powerful  to  relieve — ^who  is  afflicted  in  all 
your  afflictions,  anU  will  save  you  out  of  them  all.  He  healeth  the 
bn^en  in  heart,  and  bindeth  up  their  wounds.  Whom  the  Lord 
loveth  he  dMsteaeth.  I  pray  and  trust  that  you  faint  not  under  His 
rebuke,  but  that  you  regwrd  your  present  affliction  as  a  tokmi  of  His 
^love,  more  precious  than  earthly  friends  or  any  earthly  oonsidera- 
*tioD,  and  that  you  cheerfully  acquiesce  in  the  will  of  God.  Gastymir 
burden,  thererore,  upon  the  Lonl,  who,  though  he  afflict,  will  cause 
all  things  to  wortc  together  for  your  good.  Trust  in  Him.  He  will 
give  you  grace  to  sustain  you  in  all  the  trials  he  sees  flt  to  cause 
you  to  «ttffer4  <  They  that  trust  in  the  Lord  shall  be  as  mount  Zi- 
on,  that  cannot  be  removed.'    •     ♦    »    •    •  ^J  < 

There  is  much,  too,  in  the  circumstances  attending  your  caB6. 
His  <  rough  wind'  has  not  blown  upon  you ;  though  it  have  been 
*  the  day  of  his  east  wind,'  it  has  been  '  tempered'  to  you  in  much 
mercy.  Your  own  loss  is  all  you  have  to  mourn.  Ton  had  the 
inestimable  privilege  of  watching  over  your  dear  husband  in  his 
sickness,  and  administering  to  all  his  temporal  wants,  and  also  spir- 
itual comfort,  as  far  as  earthly  friends  could  minister ;  and  above 
all  you  had  the  unspeakable  consolation  of  witnessing  the  glori- 
ous triumph  of  his  faith  over  the  last  enemy,  death,  and  you  have 
not  a  reasonable  doubt  but  his  freed  spirit  has  entered  the  man- 
Mons  prepared  for  them  that  love  God.  What  ingredient  more 
could  have  been  added  to  sweeten  your  cup  of  sorrow  ?  Next  to 
the  consolations  derived  from  the  gospel,  are  the  testimonies  of  the 
kind  remembrances  and  sympathy  of  those  who  loved  our  departed 
friend  and  you  have  many  such  testimonies,  both  written  and 
unwritten.  From  the  gospel,  too,  you  have  all  the  consolations 
which  its  divine  promises  afford  to  the  believer.  What  an  inex- 
haustible source  of  comfort  I  It  is  a  fountun  ever  full  and  ever 
open — ^whence  the  soul,  bowed  down  under  the  weight  of  its  sor- 
rows, may  draw  of  the  waters  of  life,  and  drink,  and  be  satisfied — 
yea,  its  mourning  be  turned  to  joy  and  gladness.  That  this  may 
be  jjrour  experience,  is  the  prayer  of  your  affectionate  aunt, 
"'''■" "'''  •■_., 7     '■.  -:r'?r  M.  Turner." 


Hxi>,V'    tlU 


DATW  MABSt.  Hi 


417 


n;  [ITroin  the  pastor  <f{  three  FMe^ill  Bi^tint  ckardws  w  6tr«ffoid,  $1.  H,}  <| 

^  «  Deo.  81)  16U.  * 

Detir  eiBter  Marks  ^->l%e  veiy  nUe  kfter  whhA  yotir  kle 
and  muc9i  esteemed  fansband  recently  int>te  m^  d'ren  when  lie 
was  fiseble  and  flUed  wiUi  distress,  was  duly  received,  and  read 
«rith  thrilling  interest.  •  «  •  Before  I  had  done 
readfaig  it,  a  solemn  md  sinking  feefing  took  hold  of  my  heart, 
different  from  anything  I  ever  experienced  before,  irhen  rea^fig 
one  of  his  communications,  and  I  remarked  t-— ^  BrotJher  MsAs 
has  i^bont  done  his  woi^;  he  is  gomg  from  his  lal>on  to  re- 
wards.' 

On  the  22d  inst,  a  brother  came  from  Dover,  and  said  that  on 
the  Sabbath  previous,  Elder  Perkins,  who  preaches  to  the  first 
Free-wtR  Baptist  church,  named  to  the  congregation  that  brother 
Marks  was  dead  I  O  ii^at  reflaetioBS  1  O  what  a  tbrUOing  sli^^ 
it  gave  me  I  and  I  r^ied  in  David's  words :  '  Know  ye  not  that  a 
great  man  has  fallen  u  &rael  V  Yesterday,  as  myself  and  wife 
vr&re  alone  in  our  house,  sedng  the  mail  pass,  she  went  to  the  Fett 
Office  and  got  our  papers.  In  came  the  Morning  Star,  idl  in  de# 
mMimii^.  She  commenced  reading  to  me  and  weeping.  I  than 
took  the  paper,  and  read  and  wept,  and  wept  and  read,  and  even 
rejoiced,  withal,  that  he  who  bad  been  so  strong  in  faith,  and  abaar 
dant  in  labors,  had  been  so  happy  and  victorious  ia  deatli ;  and 
although  he  fell  a  martyr  (as  did  Randall  and  Colby)  to  fan  seal 
for  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  he  has  gone  to  receive  that  reward  whU^ 
all  have  received  who  have  tru^  laid  down  their  lives  for  Christ 
I  thought  of  our  first  acquaintance— our  hearts  had  ever  been 
united  like  the  hearts  of  iHivid  and  Jonathan.  Again,  I  thought 
of  the  time  when  he  and  brother  Beede,  with  myself,  composed  the 
committee  to  drofl  the  plan  of  our  Book  Establishment.  They  are 
gone.  I  shall  soon  foUow.  I  thought  of  his  address  to  ihe 
members  of  the  last  General  Conference,  at  Plainfield,  at  Its 
close,  when  coming  down  out  of  the  desk,  with  tears  flowing  ovat 
his  manly  dieeks.  But  I  wUl  say  ik>  more  about  my  own  reflec- 
tions. V.'      ., 

My  dear  ^ter,  you  have  abundant  reason  to  thank  God  that  you 
have  been  permitted  to  Uve  with  His  fmthful  servant  some  sixteen 
years,  and  that  you  now  have  such  an  interest  in  heaven,  and  at- 
tachment to  tliat  heavenly  world  as  you  never  had  before.  0  I 
do  sympathize  with  you  and  your  adopted  daughter,  «e  w^  as 
with  the  whole  denomination,  who,  as  a  general  thing,  will  be 
like  their  religious  paper,  all  in  mouminff.  •  ♦  «  * 
You  will,  no  doubt,  in  due  time,  prepare  a  second  volume  x>f 
brother  Marks'  Narrative,  and  should  the  book  not  be  too  esp^- 


42* 


=.■;?•. V"  *■-..- 


49d 


MBMOiftt  or  Aa 


sWe,  baiao  low  Uuit  about  all  may  obtain  it,  it  will  have  an  exten- 
sive diculatipn,  and  my  dear  brother  by  it>  though  dead,  will  yet 
rik,  to  ^  Qonveruon  of  sinners,  to  the  oomforUng  of  saints,  and 
awakening  and  sUtring  up  of  the  ministry.  We  must  all  be 
more  liEuthful,  more  devoted.  I  intend  to  be,  fw  one,  by  God's 
help,  and  to  aid  in  making  up  Zion's  loss.  My  opinion  is,  that, 
eventually,  God  will  overrule  our  dear  brother's  death  to  the  mter- 
ests  of  his  church.  I^et  us  remember  the  words  he  spake  unto  us 
while  he  was  yet  with  us. 

The  kindness  of  Professor  Finney  and  others  at  Oberlm  to 
brother  Maries  will  be  gratefully  remembered  by  every  true  Free- 
will Baptist  V 
Very  affectionately  your  brother  in  tribulation, 

E.  Place." 

[From  the  New  Year's  Address  in  the  Momine  Star,  written  By  Elder  A.  K. 
IfooUon  of  PorUand,  Me.,  one  of  toe  associate  editors.] 

**  Some  of  the  early  patrons  of  the  Star  have  gone  forever :  and 
ofM,  whose  name  is  dear  to  all— one,  who  helped  to  warm  it  into 
life,  and  whose  <  lighl^  has  been  from  week  to  week  'emitted  through 
the  Star,  and  who  has  labored  almost  incessantly  to  sustain  it, 
whose  sentinients  have  assisted  in  no  small  degree  to  give  a  tone  to 
our  beloved  denomination,  whose  voice  has  ^addened  her  assem- 
blies, and  whose  counsels  have  added  to  her  prosperity,  has  gone  to 
his  reward." 

[From  the'pastor  of  the  Free-will  Baptist  chnrch  in  Boxbury,  Mass.,  forqierly 

a  Tutor  in  Oberlin  College.  ;f 

"  RoxBUBT,  Jan.  5, 1846. 
Dear  sister  Marks : — ^We  received  your  letter  a  week  or  two 
since,  containing  the  sad  news  of  brother  Marks'  death.  What 
shall  I  say  ?  How  shall  I  express  the  feelings  which  have  not  yet 
begun  to  die  away  in  my  heart  ?  Our  dear  brother  Marks  is  gone ! 
But  O  wh^t  a  death!  How  gloriously  triumphant!  As  I  read 
the  account  of  his  last  sickness,  I  could  only  read  and  weep,  and 
weep  and  read.  Never  did  the  fountain  of  my  soul  seem  to  be  so 
broken  up.  I  cannot  call  it  to  mind  without  renewing  the  flow  of 
tears — mmgled  tears  of  joy  and  grief;  nor  without  recollecting 
numy  things  in  my  acquaintance  with  brother  Marks.  Especially 
does  it  bring  to  mind  the  first  time  that  I  heard  him  preach,  and 
the  second.  [I  heard  him  only  three  times.]  I  had  read  his  *  Nar- 
rative,'and  restrded  many  of  the  statements  contained  im  it,  re- 
specting the  effect  which  almost  always  attended  his  preaching,  aa 
,  utterly  unaccountable ;  but  when  I  heard  him  the  first  time,  which 
was  but  eighteen  months  since,  [at  Lagrange,  Ohio,]  my  in- 
credulity entirely  vanished.    It  was  a  communion  season,  and  his 


DATID   MASBI. 


SO 

of 


lar- 
re- 


in- 
his 


sntgeot  was  the  Lord's  Sappor.    It  seemed  to  me  that  my  soul  was 
but  a  vessel  of  tears.    I  stiSed  my  sobs,  until  I  could  not  refrain 
frma  weeping  aload.    It  was  so  with  many.    He  possessed  a  pe« 
culiar  power  to  reach  the  fountain  of  sympathy  /ifithin  the  heart* 
Thus  it  was  to  nearly  an  equal  degree  the  second  time  I  heard 
him  preach,  three  months  afterward.    Is  it  possiUe  that  he  is  gone  ? 
O  t  eui  it  be  ?    Dear  sister,  I  would  not  harrow  up  your  feelings, 
but  you  will  allow  me  to  weep  with  you.    It  seems  as  tf  it  could 
not  be  that  I  should  ao  more  see  brother  Ma>ks  nw  hear  ftom  his 
lips,  the  melting  truths  of  Calvary.    Had  I  supposed  that  he  would, 
ere  this,  have  gone  down  to  the  grave,  I  should  not  so  soon  have 
hurried  away,  when  I  was  at  your  house  in  August  last    Yes,  it  is 
indeed  true.    I  shall  no  more  see  my  beloved  brother  during  all 
the  pilgrimage  of  earth.    But  surely  there  is  another  magnet  to 
draw  us  heavenward;  and  yet  how  shall  we  do  without  him?    We 
shall  deeply  feel  his  loss  for  many  years.    But  especially  shall  I. 
To  few  persons  during  my  life,  have  I  felt  so  strong  a  personal  at- 
tachment as  to  brother  Marks.    His  wias  one  of  the  warmest  hearts 
that  ever  beat  in  the  bosom  of  man,  and  one  of  the  mopt  generous. 
His  was  no  suspicious,  half-confiding  friendship,  but  whole-souled, 
unsuspecting.    If  I  mourned  only  my  individual  loss  it  would  be 
irreparable.    But  again,  I  revert  to  the  glorious  death-bed  tri- 
umph.   Would  that  the  infidel  world  could  have  been  ^ere,  *  tp 
see  how  a  Christian  can  die.'    Die  I    It  is  'not  death !    It  is  but 
the  budding  forth  of  eternal  Ufe.    Nor  is  such  a  triumph  a  miracle. 
It  is  only  an  exhibition,  (such  as  might  be  common,)  of  the  power 
of  that  full  salvation  which  the  gospel  profiers,  and  which  was  the 
theme  of  brother  Marks' delightful  contemplation.     My  last  con- 
versation with  him  was  upon  this  point    Even  then  the  smiles  of 
heaven,  beaming  from  his  face,  spoke  of  a  peace  that  passeth  all 
understanding,  and  of  joys  that  are  unspeakable  and  full   of 
OLORT !    Never  can  I  forget  the  expression  of  his  countenance 
on  that  day.    O  I  would  have  been  glad  to  have  stood  by  him 
in  the  hour  of  his  victory.    Yours,  dear  sister,  has  been  a  pe- 
culiar privilege.    You  were  near  him  to  hear  his  words  of  glorious 
triumph. 

^  A  week  ago  yesterday,  I  preached  a  sermon  to  my  congregation 
on  the  occasion  of  brother  Marks'  death,  from  Psalms  41:1 — 3 ; 
and  read  most  of  your  diary  in  connection  with  my  discourse.  The 
impression  made,  seemed  to  be  deep  and  solemn.  Sobbing  was 
heard  through  all  the  house.  I  do  not  know  but  it  will  be  true 
that  brother  Marks  will  be  found  in  the  day 'of  judgment  to  have 
slain  more  in  his  death  than  he  did  during  his  life.  I  feel  to  con- 
secrate myself  anew  to  the  ministry ;  and  \7eU  may  the  minister  of 
the  cross,  in  view  of  such  a  scene,  exclaim,  <  I  am  not  ashamed  of 


500 


MMons   6t 


the 


the  gmpel  of  Chrfat»  ibr  il  i«  the  wMooi  aad 
unto  Ml  votioa,  to  eererjr  one  that  belieff«th.' 
*  *  YoQ  have  ths  prajren  and  eympathiee  of  hondredi 
hnee,  boA  theee  who  ham  penoaelljr  known  70a  and  thoee  who 
hare  not  -  ,1^^ 

From  joar  tjraqMithiiing  farotlMr  in  OhHit) 

BDMCifD  B.  FxntnBi.D.'*  > 


[From  the  Moratng  Star,  writtea  by  the  pastor  of  the  IVee-irlll  BaptUt 
dmrdi  hi  Boftoa,  Ifaaa.,  tbnnerijr  a  arfsalMiavy  to  India.] 


i 


*<  Eldkb  ]EUbK8«    Week  before  hut  I  took  the  Oberlin  Zvva- 

SiUst  oat  of  the  office,  and  the  ^t  thing  that  caught  mj  eye  wal 
e  ftineral  sermon  of  this  devoted  and  eminently  useful  brother. 
I  shut  myself  up  alone,  and  read  and  wept  ahnostall  day,  O  whi^ 
a  triumphant  death  I  Brother  Marks  died  not  only  a  Christian,  but 
a  MAV,  a  fuU  groum  man.  If  evet  there  was  any  thing  like 
deamess  and  strength  of  intellect  we  find  it  in  him  to  the  very 
last  Who  ever  heard  of  an  u^del,  a  heathen,  or  a  man  of  the 
world,  dying  as  brother  Harks  did  ? 

On  the  following  Sabbath  I  preached  from  the  words,  'Predous 
in  the  sights  of  the  Lord  is  the  death  of  his  saints ;'  and,  at  the 
close  of  my  discourse,  read  sister  Marks*  journal  of  her  husband's 
last  days.  It  was  a  sdemn  and  alTecSing  time.  A  iew  days  after, 
when  brother  Marks'  farewell  address  (b  the  denomination,  and  Ids 
discourse  to  the  students  of  Oberlin,  came  out  in  the  Star,  J  ex- 
pected, of  course,  to  find  but  a  few  disconnected  sentences  fitt>m  a 
dying  man ;  bnt  when  I  found  him  reasoning  as  clearly  and  forci- 
bly as  ever  I  knew  him  to  do  when  in  health,  I  could  but  glorify 
God,  who  had  giyen  such  gifts  to  men.  In  brother  Marks,  our 
denomination  has  lost  one  of  its  pillars—^  great  man  has  fatten  in 
our  Israel ;  but  we  are  honored  by  having  such  a  hero  of  the  cross 
in  heaven.  I  hope  an  able  hand  will  assrat  sister  Marks  in  collect- 
ing the  materials  and  preparii^  a  complete  memoir  of  his  life. 
Certainly  no  book  will  be  in  greater  demand  throughout  our  de- 
nomination. •  *  •  #  JJj,,  NOTEf. 
Boston,  Jan.  12, 1846."  f 

Subsequently  he  wrote  :-^ 
^,  "  Dear  stster^— I  scarcely  know  what  to  say.  Tour  loss  is  great, 
but  how  can  you  grieve  ?  A  mind  so  AVbeSi  tot  glory  ought  not  to 
have  been  longer  confined  in  a  human  body.  0  what  woidd  any 
of  us  give,  to  be  where  broths  Marks  is  to-day  I  I  well  remem- 
ber the  first  evoiii^  I  ever  spent  with  yourself  and  husband.  It 
was  at  the  house  of  Deaeon  Hutct^raon  in  Fayette,  Me.  He 
spoke  to  me  about  going  to  India.  Ever  since  tiiat  time,  you  have 
h(3^  been  near  and  dror  to  my  heart    I  h<^e,  dear  nsterv  ytou 


will  have  moe  to  enable  yoa  to  beftr  all  trials  Impofed  npMi  jon 
hy  a  kind  Parent,  and  that  yoa  will  have  Mends  in  eveiy  time  oC 
need.        •        •        ♦        Thine  in  the  LoH, 

/  )Eli  NorBB.** 


V,*. 


[From  the  liernlnf  Star,  written  by  m  aged  niniiter.] 

•  *  ^In  the  above  mentioned  meeting,  [a  two 
aays  meeting  in  Savannah,  Crusoe  Island,  N.  T^]  I  pxeaA^eda  fb- 
neral  sermon  on  the  death  of  our  late  departed  brother,  Elder  Da- 
vid Marks.  I  first  read  his  last  addrees  to  the  connexion,  thefi 
preached  a  short  discourse  fVom  Hebrews  11:18.  <  These  all  died 
m  faith,'  &c  I  tUnk  it  was  a  profitable  time.  It  was  but  a  few 
miles  fW>m  this  place,  that  he  experiehced  the  realitv  of  that  Scrip- 
ture, <They  that  seek  me  early  shall  find  me.'  les,  and  on  the 
marsh  that  lies  along  this  IsImmI,  is  the  place  where  he  went  to 
work  on  the  canal  to  get  money  with  whidi  to  buy  his  first  gram- 
mar. Here  I  ima^ned  I  saw  the  drunken  Catholics,  cpving  him 
their  sympathiei^  and  contributinff  to  relieve  him  from  Airther  toil ; 
ve^  and  near  this  runs  on  the  peasant  stream,  where  he  followed 
his  Divine  Lord  in  the  ordinanoe  of  baptism  i  and  near  here  ha 
received  his  first  license  to  preach.  While  these  things  were  past- 
ing in  review,  they  had  a  powerful  effect  on  myeelf  and  on  tlui 
crowded  audience,  who  bail  gathered  through  a  tedious  storm. 
Glory  to  God,  for  his  triumphant  death.  I  miak  his  doin|^  and 
s^ngs  in  his  dying  day  will  do  more  tiian  afl  he  has  done  in  his 
lira,  for  this  was  the  crowning  dav  of  all  his  labor :  Glory  to  God* 
I  never  knew  how  much  I  loved  him  till  now.  How  often  we  hava 
wept,  and  prayed,  and  eaten  together,  in  the  name  <^  the  Lord—* 
and  now  his  body  lies  cold  and  dead  at  OberUn  I  But  I  shall  soon 
shake  hands  with  htm  or  see  him  in  a  fairer  world  on  high,  for  I 
feel  that  I  am  doing  my  last  work.    FareweU. 

Samuel  WiaB."    . 


[IVom  tbo  pastor  of  the  Free-will  Baptist  chnrch  in  Manchester,  N.  H.] 

)^..  "  Manohesteb,  Jan.  16, 1846. 

Dear  sister  Marks: — Your  sad  letter  came  to  us  Dec  19th,  in- 
forming us  of  the  death  of  your  dear  husband,  our  beloved  broth- 
er Marks.  O I  it  was  very  sad  and  punfiil  news  to  us.  Can  it  be 
possible  that  we  shall  see  him  no  more  on  earth !  Both  myself  and 
wife  weep  and  deeply  sympathize  with  you  in  your  great  loss. ' 
Brother  Marks'  character  was  no  ordinary  one.  With  a  mind  deep- 
ly engrossed  with  great  plans  for  the  promotion  of  the  cause  of 
'Christ,  he  united  the  kindest  sympathies  and  most  tender  affection 
for  his  friends. 


oOS 


Tott  know  w«  hoik  loved  md  highly  etteened  yovr  d«Mr  hm- 
hand  i  imd  drom  my  long  and  iatimaie  aoqiMintonM  wMi  hiaii  be- 
ing aasooiated  with  Urn  on  the  Publishing  Oommittee,  and  witoeM- 
ing  hit  deep  devoUon  to  the  InterostA  of  our  denomination,  as  well 
as  the  cause  generally,  I  became  greatly  attached  to  him,  and  I 
know  of  no  wiaiitor  among  our  bek>v«d  hnlhnn,  whon  I  regard- 
ed with  greater  affeotkm.  I  wish  I  could  have  seen  bin  in  his  last 
sickness.  Had  I  known  he  was  to  be  taken  from  us  so  soon,  I 
think  I  should  have  visited  Oberlin,  that  I  might  have  been  wHh 
him  in  his  last  moments  and  witnessed  his  trinmphi«tt  death,  ^y 
hefut  is  fbll,  I  can  write  no  more.  May  the  Lord  direct  and  sus- 
tain you  in  your  severe  trial  and  affliction. 

BespeotfuOy,  your  brother  in  Christ, 

Paxibl  F.  Cu^kt* 

ffraoi  *  CosgttptlwwUrt  hkly,  tavmtAj  ti  Obsriin.] 

I'  Lawbxnok,  Van  Buren  Co.  Sfidi.|  Jan.  18,  IBifi. 

My  dear  sister  Marks  :—Brother  J ,  a  naduate  o(  Oberlln 

Institute,  informed  me  that  he  had  heard  through  the  Evangelist  of 
VQur  dear  husband's  death.  This  was  indeed  paJjafhl  intelligence 
to  us.  My^  husband  was  iwjffy  aflbcted  as  well  as  myself.  Broth- 
er Marks  was  very  dear  to  us.  We  have  loved  to  review  the 
pleasant  seasons  spent  wllh  him,  and  dwell  upon  the  wholeaome  ad^ 
monition  and  sweet  eoipBel  we  have  often  received  from  his  lips. 
But,  although  we  were  deoftly  grieved  to  hear  t^at  our  dear  sister 
was  left  wii^out  a  companion  m  tlds  vale  of  toun,  ntill  we  could 
but  rejoice  that  our  brother  was  a)t  rest  He  has  lived  a  life  of 
toil,  of  pain,  and  suflferiog.  He  has  been  a  means,  in  his  Master's 
hand,  of  winning  many  souls  to  Christ,  and  who  shidl  say  that  in 
taking  him  hence;  and  laying  him  low  In  the  tomby  God  hath  not 
done  all  things  welL  *••••*  Husband  has  just  ro 
turned  from  the  sanctuary,  says  there  was  no  preaching,  and  as  one 
of  our  neighbors  had  received  the  Morning  Star  containing  the  ac- 
oouuv  of  your  dear  companion's  death,  they  proposed  that  husband 
should  read  brother  Finney's  sermon  and  brother  Marks'  farewell 
address.  He  said  he  tried  to  do  so,  but  was  so  much  affected  that 
he  oottid  only  read  brother  Finney's  sermon,  and  a  part  of  the  ex- 
tracts. There  are  several  here  who  have  heard  brother  Marks 
preach,  and  it  was,  no  donbt,  more  interesting  to  them  than  any 
thing  ^se  would  hEive  been. 

It  must  have  been  a  very  interesting  ught  to  see  your  hnsband 
triumphing  so  gloriously  in  the  arms  of  death.  Sorely,  ray  dear 
sister,  you  have  idtrandant  reason  to  rejoice  that  in  his  sickness 
and  death,  God  was  so  p-eatly  glorified.  I  have,  in  imaginati<m, 
pictured  to  myself  the  trying  hour  when  he  departed,  ai^  it  has 


L^fei-:^jt.t.i-'4. 3^Jf.;ti>ij&  . 


oAtny  lUMl. 


5ea 


siMmieif  ib  me,  ifist  It  linnt  h*re  been  «  Mew  well  wortfcf  the  at- 
tentim  of  snge^anfl  one  nrnm  whidb  Chrittiani  oonM  nite  with 
grant  delight.  Tralir,  hi  life  and  death  he  gfortHed  hit  lleftvenl  v 
Fntiier,  nnd  we  ifaonld  not  wish  him  here  to  Mtk^  ngnin.  Still  I 
know  yon  mnit  fed  hii  lou  vary  deeply.  You  nave  so  Ions  h&d 
Arah  onxions  cora  for  him,  and  formed  oil  your  plans  of  we  in 
fedsrence  to  him,  timt  I  am  sure  you  must  mise  him  everjr  where. 
•••••♦  But  thus  it  it,  our  dear  Hear- 
enly  Father  outs  asunder  one  tie  after  another  that  unites  our  af- 
fections to  earth,  mitil  at  hut  we  feel  that  terily  this  h  not  our 
abiding  house,  and  here  it  no  rest.  *  *  *  *  * ; 
Tour  tnily  afRsctiottate  sister, 

O.  TitOHPtOK. 

[Ptom  the  pastor  of  th«  Frse-will  B«pd«t  drareh  fai  Hldgemiy,  If.  T.] 

January  20, 1846. 
Afflicted  sister  :—>Tour  letter  addressed  to  me,  dictated  by  tout 
husband,  our  dear  brother,  in  his  last  illness,  clid  not  come  to  hand 
until  we  received  the  sod  news  of  his  death.  •  •  •  • 
The  untirmg  eflfbrts  of  oiur  mueh  esteemed  and  lamented  brother 
Marks  in  the  cause  of  God,  and  his  devotion  to  the  interests  of  our 
denraiunation,  are  too  well  known,  and  too  generally  adcnowledgecl, 
to  need  comment  by  myself.  I  read  with  deep  interest,  the  ac- 
count of  his  last  illness  and  his  triumphant  des^  and  while  I  could 
but  weep  for  departed  worth,  I  felt  stimulated  to  new  vigor  in  the 
cause  of  God.  I  read  bis  address  delivered  to  the  students  and 
people  at  Oberlin  to  my  congregation^  It  is  needless  to  say  it  was 
listened  to  with  deep  interest.  •  •  •  •  ^^y 
you  be  sustained  in  your  deep  affliction. 

With  due  respect,  your  brother, 

H.  GiLMAN. 

[From  the  wife  of  Elder  P.  W.  BeDuiap.] 


-iff- 


Boston,  Iff.  Y.  Feb.  10, 1846. 
'  Ify  dear  afilicted  sister  Marks  :^*  It  is  all  over  1  It  is  ptm  V  O 
how  tibese  words  thrHled  and  vibrated  throu^  my  whole  tool,  as 
my  dean*  huriiand  tmnblin^y  ofwned  and  hastily  read  from  your 
aneetlog  lettcnr.  I  onttcipaced  the  sequel.  I  knew  the  arrow  bod 
flown,  and  Hie  spirit  of  your  much  loved  hosband  was  gone !  gone ! 
gone  I  I  had  feared  this  might  be  Ae  neJtt  intelligence  we  sbotdd 
have,  yet  I  was  unprepared  to  receive  it  I  hod  anxiously  hoped 
that  the  severing  blow  might  a  NCtle  Iong»  be  withheld,  and 
your  dear  companion  spared  to  eomfbrt  you,  and  bless  our  beloved 
Zitw.    But  my  dear  sfafter,  H  is  God  wlw  has  done  it,  and  in  the 


w 


MMIftnt  QV 


gloiiom  and  tHnrnphaot  imih  of  your  '  now  ufd  buiband,^  how 
much  of  his  salvation  has  been  exhibited.    0^  I  praiie  God,  that 
you  have  been  enabled  to  reaUse  it,  and  notwithiianding  the  Inde- 
icribable  bnelineie  which  ever  and  an^  iweeiM  over  your  imitten 
heart,  I  troit  tou  still  prove  God's  grace  sufflmnt  for  you.    Not  a 
hair  of  your  bead  can  fiUl  without  his  notice.    0  how  safe  to  trust 
in  such  an  Almighty  arm  1    Precious  resting  place  I    Mr.  Belkni4) 
received  your  moumfUl  letter  the  Saturday  iSler  it  was  writtep.  He 
appeared  very  solemn,  but  did  not  inform  me  of  it  till  after  sup- 
per when  he  opened  and  read.    We  had  company.    Our  feelings 
you  can  fkintly  imagine.    Sighs  and  tears  flowed  proAisely.    And 
then  that  memorable  Star  that  came  to  us  in  robes  of  widowhood ! 
O  what  feelings  it  aw^Venedl    Mr..  Belknap  said  he  had  been 
lookinff  for  it,  and  thought  he  was  prepared  to  receive  it — ^yet 
when  it  came  to  hand,  his  feelings  were  indescribable  and  almost 
-•.neontx^Uablc.   He  endeavored  to  make  use  of  it  for  the  good  of  his 
.%•  •;;:  -^  w.-ch,  some  of  whom  were  brou^t  into  the  fold  through 
*jiij  rv**r.Aii  labors  of  your  companion.    O  the  awftil  grandeur  of 
'that  solemn  moment,  in  which,  from  your  own  arms,  your  earthly 
all  was  yielded  back  into  the  arms  of  the  Giver.'    Doubtless 
God  and  angels  admired,  as  the  still  dark  wave  bore  him  away  to 
the  other  dde  of  Jordan.    Often  in  my  fhncy  have  I  traced  your 
quiet  step  ftt>m  one  apartment  to  another  m  your  peaceftil  yet 
lonely  abode,  and  heara  the  suppressed  sigh,  as  you  saw — ^here,  his 
long  loved  library  filled  with  marks  from  bis  own  pencil  as  emphat- 
ic sentences  caught  his  penetrating  eye— there,  a  garment  left  on- 
ly to  ten,  <  He  is  gone  T — ^yonder,  his  table  spread  witb  valuable 
papers,  filed  and  bound  with  his  own  hand,  together  with  his  sta- 
tionery, invaluable  letters  to  yourself,  &c,  all  mournfully  respond- 
ing, *  He  is  not  here  1'    O  I  seem  even  now  to  hear  his  melting 
strains,  as  he  prayed  for  us  when  we  last  visited  you.     Shall  I 
never  again  hear  his  mild  voice  ?    But  for^ve,  sister,  I  did  not 
mean  to  make  your  full  heart  bleed  afresh.    Hark !  I  hear  a  voice 
from  the  Lord,  saying :  '  Write,  blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in 
the  Lord  fh>m  hencefbrth ;  Yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may 
rest  fipom  their  labors,  and  their  works  do  fbllow  them.'  Your  *  an- 
gel husband'  rests ! — but  his  works  follow  him.    Mr.  Belknap,  a 
mw  days  since,  fbllowed  one  of  his  brodiers  to  the  grave,  who  wa^ 
oonverted  through  your  husband's  labors,  when  a  lone  youth  he 
was  travelling  in  westwn  New  York,  warning  sinners  to  fiee  the 
wrath  to  c(mie.    Methinks  as  his  spirit  entered  glory,  another  star 
added  to  your  sainted  husband's  crown,  while  seraphs  sing^ 


18 


*  Their  worits  do  follow  them.'  And  does  his  work  now  cease  ? 
No.  It  goes  on,  and  will  continue  to  go  on,  widening  and  deepen- 
ing, shedding  a  hallowed  influence  upon  each  successive  generation 


DATID    HABBI. 


1 


itar 

1? 


to  the  latest  period  of  tiuM,  while  lie  eoainuei  to  thine  m  » 
magnidceiit  star  foroTer  And  erer.  And  do  tou  not,  my  dear  lis- 
ter, ie«l  that  efven  now  he  musy  be  doing,  a«  he  desired,  the  work 
of  a  gufl'^n  angel,  minislerintf  onto  yon  itt  tone  widowhood? 
To  demive  me  of  the  belief  that  1  ei^joy  this  boo»  of  Ioto,  woaU 
be  to  deprire  me  of  one  of  the  most  soothkig  eoidials  (aside  ttom 
the  smiles  of  my  Heayenly  Father)  that  haa  orer  been  adminia* 
t«red  to  me,  sfaiee  the  angel  of  death  eommeaeed  his  desokilioaf 
among  mv  ohoiee  ones.  (J^n,  when  aiffieted,  1mi*«  I  S6en«d  to 
hear  their  sweet  Toioes,  saying,  'Sbter,  daof^Mlerr  do  not  weoj^I 
Wh*B  night  will  soon  be  past,  and  then  well  welcoase  your  spirit  to 
the  home  of  the  blessed.' 

I  have  read  your  letter  again  and  again  to  those  who  hare  callM 
ed.  The  stranger  has  wept,  while  the  oouTlctioa  of  the  reality  o# 
the  Christian's  hope,  and  its  supaorting  power  under  sooh  a  b»i 
reavement,  has  et idently  fhatened  opon  lus  mind.  *  * 
Tour  friends,  ftom  New  EnglMkI  to  the  flir  west»  are  Tery  nuitteiv 
ous,  and  they  will  not,  cannot  foroet  you.  No>  »e^  so  long  aa  oaa 
of  our  denomination  remains,  the  ubors  of  yoor  depvted  husband 
will  be  held  in  saoredremenUtfaBce*  •  •  •  •  • 
Your  welAufe,  dear  sister,  interesta  our  deepest  synnathies.  P«r> 
mit  me  again  to  say,  don't  yield  to  despondency.  FanwelU 
Your  et<er  aflfeetionate  and  sympathLriag  sistor, 

C*  Jl.  Bklkjmp* 
[From  MiM  Smity  A.  F.  Wiiisor,  B.  I<] 
^'  Gbbknvillk,  Feb.  18, 1846. 

My  dear  sister  j^The  press  announces  your  severe  bereave* 
ment,  and  though  I  know  you  have  all  the  esnsolation  that  one 
could  have  who  had  lost  a  friend,  still  your  kM8  is  ftteai.  But  great 
as  is  this  loss  to  you  and  all  Elder  Marks'  immecUate  family,  it  is 
greater  to  a  dymg  world ;  and  for  this  reason  I  partieularly  mourn 
his  departure.  On  the  morning  of  the  7th  inst,  my  dear  mother 
communicated  the  news  of  your  husband's  deaKh*— mu<di  overcome. 
It  was  to  her  almost  insupportable.  He  had  aet^  I  presume,  a 
warmer  friend  tlum  my  mother.  8he  asked)  '  Was  he  not  the 
most  remarkable  man  you  ever  knew  ?  I  can  truly  answer,  <  Yes/ 
ukl  repeat  in  my  grand-father's  words,  [Judge  Foster.  Ed.]  <  £1^ 
Marks'  Journal  was  the  most  remarkable  Journal  I  ever  read.'  Ify 
brother  William,  though  a  Uttle  boy,  read  it-  alOttd  to  the  fiunily 
eVemng  after  evening,  until  he  had  read  the  whole.  *  * 

*  •  «  Wore  I  acquainted  with  Ffefes8<»  FindcAry  I 

would  send  to  hint  my  heartfelt  thftdks  ibr  his  attentions  to^  EUdt 
Marks,  one  of  my  dearest  Christian  friends*     I  love  to  dwell  up- 
on bis  memory.    I  have  not  a  relative  deoeasec^  who  wBS  sa  en- 
deared to  me,  and  to  whom  I  owed  so  much.  Ehilt. 
48 


•■■■ 


5oe 


MKX0IB8   or 


I),  [From  Elder  Joseph  B.  Davis.] 

;(  Jamaica  Plains,  April  20, 1846. 

Dear  sister  in  Christ : — ^The  storm  has  passed — the  trial  is  over 
—the  active,  energetic  spirit  of  your  hushand,  our  beloved  brother, 
and  God's  ffuthful  servant,  has  finished  its  earthly  course,  accom- 
plished its  work  and  entered  into  rest  We  are  sorry  for  you,  we 
mourn  for  our  denomination,  and  the  world,  that  death's  dark  cloud 
should  blot  out  his  full-orbed  sun  of  usefulness  in  its  glorious  noon 
day,  from  our  dark  world.  But  we  are  glad  that  death  could  nei- 
ther darken  nor  obscure  those  brilliant  and  glorious  rays,  which 
shone  forth  with  such  heavenly  splendor,  in  his  last  clear  and 
peaceful  moments — ^rays,  which  even  now  gild  our  moral  heavens, 
and  which  must  continue  to  t^ine  while  the  church  exists  or  the 
Wioijd  stands.  He  is  dead,  yet  speaketh — ^gone,  yet  here — although 
in  i^ei^en,  he  lives  and  works  among  us.  He  indeed  was  a  pecul- 
iar man,  sent  to  a  peculiar  people,  in  a  peculiar  time,  to  accom- 
plish a  peculiar  work.  He  has  done  it  in  haste,  and  gone,  and  left 
us  gazing  after  him. 

Tour  husband  possessed  a  strong,  deep,  clear,  original,  well  cul- 
tivated mind,  and  most  severely  disciplined ;  cuUivated  and  disci- 
plined alone  for^the  cause  of  Christ,  in  which  he  was  always  over- 
active. His  sQrle,  arrangement,  and  manner  of  delivery,  were  pe- 
culiarly his  own.  His  easy  unaffected  manners,  always  accompan- 
ied with  great  simpUcity,  and  his  warm  gushing  heart,  overflowing 
with  kind  feelings,  could  never  fail  to  secure  the  love  of  those 
blessed  with  his  society.  His  time,  talents,  and  all  his  energies, 
were  laid  upon  the  altar  of  his  God,  and  he  was  most  emphatically 
wedded  to  the  people  among  whom  God  sent  him  to  labor.  With 
them  he  identified  himself  and  his  earthly  all.    *    ^^    *    * 

Tour  brother  in  Christ,  J.  B.  Davis. 

[From  Mr.  S.  N.  Sweet,  Professor  of  Elocution.] 
^3**  t  r>5>«?  \  «  Smithville,  N.  T.  July  1 6, 1846. 

Mrs.  Marks : — ^I  have  just  heard  of  the  death  of  my  old  and  most 
excellent  friend,  your  husband.  I  sincerely  and  deeply  sympathize 
with  you  in  your  great  affliction.  Sad  and  bitter  experience  has 
taught  me  its  length,  and  depUi,  and  breadth.  I  too  have  imprint- 
ed the  last  kiss  upon  the  marble  brow  of  an  aknost  idolized  compan- 
ion.   *    #    * 

I  hope  you  will  prepare  for  the  press  and  publish  your  husband's 
whole  history.  Ton  know  a  number  of  the  most  active,  useful, 
and  important  years  of  his  life  transpired  subsequently  to  the  pub- 
lication of  the  book  already  before  the  public.  The  materials  for 
making  a  volume  of  deep  and  thrilling  interest  are  rich  and  abun- 
dant   The  letter  he  wrote  me  from  Oberlin,  Feb.  13,  1844,  in 


DAVID  MARKS. 


t46. 

most 

ithize 

has 

>rint- 

ipan- 

land'9 
sefiil, 
|pub- 

for 
kbun- 

in 


answer  to  mine  announcing  the  death  of  my  wife,  is  a  beautiful 
specimen  of  composition  and  of  Christian  sympathy  and  love. 

In  the  fourth  and  stereotype  edition  of  my  work  on  Elocution, 
I  have  appended  the  following  explanatory  note  to  your  husband's 
article  on  the  "  Elocution  of  Divinely  Inspired  Speakers." 

»#*#((  Ministers  of  the  present  day,  ought  to  be  ed- 
ucated, well  educated.  The  great  object  of  their  office  being  to  per- 
suade  men,  they  greatly  need  a  knowledge  of  Elocution.  When, 
however,  circumstances  beyond  a  man's  control  prevent  the  acqui- 
sition of  literary  attainments,  and  being  truly  pious,  "  apt  to  teach," 
and  "  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost,"  he  believes  that  God  has  com- 
mitted to  him  "  a  dispensation  of  the  gospel,"  and  consequently 
that  he  can  be  more  useful  and  happy,  as  a  Christian  minister  than 
in  any  other  capacity,  it  may  be  his  duty  to  assume  the  responsibiliticiQ 
of  that  high  and  holy  vocation.  *  *  Some  of  the  most  eloquent 
pulpit  orators  that  any  age  or  country  ever  produced  have  not  pos- 
sessed a  collegiate  education.  Charles  G.  Finney,  Jedediah  Bur- 
chard,  &c.  have  not  such  an  education,  nevertheless,  their  oratori- 
cal powers  are,  equal,  if  not  superior,  to  those  of  any  other  clergy- 
men. Benjamin  Franklin  and  George  Washington  had  only  a 
common  school  education. 

Elder  D.  Marks  was  bom  at  Shendaken,  Ulster  Co.  N.  T.  Nov. 
4,  1805.  In  early  life,  like  Samuel,  he  heard  the  voice  of  God 
calling  him  into  the  ministry,  and  although  he  was  so  young  that 
he  was  called  the  "  boy  preacher,"  possessing  only  those  limited 
attainments  that  were  to  be  acquired  in  common  schools,  which  at 
that  time  were  very  imperfectly  taught,  he  was 

**♦##«  Set 

Apart  to  the  great  work  of  saving  men, 

Instructed  fnlly  in  the  will  divine, 

Supplied  with  grace  in  store,  as  need  might  ask,  f;^    . 

And  with  the  stamp  and  signatnre  of  heaven, 

Tmth,  mercj,  patience,  houness,  and  love,  -,         :^    «:; 

Accredited."  ' 

***•♦*,  ......      S.  N.  Sweet. 

[From  the  president  of  Oberlin  Collegiate  Institate,  to  a  friend  in  Hart- 
ford, Ct] 

^^  *  #  «  «  J  ^jii  gi^g  yjjy  j^  fg^  fmjtg  pertaining  to  the 
character  of  Elder  Marks,  in  the  estimation,  not  only  of  his  own, 
but  of  other  denominations  of  Christians.  1.  His  natural  talents 
wsre  altogether  above  the  ordinary  stamp.  This  is  evinced  by 
the  fact,  that,  though  he  commenced  his  ministry  when  very  young, 
and  with  little  education,  he  at  once  acquired  a  commanding  in- 
fluence as  a  preacher  and  as  a  man,  which  influence  contmued  to 
increase  till  the  close  of  his  ministry.  2.  In  labors  in  the  cause  of 
Christ,  he  was  more  abundant  than  any  man  I  ever  knew.    8.  In 


m 


WBMQJBJt  or 


tliQ  midgt  of  the  aiQ0t«iiduous  and  unremitted  labors,  fae  was  a  pre- 
eminently attt^ioiM  man*  Even  when  walking  or  riding,  he  had 
some  useful  bo«|:  or  p«ihlieation  in  hand,  which  he  was  continuously 
mdiog,  and  few  I  believe  could  ^ye  a  b^ter  account  of  what  IJhiey 
had  been  reading  than  he.  No  hour  with  hiw,  during  his  waking 
moments,  was  idly  ^>ent.  4.  In  respect  to  his  Christian  character, 
its  prominent  features  were  pure  iiitegrity,  benevolence,  self-foi^t- 
ful  devotion  to  doing  good,  Mid  an  enlarged  and  tender  philantlffo- 
py.  I  should  menjti^a  other  charaet^sUcs  did  my  space  permit. 
Sure  I  am,  tiiat  the  above  is  not  an  overdrawn  picture.  Bath 
would  be  t^e  verdict  of  all  the  friends  of  our  common  Ix>rd  of 
every  name  who  knew  Elder  Marks.  His  works  wiU  follow  Idbut 
And  his  MemoMNi,  I  dQubt  not,  descend  as  a  sweet  savor  to  ^staat 
g^nemlloQS.  Yours  wkh  ma^  esteem, 

ThisfMowing  resdh/Hom  heme  h$m  patted  htf  different  Auopia' 

Hons  of  churches,  :         ,.     '      • 

{Exeter  quarterly  meeting,  in  the  state  of  M^ne,  at  its  January  ses- 
sion, 1646.] 

^  Resolved,  Tliat  liie  labors,  life,  and  devotion  of  the  late  Elder 
David  Mariks,  to  promote  t)ie  interests  of  our  belored  Zion,  and 
the  cause  of  God  generally,  and  his  triumphant  death,  should 
stimulate  us,  as  a  people,  to  devote  our  lives,  with  all  we  have  and 
are,  to  the  cause  of  God,  and  should  strengthen  our  confidence  in 
the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ,  as  being  an  antidote  for  all  the  ills  pf 
this  inconstant  Kfe,  affording  support  to  the  afflicted,  sustaining  the 
dying,  and  preparing  the  soul  for  immortid  glwy  beyond  this  vale 
of  tears." 

[London  quarterly  meeting,  Uppw  Canada,  at  its  JvaTzry  session,  1846.] 

^^  Resolved,  That  this  Conference  deeply  sympathize  with  the 
bereaved  widow  and  the  Free-will  Baptkt  connexion  in  the  loss 
they  have  sustained  by  the  death  of  our  brother.  Elder  IMlarks." 

[Qeaaga  quarterly  meeting,  Ohio,  at  its  Feb.  session,  1846.] 
"  Resolved,  That  wc  deeply  feel  t^  loss  we  have  sustained  in 
our  denomination  by  the  death  of  our  dear  brother.  Elder  David 
Marks,  and  feel  in  our  hearts  to  sympathize  with  our  dear  sister  in 
the  loss  of  her  husband.  And  we  feel  called  upon,  by  this  provi- 
dence, to  consecrate  ourselves  anew  to  the  cause  of  God,  ana  seek 
that  holiness  of  heart  that  rendered  him  an  efficient  laborer,  and 
carried  lum  triumphandy  over  the  Jordan  of  death.^ 

[New  Hutnpstiire  yearly  meeting,  at  its  June  session,  1846. 
"  Whereas,  since  w«  last  met  in  yearly  meetings  we  have  been 
called  to  record  the  death  of  our  late  beloved  brother,  Elder  Da- 


DAVID  HABK8. 


509 


m 


yiD  Marks,  who  has  labored  much  for  our  denomination,  and  more 
in  this  yearly  meeting  than  any  other  excepting  the  Holland  Fur- 
chase,  Therefore, 

Reiolved,  That  in  his  death  the  connexion  has  sustained  a  great 
and  painful  loss. 

Resolvedf  That  we  are  thankful  for  the  efforts  now  being  made 
for  publishing  the  Memoirs  of  brother  Marks,  that  we  may  be  fa- 
vored with  his  wisdom  and  experience ;  and  are  happy  to  see  the 
subscription  for  that  work  so  large  and  still  increasing." 

't',  From  the  Morning  Star. 

To  the  Memorir  of  Elder  DaTid  Marks. 

Alas  !  alas !  and  can  it  be,  that  thou  art  with  the  dead ! 
That  thou,  from  all  who  loved  thee  here,  hast  like  a  vision  fled ! 
Ah  !  little  deemed  we  that  so  soon,  the  shadows  of  the  tomb 
Should  shroud  thy  glorious  noon-day  sun  in  everlasting  gloom- 
That  thou  in  life's  high  prime  shoufdst  fall,  as  a  tempest-riven  tree,  > 
Ah  \  little  deemed  we  that  so  soon  the  grave  would  snelter  thee ! 

Ere  in  thy  sky  the  golden  tints  of  morning  all  were  dead. 

Or  from  thy  path,  its  balmy  dew  or  fragrant  breath  had  fled,  ^ 

Thou  with  a  willing  heart  didst  turn  from  earthly  snares  away. 

And  on  the  altar  of  thy  God,  thyself  an  offering  lay  ; 

And  like  the  Hebrew  prophet,  thou  didst  early  learn  to  know 

Jehovah's  voice,  though  it  were  heard  in  whispers  soft  and  low. 

'T  is  but  as  yesterday,  we  saw  thy  kindled  brow  and  eye. 
As  thou,  with  steady  hand,  did'st  bear  the  gospel  banner  high ; 
And  on  the  stormy  battle-fieU,  when  Zion's  foes  were  near, 
Wert  cheering  on  the  scattered  hosts, — thy  cheek  unblanched  with 

fear ; 
For  thou,  with  heaven-wrought  panoply,  did'st  arm  thee  for  the  strife. 
Prepared  fur  Jesus'  sake  to  spend  thy  honor,  and  thy  life. 

How  often  has  thy  warning  voice  been  here  among  us  heard ; 

And  by  thy  thrilling  eloquence,  our  spirits  deeply  stirred ! — 

Ay,  round  our  hearths  and  o'er  our  hills  thy  heavenly  words  have    . 

rung. 
And  many  a  listening  multitude  have  on  thy  accents  hung ; 
And  in  our  hearts,  like  holy  fire,  thy  fervent  thoughts  have  burned, 
— ^They  were  not  of  the  earth,  and  hence  they  have  to  heaven  returned. 

God  called  thee  mid  thy  faithful  toil  to  lay  thine  armor  by. 

And  ceasing  from  thy  earthly  work,  to  ioin  the  hosts  on  high  ; 

And  mid  thy  dying  strife,  a  strain  of  holy  triumph  rose. 

As  when  to  seek  his  happy  home,  a  care-worn  exile  goes ; 

For  light,  from  that  celestial  world,  was  o'er  thy  spirit  shed. 

And  angels  round  thy  humble  couch  their  glittering  pinions  spread.    _' 

No  more,  no  more,  the  fainting  frame  the  restless  spirit  chains, 
Nor  night,  nor  sleep,  from  its  high  work,  thy  angel  wing  detains-- 
Thou  art  amid  the  hosts  who  bow  around  Jehovah's  throne^ 
48» 


%^. 


m 


imionti  Of 


And  loud  thy  Tutoroa*  wap  topm  amid  the  holy  choir, 
,  For  even  here,  like  his  of  old,  thy  lips  were  toaohed  vriA  fins. 
Fawwell !  we  know  tbst  thoa  «xt  Uest,  aad  yet  oar  tens  will  flow, 
For  Zion's  a«ke  we  hoped  that  thoa  woaldst  longer  dweU  below  ! 
liore  casts  its  offerings  on  the  sod,  which  now  doth  cover  thee  ; 
Hat  fiiith,  with  joyoos  eye,  looks  np  thy  anffel  form  to  see ; 
And  hope  iHames  witk  holy  liglit  thy  mansion  in  the  doatt, 
And  waits,  till  from  its  «old  easfanae,  immortal  life  shall  baMt. 


Y.Q.fL 

From  4m  CUmdfa  EmmgnUtt.  \ 

Hsste !  ang^a  bare  called  thee,  away  to  thy  home  ? 
We  may  not  detain  thee,  the  Spirit  says  "  Come, 
Come  home,  wearied  spirit,  thy  works  are  aU  done, 
Thy  taak  is  aeeomplished,  thy  victory  won/' 

*T  is  sorely  tiho  nueio  of  hearaa'a  ow«  dhdr 
Tliat  has  !ht  «p  Hqr  soal  wilb  ludying  ire ; 
The  haipe  of  the  sen^hs  have  struck  oo  Uuae  ear. 
And  waced  a  rei^poase  in  thy  bosom  e'en  hcie. 

'T  was  Ike  love  of  thy  Savior  that  sent  'iSiee  to  weep 

i)*er  the  woes  of  a  world  long,  haded  in  sleep ; 

It  sent  thee  to  fiber,  forbade  thee  to  rest. 

Chased  sleep  from  ^ine  eyes,  and  repose  fmra  thy  breast. 

It  sent  thee  t&  wew  o'er  the  yovng  and  the'gay, 
And  to  win  back  the  lovely  m>re  death^s  beaten  way ; 
It  taaghttheeto  walph  and  to  mourn  over  sin, 
tan  the  aad  heart  grew  fidnt,  and  the  wearied  eye  dim. 

And  tiiy  ^Hrit  mth  joy  took  iia  heavenward  way. 
But  a  sweet  smile  it  left  on  its  maamon  of  clay, 
And  the  wings  of  bright  angels  that  still  lingered  there, 
(Gently  bmshed  ftom  diy  brow  every  vestige  of  care. 

Farewell  tirnn,  h  r  meet  that  the  toil^wem  dionld  rest. 
Who  have  labored  and  prayed  that  a  worid  might  be  blest ; 
In  thy  emwii  «f  rejoieiag  gleams  many  a  gem. 
And  the  jaweis  that  ahine  there  shidl  time  never  dim. 

Fan  many  a  spirit  hath  welcomed  thee  there 
Then  hast  iiAond  and  toiled  finr,  and  wept  over,  here ; 
How  joyfU  thai  meeting-^Ah,  well  nmy  the  song 
Burst  warm  from  «ke  bosom  ef  that  holy  throng. 

And  well  vaj  we  smile  o'er  thy  fJinMiIng  clay. 
And  rejoice  that  ihf  epirit  so  soon  ftaased  away  : 
Thou  hast  gone  'mong  the  holy,  the  perfect,  to  dwell, 
Thoa  hast  fe0»..«ad  we  bid  thee  a  joyfti  Ikrewell. 

Obcriia,  I>aeeaibar,  184ft.     #^  ^ 


^/ 


miioiis  Of 


Ml 


Since  the  iaauing  of  the  first  edition  of  this  work,  a  plain  Italian 
marble  slab  set  in  a  lavge  pe^tal  hat  been  placed  over  Mr.  Mark's 
grave,  cm  which  i*  en|^ved  the  irjcriptioo  below.  The  device 
near  the  top  of  the  slab  has  reference  to  the  following  remaik  jn 
his  last  address  at  Oberlin :  ^  If  the  wortUeiB  ihsect  re-appears  in 
fresh  beaut7«  aod,  emerging  from  its  grave,  soars  on  new  wickgB  of 
dorj,  how  much  more  duul  man  live  again  in  nnfadix^g  gkny  t" 
The  drawing  of  his  grav<^  from  which  ^  cut  belov  ja  taken,  was 
reoentlj  received  frvm  Oberlin. 


THE  GRAVE  OF 

DAVID   MARKS, 

MINISTER  OF  THE  GOSPEL 

IN  THE  FREE-WILL  BAPTIST  DENOMIVATIOK, 
WHO  DUSD  DEC.  1,  1845^ 

40  TS^Sfl  AND  B«  DAYB. 

ffe  commenced  preaching  at  the  age  of  IS  yeartf  and  through  life 
was  dittinguieked  for  his  abundant  ardfaii^fvd  hbon. 

**  Thonmnds  bewiul  a  hwo,  «iid  a  nation  meomeih  ibr  its  Idng, 
Cattib whole nnireiQW Isnu^nteti^ a  m^M  W^im^ 


li'aisrv."^" 


012 


DATID  MASKS. 


CONCLUDING  REMARKS. 

' '  Although  the  distinctive  feataren  in  the  ehaituster  of  Mr.  Marks 
stand  out  with  prominence  upon  the  surface  of  the  preceding  his- 
toiy,  still  there  are  a  few  inddents  not  introduced  into  the  hody  of 
the  work,  which  perhaps  present  those  distinctive  features  in  a  still 
holder  Ught. 

One  distinguishing  characteristic,  as  has  been  already  seen,  was 
his  untiring  industry.  Perhaps  no  man  ever  lived  who  set  a  great- 
er value  upon  his  time.  Seldom,  if  ever,  could  he  take  up  the  la- 
menti^ott,  <*  I  have  loet  a  di^  V*  if  indeed  he  could  saj,  **  I  have ' 
kwt  an  hour !"  The  following  inddents  wiB  illustrate  this  'point, 
and  also  exemplify  his  particularity  in  the  most  trivial  things  which 
inftfnged  upon  his  moments.  On  <mmi  occasion,  a  few  months  be- 
fetfi  m  death,  an  inmate  of  his  home  blew  out  his  candle  without 
•atonmlittg  the  widt  with  the  tallow,  nk  wai  hts-eoBtom  in  order  to 
mak^  It  Igiiite  more  readily.  The  n«Kt  mjrain§^  he  said  to  the  in- 
dividual, very  ademi^  **  Do  yon  know'tiiit  you  have  robbed  me 
of  one  JBiante  of  my  {Mredous  tiipe  ?**  *  flbw  ^  was  ihe  response. 
« It  took  me<a»aurate  longer  tibm  usufd  to  liglrt  my  candle,  in 
conse^pience  or  the  itnatiner  in  whidi  you  extinguished  it  last  night." 
Having,  in  early  life,  severdy  task»i  and  disciplined  his  mind  by 
8^11^  and  intense  thinking  in  the  midst  of  oodqpany,  he  soffisred  lit* 
tleJ^oyance  from  calls,  even  when  pressed  with  kboir.,,  After 
ei^Uiiiuig  the  im^r^ance  of  his  enga^ments  to  those  who  called, 
axAapBimf^tSx^mrmBW^  he  would  request 

tiiem  to  ccmverse  jiist  as  they  would  if  he  were  disengaged.  He 
would  then  resume  his  writing  or  reading,  and  at  ihe  same  time 
carry  cm  his  share  of  the  conversation.  From  his  eminentiy  social 
(ffl^qpwisition,  he  eig^ed  sodety  with' the  keenest  rdish,  but  he  nev- 
er suffered  himsdr  to  indulge  in  vidts  lo  Ids  Mends,  only  so  far  as 
he  thought  he  could  promote  their  spiritual  interests.  When  urg- 
ed to  spend  more  time  with  them,  he  would  say  to  them,  if  they 
were  Christians,  "  Soon  we  shall  have  an  eternity  to  visit  in."  As 
he  seldom  laid  aside  his  books  when  riding,  on  account  of  a  storm, 
they  would  often  get  injured ;  and  if  any  one  suggested  that  it  was 
not  good  economy  to  use  books  thus,  he  would  reply  by  ^ving  his 
valuation  in  money  of  one,  two,  or  more  hours'  study,  and  then  the 
cost  of  the  book,  and  according  to  his  estimate,  the  pecuniary  ad- 
vantage was  much  in  his  favor.  His  reading  was  always  of  the 
solid  kind.  He  had  no  moments  to  waste  on  the  ephemeral  pro- 
ductions of  the  press.  He  remarked  not  long  before  his  death, 
that  he  had  never  read  a  novel.  Life  with  him  was  too  serious  to 
waste  on  such  trifles.    His  mind,  trained  to  such  activity  in  his 


i   I 


MMHOja$  or 


waking  monoits,  wm  often  in  his  houn  of  sleep  ocovpied  wiUitbe 
same  momentoHS  sabjocts,  and  he  would  pray  and  {Nreadi  foe  along 
time,  irequoitly  awaking  aU  in  the  house. 

He  was  emphatically  a  happj  manj  even  in  h/is  most  advene  <nr- 
cumstances.  Few  ever  eiyoyed  life  better  than  he.  Bie  lived  in 
the  sunshine— in  an  atmosphere  of  ofaeerfuhiess  and  joy,  and  tbou^ 
at  times  he  was  weighed  down  with  an  oppressive  sense  of  bis  re- 
sponsibililies,  yet  these  seasons  were  but  m  *<  passing  dowds,  diad- 
ing  a  path  usually  bright."  This  was  doubtless  owing  in  psot  io  « 
very  happy  natn^  temperament,  but  it  should  be  laMialy  «tta$b«- 
ted  to  his  strong  -wnfidence  in  Grod.  His  firm,  heartfelt  assuranee 
of  a  state  of  etWijA  blessedness  finr  the  righteoosi  /scattered  joy  Mil 
Redness  in  his  pathway,  while  It  ena%d  him  to  look  vftm  ll» 
trials  of  this  IMef  life  as  of  little  momenL  The  iseligiea  of  ijhe 
WM  was  to  hira,  as  he  expressed  it^  a  <<  tangible  feality  *  Abseriir 
ing  all  other  claims  and  fiUmg  the  whole  sphfiv  of  bis  vinoa*  He 
ttiougb^  ]^amied,  pniye4>  #tu^ed,  imd  labored,  as  if  be  bud  a*  in- 
t^^ost  B^fmrate  irgm  tba  iBt«r«at  of  the  Bedemr'f  kjagdom,  aai 
whoever  mattecs  relisting  to  its  success  were  presented,  **}m  own 
things  were  the  last  and  least  which  ece«{«ed  his  thougbta, 

i^otber  very  poniaent  &atWRe  oi  bis  diaracter  was  bii  onMSr 
fizlon  to  the  wond.  Indeed  he  fieemed  io  live  eo  much  abota  i^ 
as  to  lose  all  desire  ix  worldly  faiae  or  honor,  "Sitp^fiiMj  was 
this  true  <tf  hia durii^  the  IcMt  jetmaf  his  life.  Eavy  wa»  a 
pasnon  ibi4  bad  no  resting  plaee  m  his  bosom.  fOf  good  could  be 
accomplished,  be  cared  litSe  who  had  the  honor,  1£  osiers  couldfas 
more  useful  than  himself  he  retjoiced  with  joy  uaspeakable.  Theoglk 
fruqk  and  open  almest  to  a  fhai^  yetknowinga  ttttle  <*what  waiNi 
mim''-~*that  enunenos  exposed  its  possessor  to  the  «ivy  aad  isa^ 
OHsy  of  Utde  minds— ^  frequenliy  sought  piiva^  ia  the  «tecn<sia 
.<^  hie  plans  §or  doinggeod,  pexsnadtng  others  to  take  the  lead,«Bd 
chai^g  th^Q,  to  use  bis  own  lao^^uage*  not  to  let  it  be  suspt^ted 
that  the  "  hand  of  .Joab"  was  there.  In  this  manner  he  efieeted 
much  for  God  and  lus  geaesation,  which  will  wmai»  uidtnown  tUI 
the  judgment  He  feared  and  dreaded  the  praise  of  men,  net  tibat 
he  ^d  not  naturally  love  it,  but  he  trembled,  lest  it  might  tempt 
bin  to  seek  workUy  bomnr.  A|^bist  this,  he  watched  and  atrag^ 
gled,  and  prayed.  The  feilowing  incidaftt  is  a  spe<»nea  of  the 
care  with  which  he  guarded  lus  heart.  During  the  fonrtib  seBsioa 
of  the  General  Conjerenoe  in  Rhode  Island,  1S30,  he  preached  a 
sermon  much  to  the  accej^tanoe  of  the  audience,  and  whidi  was 
blessed  to  the  conversion  of  several  souls.  Soon  after  the  eloae  of 
the  meetings  sorrow  was  d^ticted  on  his  eMratenaace,  ntd  be  haar 
tened  to  1^  alone.  A  firi^nd  inquired  the  cause  i^  lus  sat^ess. 
He  replied,  m<Huii^ly>  ^  Brother  -— ^  [a  minister  of  considerable 


$u 


DAVID  MABKB. 


influence]  has  been  talking  to  me  just  like  satan."  **  What  has  he 
said?"  the  friend  inquired.  "AbI  was  coming  out  of  the  church, 
'  Le  said  to  me, '  Brother  Marks,  you  have  preached  well  to-day,' 
and  satan  had  just  told  me  the  ^ame."  He  never  seemed  elated 
by  success.  Indeed  his  greatest  beasons  of  humiliation  generally 
followed  his  most  snccensful  efforts. 

In  his  preaching,  he  was  remarkably  affectionate  and  pathetic. 
After  portraying  the  dreadful  condition  of  the  impenitent,  his 
own  feelings  would  often  become  almost  uncontrollable,  tears  would 
trickle  down  his  face,  and  frequently  he  would  kneel  in  the  midst 
of  his  sermon,  and  pour  out  in  prayer  the  gushing  desires  of  his 
heart  for  the  salvation  of  his  hearers.  The  effect  produted  was 
often  like  an  electric  shock.  At  other  times  while  urging  his  ap- 
peals to  the  consciences  of  sinners,  he  would  descend  from  the  desk, 
as  though  he  thought  if  he  were  nearer  the  people,  the  truths  he 
was  uri^ng  would  find  more  access  to  their  hearts. 

Notwithstanding  tenderness  was  a  prominent  characteristic  of 
his  preaching  and  of  his  intercourse  with  society,  yet  he  was  bold 
and  fearless  in  his  reproofs  of  sin,  and  when  he  thought  the  occa- 
sion demanded,  he  was  very  severe.  About  two  years  previous  to 
his  death,  lie  said  to  his  companion,  on  returning  from  Fittsfleld, 
(a  town  adjacent  to  Oberlin,)  **  Tonday,  for  the  first  time  in  my  life,  I 
UAd  a  man  he  lied."  She  replied,  "  You  were  not  so  abrupt  as  to 
use  that  language  ?"  **  Tes,  I  said  in  so  many  words, '  Tou  lie.'  I 
said  it,  because  he  did  lie,  and  faithfulness  to  his  soul  made  it  my 

duty  to  tell  him  so.    I  was  at  the  house  of  brother  J s.    A 

man  was  present  who  went  on  for  some  time  with  a  tirade  of 
falsehoods  about  Oberiin.  At  length,  he  said  that  amalgamation 
with  the  colored  people  prevuled  very  extensively.  I  then  asked 
him  if  he  knew  his  statement  to  be  true.  He  said,  *  Yes,  I  have 
often  been  in  Oberlin,  and  there  is  hardly  a  child  to  be  seen  in  the. 
street  that  is  not  as  red  as  a  copper  cent'  I  fixed  my  ej**  upon 
him  for  a  moment,  and  then,  in  a  perfectly  calm  and  kinrl  manner, 
said  to  him.  Sir,  you  lie,  and  you  know  you  do.  I  live  in  Oberlin, 
and  there  has  never  been  a  case  of  marriage  there  between  the 
white  tmd  colored  people.  The  man  seemed  thundei -struck.  I 
supposed  that  he  was  an  infidel,  or  some  one  who  had  no  regard 
for  his  r^utation  as  a  man  of  truth,  but,  to  my  surprise,  I  after- 
wards learned  that  he  was  a  professor  of  religion." 

In  the  domestic  virtues,  Mr.  Marks  eminently  excelled.  He  was 
emphatically^  <<  The  light  and  the  joy  of  his  home."  As  a  son,  he 
was  a  pattern  of  filial  piety.  No  mother  was  ever  more  tenderly 
beloved  by  a  child  than  was  the  mother  of  Mr.  Marks.  Though 
she  had  long  lainin  the  gralfe,  yet  his  love  for  her  was  "  fresh  and  fra- 
grant to  the  last."    She  was  indeed  worthy  of  his  affection,  and 


mxoiBS  or 


515 


though  she  lived  in  ohscUiity,  she  was  one  of  that  noble  band  of 
mothers  whose  pietj  'i>'  ^  maternal  government  have  made  them 
bene&ctors  of  the  world.  Few  days  of  his  life  ever  passed  in 
which  he  did  not  allude  to  her ;  and  when  he  was  crossing  death's 
dark  river,  his  eye  shone  with  unwonted  lustre,  as  he  spoke  of  soon 
seeing  his  dear  mother.  It  has  been  said  that  "  Tnfles,  lighter 
than  straws,  are  levers  in  the  building  up  of  character."  Mr.  Murks 
ascribed  to  the  decision  and  firmness  of  bis  mother  on  one  occaidon, 
an  influence  which  decided  his  future  course.  When  he  was  about 
ten  years  of  age,  he  was  very  anxious  to  visit  a  certain  place,  and 
for  several  days  before  he  ventured  to  ask  permission,  exerted 
himself  in  every  possible  wav  to  please  his  mother,  hoping  thereby 
to  secure  her  assent  But  his  request  was  denied.  He  was  great- 
br  disappointed,  and  could  not  see  the  reasonableness  of  her  reAuaL 
Though  always  trained  to  habits  of  implicit  obedience,  yet  in  thia 
instance,  he  was  so  intent  on  the  gratification  of  his  wishes,  that  he 
persuaded  himself  to  think  that  she  was  wrong,  and  he  resolved  to 
make  the  desired  visit.  He  knew  his  mother  would  punish  him, 
yet  he  thought  she  was  so  tender-hearted  that  see  would  not  be  se- 
vere, and  he  would  rather  endure  some  chastening  than  not  eiyoy 
his  anticipated  pleasure.  He  began  to  make  preparation.  His 
mother  inquired  with  surprise,  "  Where  are  you  going?"  He  told 
her.  "  But,"  she  replied,  **  I  said  to  you  that  you  could  not  go." 
**  I  know  you  did,"  he  calmly  answered,  "  but  I  think  it  is  my  dntr 
to  go."  <*  Indeed,"  said  she,  <*  it  is  then  my  duty  to  punish  you  tiU 
you  change  your  views."  He  persisted  in  his  course.  Without 
any  further  reasoning,  she  used  the  rod.  For  a  time  he  bore  it 
without  compUunt,  tmnking  the  tenderness  of  her  heart  would  un- 
nerve her,  but  the  stripes  becoming  more  and  more  severe,  he  was 
obliged  to  cry  out  for  pain.  He  then  thought  he  would  frighten 
her,  and  falling  on  the  ground,  groaned  out,  **  Mother,  you  wiU  kill 
me."  She  replied,  "  Such  a  rebellious  child  ought  to  die.  It  is 
written  in  the  law  of  Moses,  that  a  stubborn  and  rebellious  son  that 
will  not  obey  the  voice  of  his  mother  should  be  stoned  to  death." 
[Deut.  21:18 — 21.]  He  now  began  to  fea^  he  should  die,  when 
the  thought  of  meeting  God  in  the  very  act  of  disobeying  the  com- 
mand to  honor  his  parents,  filled  him  with  unutterable  horror,  and 
he  sobbed 'out,  "O  mother,  can  you  forgive  your  wicked  son?  I 
will  suibmit."  Her  strength  failed,  and  bursting  into  tears,  she 
said,  "  O  my  son !  my  son  I  never  did  I  expect  such  a  trial  as 
this  from  you.  You  don't  know  what  suffering  you  have  caused 
me :  but  I  knew  that  you  weisg^  ruined  if  I  did  not  subdue  you." 
Her  words  increased  his  distress  a  hundred  fold.  His  broken  heart 
was  filled  yn*ii  anguish,  and  a  sense  of  his  sinfulness  never  left  him 
till  he  gavo  himself  to  God.    Li  ailer  years,  and  indeed,  until  the 


M 


HMym  nines. 


olose  of  his  Hfe,  he  seldom  ever  nhUd  this  eireamstftnce  without 
sheddiiij;  bitter  tears. 

Re  was  ever  much  interested  in  the  simplicity  and  innocence  of 
children,  and  was  always  a  great  fhvorite  with  the  children  of  fam^ 
ilies  where,  in  bis  travels,  he  was  accustomed  to  eall.  After  win- 
ning their  confidence,  he  would  labor  in  the  most  affectionate  man- 
ner  to  impress  their  minds  with  a  sense  of  their  duty  to  Qod,  uid 
many  of  them  have  in  conse€(uence  been  converted.  He  ased  t# 
say,  he  loved  little  children,  because  Jesus  said,  "  Of  such  is  the 
kintdem  of  heaven." 

God  has  said,  <*  Them  that  honor  me,  I  will  honor."  Here  lies 
the  seeret  of  Btr.  Marks'  influenee  and  suee^lk  He  honored  Oocf 
by  his  simple  futb,  and  relianee  on  bis  word,  and  Ood  verified  his 
promise,  not  only  throngh  his  whole  life,  but  in  permitting  him,  in 
tlie  hour  of  his  dissolution,  to  bear  a  glorious  testimonv  to  the  re- 
ality of  the  Christian's  hope.  It  may  be  traly  said  of  him,  hi  the 
beautifbl  language  of  Tapper,  that, 

**  In  chfldhood,  he  lored  holinoM  and  drank  from  that  fountaia-head  of 

peace; 
Wisdom  took  hhft  for  her  sehohur,  gttiding  Ms  i^tefM  in  tncrtty; 
He  lived  nyipollitted  by  the  worldi,  and  his  yonag  heart  hated  sin ; 
His  friends  were  the  excellent  among  men,  and  the  bands  of  their  friend* 

ship  were  strone. 
fljs  house  was  the  palace  of  peace,  for  the  Princd  of  peace  was  there. 
Tims  ^d  he  walk  in  happkesa,  nMte 
The  light  of  affection  Sanned  his  heart,  and  the  tear  of  the  grateful  bedew« 

ed  his  feet. 
He  put  his  hand  with  oonstancv  to  good,  and  aagels  knew  him  as  a  brother, 
Wmle  the  busy  satellites  of  evu  trembled,  as  at  Qed's  ally. 
He  n^  his  goods  as  a  wise  steward,  making  him  friends  for  fnturity ; 
He  bent  his  learning  to  religion,  and  relieion  was  with  him  to  the  last : 
And  aftar  many  days,  when  the  time  of  his  release  was  come, 
I  longed  for  a  congregated  world  to  behold  that  dying  saint. 
As  the  aloe  is  green  and  well-Hking  to  the  last  summer  of  its  age, 
And  then  hangeth  out  its  golden  bells  to  mingle  glory  with  corruption ; 
As  a  meteor  tratelleth  in  splendor,  but  bnrstew  in  daxzling  lights 
Such  wae  his  end :  his  death  was  the  sun  at  its  setting." 


fth 


^^p 


M 


